Hi, my name is Jude Lewington and I currently study Esports Managment at Birmingham City University. I wrote this blog to try and give an insight into what I found when picking a degree based in the Esports sector i hope this can help some of you!

First, it's important to note that the esports industry is booming, with revenue expected to reach $1.1 billion in 2021. This growth demands skilled professionals, from game developers to marketers to event coordinators. Pursuing an esports degree can provide you with the knowledge, skills, and connections to enter this exciting industry. Here are a list of the top UK Esports related degree's and the difference between them.

Its important to also note that there are two major differences in the course type's for Esports Degrees. Some courses are  more business orientated and some I would say are more practical and 'play games' orientated. You have to decide before picking a university what type of course suits you better!

Staffordshire University is a top choice for Esports education in the UK, offering a Bachelor's degree in Esports. The course covers a range of topics, from Esports management and event production to game design and live streaming. Students also have access to state-of-the-art Esports facilities, including an arena and a broadcasting studio. I have personally visited the university and I would say that they are way ahead of the game in terms of other universities discussed in this list. This is due to there facilities and high quality teachers who have strong links to the industry.

The University of Chichester offers a BA (Hons) in Esports, where students can choose from three pathways: management, content creation, or live production. The course includes modules on Esports marketing, branding, and community management, as well as practical experience in event planning and video production. This one of the courses I would say is more business based and less practical.

Sheffield Hallam University's BSc (Hons) Esports degree provides students with a solid foundation in business and marketing principles, along with specialized modules on Esports strategy and management. Students also have opportunities for work placements and industry networking. I would personally say having the ability to do a placement in the industry is a massive plus as it allows to get your foot in the door somewhere as well as have a good looking CV.

The University of Leicester's BA (Hons) Esports degree focuses on the social and cultural aspects of Esports, including the role of gender, race, and identity in gaming communities. Students can also choose from modules on Esports event management, game design, and Esports journalism. This degree gives you the ability to generally learn Esports in the first year then specialise in your second and third.

The University of York's Department of Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media offers a BA (Hons) in Interactive Media and Esports. This course combines theoretical and practical approaches to interactive media and gaming, with a focus on game design, esports production, and virtual reality.

The University of Roehampton offers an MA in Esports Journalism, the first of its kind in the UK. The course covers topics such as esports reporting, interviewing, and feature writing, as well as legal and ethical issues in sports journalism. Students also have opportunities for practical experience in esports reporting and production.

While traditional universities like Oxford and Leeds United do not offer specific esports degrees, they do offer courses and programs that can provide relevant skills and knowledge for the esports industry. For example, Oxford's MSc in Social Science of the Internet includes modules on online communities, digital cultures, and data analysis, which can be applied to esports research and analysis. Leeds United's BA (Hons) in Sports Business provides students with a strong foundation in sports management and marketing, which can be useful for esports events and sponsorships.

Barnsley College and West Suffolk College offer Level 3 esports courses, which provide students with practical skills and knowledge for a career in the esports industry. These courses cover topics such as game design, live streaming, and esports event management.

In conclusion, pursuing an esports degree can provide you with valuable skills, knowledge, and connections for a career in this rapidly growing industry. With a range of options available, from specialized esports degrees to relevant courses and programs, you can find the right path for your interests and goals. Consider these top UK universities for your esports education journey.