The first higher-level internationally recognised qualifications into the study of esports will begin in September.
British Esports and Pearson have announced the introduction of Level-4 and Level-5 BTEC qualifications into the study of esports that will commence in September 2024.
The Level 4 Higher National Certificate and the Level 5 Higher National Diploma will consist of 30 units ranging from esports management, coaching and event production.
British Esports Head of Education Kalam Neale said: “This is a once in a generation opportunity to gain access into one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.
“What the Level-4 and Level-5 qualifications do is to provide an access point into higher education for those who otherwise would not have got into university.”
The qualifications are an extension of the Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications established in 2020, with around 9,700 students worldwide having studied the course.
Neale said: “When we partnered with Pearson four years ago, we did it with the intention of supporting the Esports ecosystem and a workforce that would be prepared for that fast-paced ecosystem.”
Students will have the opportunity to study the Level-6 qualification at the College of Esports at the Velodrome of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Strafford which is the exclusive university partner of British Esports.
College of Esports executive chairman Professor Philip Wilson stated “The progression by Pearson into Level 4 and 5 builds on their successful delivery of the Level 3 Esports BTEC.
“We are excited to see the growth of the industry and wider digital sector.
“This qualification is the perfect avenue to the top-up degree available from College of Esports for Level 6 and ultimately, Level 7.”
Students will have the opportunities to experience and work within esport events such as the League of Legends World Finals at the O2 Arena in November.
The courses are expected to cost around £6000, subject to confirmation, and each level will run between September and May each year.
As well as the League of Legends World Finals, other esports events taking place in London this year will be the PUBG Mobile Global Championship Grand Finals in December and Counter-Strike Blast Spring Final at Wembley between the 12th and 16th June.
The esport industry is predicted to be worth around $4 billion in 2024 and the entire video games industry being predicted to be worth $282.3 billion in 2024 which makes it worth over twice as much as both the music and film industries combined.
If you want to know more about career opportunities from an esports qualification, please read Pearson’s Infographic at here.
For locations of centres hosting BTEC courses within London can be found here.
Featured Image Credit: British Esports Federation
