Think Esports is just playing video games? Think again! Welcome to the billion-pound industry redefining the future of sports and careers. Esports has become the sport for the digital age, captivating millions and turning passionate gamers into professional athletes. Dive into a world of strategy, teamwork and adrenaline, turning your passion into a career.

History of Esports

If you didn’t already know, Esports, also known as Electronic Sports, is the name for online competitive video gaming.

Having evolved from bedroom gaming to global tournaments, this cybersport sees collaborative teams come together to change the discourse of said game with a winning objective. Gamers, also known as athletes, battle it out player vs player in huge tournaments representing their team through online streaming spectacles, broadcasting to audiences around the world.

Why study Esports?

Got a competitive spirit and a love for gaming? Calderdale College’s Esports programme is your ticket to a cutting-edge career. This gamification of academic studies brings a wealth of opportunities to the next-generation of future leaders in Esports and gaming industries as you enter a dynamic and inclusive community home to millions of players.

Esports courses pioneer digital technologies to enhance academic achievement in this now mainstream industry, paving the way for learning, growth and success. Not only will you be able to live out your career aspirations in the virtual sphere, you will gain real-life transferable skills that will benefit you in higher education and the working world.

There’s no denying the Esports industry has the fun factor for spectators and athletes alike! Whether you strive to be at the top of league or want to unleash your competitive flare battling it out against your opponents, Esports can also enable you to acquire top contacts in the game through vast networking opportunities.

What will you learn?

When you study Esports in College, the entire course is skills and personal development focused where you will learn how to use the cutting-edge industry standard technology to get your head in the game, you will also acquire a breath of digital skills including:

–          Esports Skills, Strategies and Analysis

–          Enterprise and Entrepreneurship in the Esports Industry

–          Health, Wellbeing and Fitness for Esports Players

–          Esports Events

–          Live-streamed Broadcasting

–          Video Production

–          Esports Coaching

–          Producing an Esports Brand

Who could you be?

Beyond gaming, our Esports course equips you with diverse skills for exciting careers across various industries, not limited to just gaming and media!

1. Marketing and Events Manager 

You will play a crucial role in driving the success of marketing initiatives and event experiences. You’ll be responsible for coordinating and executing marketing campaigns while managing the planning and delivery of engaging events for Esports tournaments. 

Salary: £35,000 – £60,000

2. Team Coach 

This role focuses on the learning and development of your colleagues, allowing them to thrive, grow and excel within their roles. You will be keen to make a difference to players and viewers in the Esports industry by coaching teams to help them come together to succeed and triumph in tournaments. 

Salary: £27,000 – £40,000 

3. Content Creator 

A Content Creator develops and executes a content strategy aligned with objectives, focusing on enhancing brand presence and visibility. You’ll be encouraged to think big and generate original ideas to reach online audiences through social media and other cross-platform channels. 

Salary: Limitless

Esports at Calderdale College

Calderdale College is proud to unveil Mill Studios, a state-of-the-art facility in Dean Clough, a £700,000 digital creative hub in the heart of Halifax. At a time when Halifax is establishing itself as the Hollywood of the north aka ‘Haliwood’, Calderdale College’s high-tech facilities offer unparalleled opportunities in Esports, Film, TV and Games Design, launching in September 2024.

Esports at Calderdale College will develop and grow the next wave of 16 – 18 aged Esports athletes, coaches, analysts and managers, helping them to get into the world of gaming and pave the way for a highly successful career.

Our Level 3 BTEC Esports qualification provider, Pearson has partnered with The British Esports Federation, the not-for-profit organisation established to promote and support grassroots Esports, to create the world’s first qualification of its kind for a career in Esports.The hub, which is due to launch ahead of the next academic year, as part of Calderdale’s Year of Culture 2024, has been funded by the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF), which aims to tackle skill shortages by responding to employers’ needs and giving young people the skills to get good jobs and increase their prospects.

Have you got what it takes?

Remember, you don’t need prior experience, just a passion for Esports and an interest in gaming!

If you want to find out more about how you can study Level 3 Esports at Calderdale College’s Mill Studios, please visit here.