Program Overview

BA (Hons) Esports

Overview

New for 2025, our BA (Hons) Esports degree provides you with an immersive journey into the fascinating realm of competitive gaming, focusing on the art and science behind esports success. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge, hands-on experiences, and practical skills, you will explore the history, development and future of the growing esports industry, while gaining practical skills in event management, content creation, marketing, and digital broadcasting and livestreaming.

Course Structure

Our undergraduate programmes are delivered as 'block and blend', more information can be found on Why Suffolk? You can also watch our Block and Blend video.

Course Modules

• Introduction to Esports (Requisite) This module lays much of the foundation for the rest of the course. You will study the rise of competitive gaming, from pinball and arcade tournaments to modern league and tournament structures. You will also cover the ethics of esports and some of the issues that have arisen such as gambling and fraud.
• Creating Digital Media (Requisite) Digital Media plays an important role in modern creative industries like esports and broadcasting, you will develop creative artefacts including edited videos and graphics and explore their applications in esports and beyond.
• Digital Marketing & eBusiness (Requisite) This module introduces the core principles of digital marketing and e-commerce to prepare you for the challenges of launching a business or driving growth in an existing one.
• Introduction to Streaming and Online Broadcasting (Requisite) With esports streamed live on the global stage, this module exposes you to the tools and platforms used by streamers and casters, allowing you to develop the skills necessary to set up and run a stream of your own. Additionally, you will get hands-on experience with a professional digital broadcasting suite and production workflows in esports.
• Business of Esports (Requisite) This module explores the current business and financial challenges within the esports industry. From predatory player contracts to content monetisation and fundraising, you will learn how to run an esports business and what opportunities are available for growth.
• Leading and Managing Esports Events (Requisite) In this module, you will start with the fundamental components of what makes a successful esports event before combining those elements and learning how to lead and manage large-scale, global esports tournaments and the many challenges involved.
• Esports Live Broadcasting and Narrative (Requisite) Building off the skills and understanding developed in your Introduction to Streaming and Online Broadcasts module, you will deepen your understanding of digital broadcasting workflows and practice. You will utilise the full professional broadcast suite for esports broadcasts and how to construct narratives within the spectators’ experience.
• Esports Leadership and Team Dynamics (Requisite) Balancing the many demands of an Esports team leader can be challenging. In this module, you'll experience what it means to be an effective team leader capable of managing a dynamic and successful esports team.
• Dissertation (Mandatory) In this module, you will have the opportunity to undertake a significant piece of research on a topic of your choosing, deepen your understanding, and present cutting-edge knowledge for industry and/or academic audiences.
• Live Esports Event (Requisite) In this module, you'll plan, produce and run a significant esports event. This module is your opportunity to bring together everything you have learned throughout your degree and presents the most significant assessment on the course.
• Brand and Communication Strategies (Requisite) Throughout this module you will develop an advanced understanding of building and managing brands, designing communication strategies, and implementing integrated marketing communications.

Entry Requirements

• UK Academic Requirements
  • 112 UCAS Points (or above)
  • BBC (A-Level)
  • DMM (BTEC)
  • Merit (T Level)
  • Pass in Access to HE Diploma
• International Requirements
  • IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) where English is not the student's first language.
• Transferring Credit
  • If you have previously studied at higher education level before you may be able to transfer credits to a related course at the University of Suffolk and reduce the period of study time necessary to achieve your degree.
• Mature Applicants
  • Students aged 21 or over at the start of their course are regarded as mature students. The University of Suffolk offers a flexible admissions policy for mature students, which takes into account life and work experience.

Fees and Funding

• 2025/26
  • UK Full-time Tuition Fee: £9,535 per year
  • UK Part-time Tuition Fees: £1,589 per 20 credit module
  • International Full-time Tuition Fee: £15,690 per year
• 2026/27
  • UK Full-time Tuition Fee: £9,535 per year
  • UK Part-time Tuition Fees: £1,589 per 20 credit module
  • International Full-time Tuition Fee: £15,690 per year

Career Opportunities

Students that complete this BA (Hons) Esports degree have the potential to progress into a successful career as a:

• Esports Event Manager
• Esports Team Manager
• Esports Player
• Esports Data Analyst
• Business Analyst
• Event Manager / Coordinator
• Digital Marketing Expert
• Live Streaming / Broadcasting Engineer
• Event Live Stream Producer
• Project Manager

Your Course Team

• Charlie Smith
  • Charlie is a lecturer in esports and the course leader for BA (Hons) Esports.
• Claire Culley
  • Claire became Head of Business in 2022 after a career working in the commercial marketing sphere and founding a co-working and events venue in Brighton.
• Heather Bishop
  • Heather has pursued a career in Academia to support her research in game design having graduated from the University of Suffolk in 2018.