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The ·¬ÇÑÓ°ÊÓ is among the first in the East of England to launch a new cutting-edge Esports undergraduate course that will give students a way into the rapidly-evolving industry.

Esports, also known as electronic sports, are video-based competitions and have quickly become a global discipline in recent years supported by some of the world’s biggest sports brands.

Development is underway for the University’s first BA (Hons) Esports programme, which will accept its first students in 2025, covering a diverse range of topics such as game design, esports event management, live streaming, esports marketing and analysis of competitive gameplay.

The course will prepare the next generation of professionals in the industry in East Anglia, and give students a comprehensive understanding and experience of the sector.

The curriculum is being developed in collaboration with industry experts to ensure students get up-to-date knowledge and practical skills that align with the industry’s demands.

It will also ensure students gain practical experience in the sector through internships, industry partnerships and live esports events hosted at the University itself.

The University will make a significant investment in a new state-of-the-art esports lab that will feature high-spec gaming machines of an industry standard that will be able to host esports events and tournaments.

Professor Stuart Harmer, Dean of the School of Technology, Business and Arts at the ·¬ÇÑÓ°ÊÓ, said: “We are thrilled to announce our plans to create one of the first esports undergraduate courses in the East of England. It recognises the tremendous growth and potential of the esports industry.

“We have witnessed a significant growth in students studying esports at colleges and schools in the region and by providing this course we’re offering these students a much-needed pathway that allows them an important progression into Higher Education in this industry.”

Development of the new esports programme is the latest demonstration of the University’s ability to respond to industry demand, which has included launching a new BSc (Hons) in Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy this year, and development of new degree apprenticeship routes in the health and social care sector.

Find out more about the course here.