Degree… or not degree…
The Growing Importance of University Esports Programmes
University of Suffolk’s New Degree Paves the Way
The esports industry is experiencing unprecedented growth globally, necessitating a parallel evolution in educational frameworks to support aspiring professionals. With a significant number of students now pursuing esports at the college level in the UK, the need for comprehensive university courses offering clear progression pathways has never been more critical. The recent announcement from the University of Suffolk (UOS) about its new undergraduate degree in competitive video gaming exemplifies how higher education institutions are stepping up to meet this demand.
Meeting the Demand for Advanced Esports Education
The University of Suffolk’s decision to introduce a cutting-edge esports degree by 2025 is a direct response to the burgeoning interest among students studying at the college level through programs like BTEC and UAL. As these students look towards higher education, they face a landscape that has, until now, offered limited options tailored specifically to the multifaceted esports industry. This new program at UOS is designed to bridge that gap, providing a structured educational pathway that aligns with the diverse career opportunities in the field.
The degree will cover a wide range of topics crucial to the esports industry, including game design, event management, live streaming, marketing, and competitive gameplay analysis. By offering such a comprehensive curriculum developed in collaboration with industry professionals, UOS not only facilitates a deeper understanding of the sector but also ensures that students are well-prepared to enter the professional world with a robust set of skills and knowledge.
The Role of the College of Esports
Amidst these developments, the College of Esports, which despite its name operates at the university level, has set a benchmark for the successful integration of esports into academic settings. Supported by the British Esports Federation, the College has shown remarkable growth and success in recruitment and program development, proving the viability and necessity of such educational programs. Their success story underlines the effectiveness of specialised esports education in fostering professional skills that meet industry demands.
This thriving academic environment at the College of Esports demonstrates the significant benefits of specialised programs, not only in cultivating talent but also in enhancing the overall structure and recognition of esports within mainstream education. Their achievements serve as a model for other institutions like UOS, encouraging a competitive yet collaborative educational landscape that continually strives to advance the quality and relevance of esports education.
Why New University Courses in Esports Are Essential?
The introduction of new university courses in esports is essential for several reasons. Firstly, they provide necessary educational continuity for students transitioning from college esports programs. Secondly, these courses reflect and accommodate the rapid evolution and specialisation within the industry itself, preparing students for future roles that may not even exist today. Finally, by fostering an academic environment that values esports as a serious discipline, these programs help legitimise the field and open up further opportunities for research, innovation, and professional growth.
Pioneering a Future in Esports Education
As more universities like the University of Suffolk take the initiative to launch specialised esports degrees, the educational landscape adjusts to the realities of a digitally-driven world. These programs are not just about gaming; they are about understanding a complex industry, mastering technological skills, and preparing for a dynamic future. The continued success of institutions like the College of Esports and the emergence of new programs across the UK are pivotal in shaping the next generation of esports professionals, ensuring that the industry remains vibrant and sustainable for years to come.
Are esports degree worth it?
This has been an ongoing debate over the last few years with two very distinct and different answers. In a recent report in Esports News UK, Dom Sacco summarised a survey involving students from the UK, US, France, Germany, and Brazil which delved into the effectiveness and perception of pursuing an esports-related degree. The study reveals a mixed sentiment among potential students; while 44% are likely to consider such a degree, 55% believe it would enhance their employment prospects in the industry. However, 45% of respondents remained unconvinced about its direct benefits for securing a job.
The report, titled “Esports Degrees Playing Field: What Prospective Students Want, Esports Sector Needs, and Academia Can(‘t) Provide,” prepared by esports and gaming technology solutions developer ex corp, emphasizes the rapid growth of esports degrees globally. It notes that there are over 70 bachelor’s and master’s programs in esports, with a significant number in the US and the UK.
Despite the increasing number of educational programs, the report highlights a discrepancy between the number of students enrolled in these programs and the available job vacancies in the esports industry. This raises concerns about the real-world applicability of esports degrees and the industry’s capacity to absorb new graduates.
Industry experts, including Alban Dechelotte from G2 Esports and Sam Cooke from Esports Insider, suggest a need for more specialisation in the field. They advocate for aspiring esports professionals to focus on acquiring specific skills that can set them apart in a competitive job market.
This comprehensive report comes at a crucial time, as the esports industry navigates financial challenges and a period described as the ‘esports winter’ (not least of which in the UK includes the potential cut of funding for the esports BTEC) it calls for a better understanding of the value and limitations of esports education, urging both educators and students to consider a more tailored approach to career preparation in this dynamic sector.
Check out the BA Hons Degree in Esports available as a fast-track at University Centre Farnborough. This two-year programme was written by ntesports and validated bye the university of Surrey.
