Esports Management - BA (Hons)

Rob Black, Chief Operating Officer of ESL UK "Birmingham City University are providing a genuinely insightful and exciting course to prepare students for the fast moving world of esports." Esports has become one of the world’s most exciting entertainment trends with a recent industry report stating that the industry is expected to be worth $1.7 billion by 2021, growing at a rate of 18....

How to apply

Studying with us in 2021/22 and 2022/23

The University has put in place measures in response to Covid-19 to allow us to safely deliver our courses. Information about the arrangements for the 2021/22 academic year can be found here.

Should the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic continue in the 2022/23 academic year or subsequent years of your course, any additional and/or alternative arrangements put in place by the University in response will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.

Level Undergraduate
Study mode Full Time
Location City Centre

Award BA (Hons)
Start date September 2022
Fees View course fees

School Birmingham City Business School
Faculty Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences

Overview

Rob Black, Chief Operating Officer of ESL UK

"Birmingham City University are providing a genuinely insightful and exciting course to prepare students for the fast moving world of esports."

Esports has become one of the world’s most exciting entertainment trends with a recent industry report stating that the industry is expected to be worth $1.7 billion by 2021, growing at a rate of 18.4% per year. With this growth there is the increasing number of job opportunities for graduates with the knowledge and expertise to excel in this environment.

This course is open to International students.

What's covered in this course?

The BA (Hons) Esports Management course will provide you with the academic expertise and contacts to help you develop an exciting professional future in this growing industry.

Combining theory and practical application this course will draw heavily from practicing esports leaders to cover multiple aspects such as technology and digital innovation, marketing, events, operations and analytics. Internships, placements, project fieldwork and workshops will enable you to create a CV that will allow you to apply what you have learnt and make the contacts required to kick start a successful career.

Accredited By

Why Choose Us?

The course provides full exposure to the esports ecosystem at each level of study giving you a true focus on the business and management of the industry
You will gain a professional outlook and real-world experience by interacting with a multitude of esports professionals and global esports organisations
This is the only Esports Management course in the UK that is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
Members of the course team have pivotal roles in the Association for Continuing Education in Esports, which is currently driving the advancement of esports education across the UK.
Birmingham is host to ESL One, which is a global event for the Dota2 game hosted by ESL – an organisation that we have built a good relationship with.
You will study in our state-of-the-art City Centre Campus in the UK’s second city
Birmingham City University has launched the UK's first Centre for Brexit Studies, researching all aspects of the UK's vote to leave the EU, including the impact it has on multiple industries – and of course esports
You will be able to benefit from our Graduate+ initiative. This three-year award course enables you to gain award levels for all the extra-curricular activities students undertake so that you can stand out from the crowd on graduation
You will be able to work on exciting projects for real-life clients through our Business Advice Centre, giving you exposure to the challenges and issues faced by businesses as well as the chance to develop successful solutions. Opportunities are available with local, regional, national and even global businesses such as BMW.
The Centre also offers expert support for your own entrepreneurial ideas, so you can start planning your own start-up or take your existing business to the next level. Following graduation, you will have the opportunity to apply for STEAMhouse Business Incubator membership.

Similar Courses

Entry Requirements

We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.

Essential Requirements

Level 2 Qualifications
BBC or 112 UCAS tariff points from a maximum of 3 subjects.
UK Qualification	Requirements 2022/23
GCSE	GCSE English language and mathematics at grade C/4 or above Equivalent level 2 qualifications can be accepted Must have been achieved at the point of enrolment
Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level)	See level 3 entry under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details.
Scottish National 5	English language and mathematics at grade C or above Must have been achieved at the point of enrolment
Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) Qualifications
UK Qualification	Requirements 2022/23
A level and Advanced VCE	BBC / 112 UCAS points A maximum of 3 subjects are considered. These can be other A-levels or level 3 equivalents.
AAT Diploma in Accounting (QCF)	112 UCAS points Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
Access to HE Diploma	Pass with 60 credits overall. At least 45 credits at level 3
Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma (2016 – present) Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016) BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2002 – 2010)	DMM
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2016 – present) Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF) (2010 – 2016) BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (2002 – 2010)	112 UCAS points Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
Pearson BTEC National Foundation Diploma (2016 to present) Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016)	112 UCAS points Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (2016 – present) Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016) BTEC Level 3 National Award (2002 - 2010)	112 UCAS points Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
IBO Certificate in Higher Level	Students who do not complete the IB Diploma will be considered on the basis of their IB Certificates if they obtain a total of 14 points or above from three Higher Level Subjects Considered with other acceptable level 3 qualifications to meet 112 UCAS Tariff Points For students who do not already hold a GCSE in Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above grade 5 in Maths (Standard Level) from the IB Diploma will be accepted For students who do not already hold a GCSE in English Language at Grade C/4 or above Standard Level English Language (not literature) English A - Grade 4 or above or English B - Grade 5 from the IB will be accepted.
International Baccalaureate Diploma	Obtain a minimum of 28 points overall For students who do not already hold a GCSE in Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above grade 5 in Maths (Standard Level) from the IB Diploma will be accepted For students who do not already hold a GCSE in English Language at Grade C/4 or above Standard Level English Language (not literature) English A - Grade 4 or above or English B - Grade 5 from the IB will be accepted.
IFS / LIBF Diploma in Financial Studies	112 UCAS points Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers)	Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 112 tariff points, achieved in four Higher level subjects. This must include Maths and English Language taken at either Ordinary level (minimum grade O1-O4 (or A-C/A1-C3)) or Higher level (minimum grade H5/D1)
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Applied General Certificate in Health and Social Care	112 UCAS points. Can be considered along with A-levels or a combination of equivalent level 3 qualifications
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma	DMM
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma	112 UCAS points Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate (2016 – present) OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma (until 2016)	112 UCAS points Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
Scottish Advanced Higher	Achieve a minimum of 112 tariff points achieved in either three Advanced Highers or from a combination of two Advanced Highers plus two Highers. Where three Advanced Highers have been taken achieve a minimum of grades CCD. Where a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers have been taken you must achieve (grades of CD in two Advanced Highers plus grades of CC in two Highers).
Scottish Higher	Achieve a minimum of 112 tariff points achieved in either five Highers or from a combination of two Advanced Highers plus two Highers. Where only Highers have been taken a minimum of grades BBCCC is required. Where a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers have been taken you must achieve grades of CD in two Advanced Highers plus grades of CC in two Highers.
T-Levels	112 UCAS points (Merit overall)
Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)	112 UCAS points Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component	112 UCAS points Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
Other Qualifications
If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website.

Additional information for EU/International students

Essential
Applications from international applicants with equivalent qualifications to 112 points are welcome. Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In additional to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table.
English language requirements 2020/21
IELTS	6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information.
Other accepted qualifications	Visit our English language page

Fees & How to Apply

Please select your student status to view fees and apply

UK Student
International Student

UK students

Tuition fees shown are for the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation based on the Retail Prices Index and the additional costs we incur each year to deliver our courses, maintain and develop our infrastructure and provide a range of support services, or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: BA (Hons)

Starting: Sep 2022

Full Time
3 Years
£9,250 per year
Apply via UCAS

Full Time
4 Years with Professional Placement
Show fees
Apply via UCAS

Study Year £9,250
Placement Year £1,650

Professional Placement Fees

Full-Time courses with a Professional Placement incur a fee during the placement year. The costs for those years when you attend the university for study, and the cost for the placement year are shown here.

International students

Award: BA (Hons)

Starting: Sep 2022

Full Time
3 Years
£13,500 per year

Full Time
4 Years with Professional Placement
Show fees

Study Year £13,500
Placement Year £13,500

Professional Placement Fees

If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead.

Access to computer equipment

You will require use of a laptop, and most students do prefer to have their own. However, you can borrow a laptop from the university or use one of our shared computer rooms.

Printing

You will receive £5 print credit in each year of your course, available after enrolment.

Field trips

All essential field trips and associated travel costs will be included in your course fees.

Access to Microsoft Office 365

Every student at the University can download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 to use whilst at university and for 18 months after graduation.

Key software

You will be able to download SPSS and Nvivo to your home computer to support with your studies and research.

Key subscriptions

Subscriptions to key journals and websites and available through our library.

Free access to Rosetta Stone

All students can sign up to the online learning language platform for free through the Graduate+ scheme.

CMI accreditation

All students benefit from the course’s accreditation by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) at no extra cost. The CMI is the only chartered professional body dedicated to promoting the highest standards in management and leadership excellence.

Excess printing (optional)

Once you have spent your £5 credit, additional printing on campus costs from 5p per sheet.

Placement expenses (optional)

If you choose to undertake a placement, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst living or working away from home.

Accommodation and living costs

The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.

Guidance for UK students

UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.

Applying through UCAS

Complete your details

Select your course

Write a personal statement

Get a reference

Pay your application fee

Send UCAS your application

International students

There are three ways to apply:

1) Direct to the University

You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.

2) Through a country representative

Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.

3) Through UCAS

If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.

Personal statement

UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*

The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.

Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:

Course choice - Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
Career plans - If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
Work experience - Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
School or college experience - Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
Non-accredited skills or achievement - eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.

You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.

Get more information on writing personal statements.

*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.

Course in Depth

Year One

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).

Introduction to the Esports Ecosystem 20 credits

Managing Teams in the Esports Industry 20 credits

Principles of Marketing 20 credits

Esports Event Management 20 credits

Building Your Brand 20 credits

Finance for Managers 20 credits

Year Two

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).

Big Data, Analytics and Innovation in Esports 20 credits

Live Event Experiences 20 credits

Managing Esports Venues 20 credits

Marketing Communications & Planning 20 credits

Methods in Esports Research & Project Management 20 credits

Contemporary Esports Management Issues 20 credits

Final Year

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 60 credits).

Marketing Strategy and Leadership 20 credits

Law and CSR in Esports 20 credits

Esports Leadership 20 credits

In order to complete this course a student must choose ONE of the following optional project routes (totalling 40 credits):

Business Advice Project (Major) 40 credits

Business Research Project (Major) 40 credits

Business Start-Up Project (Major) 40 credits

Community Advice Project (Major) 40 credits

Employability Project (Major) 40 credits

Economics Research Project (Major) 40 credits

Business Research Methodology and Practice + Business Research Project 40 credits

Business Research Methodology and Practice + Business Start-Up Project 40 credits

Business Research Methodology and Practice + Community Advice Project 40 credits

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules.

Governance and Policy Issues in the Esports Ecosystem 20 credits

Operational and Process Improvements in Esports Venues 20 credits

Media and Broadcasting in Esports 20 credits

All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.

Chartered Management Institute

This course is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). This means that you can achieve the Level 5 CMI Certificate in Management and Leadership alongside your degree. The award is conditional on successfully completing the Honours degree programme in the appropriate module areas.

Employability

OpportUNIty

OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.

It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.

Business Advice Centre

The Business Advice Centre (BAC) is the Business School's hub that offers a range of support services to you throughout each stage of your student learning experience.

We have a range of support solutions for students as well as opportunities to enhance your employability and entrepreneurial qualities.

Whether you are considering starting your business, connecting with real companies or enhancing your graduate opportunities, the Business Advice Centre can help you.

International

Welcome to the Birmingham City Business School, home to students from over 70 countries all around the world!

Birmingham City Business School is one of the UK’s largest, most established and most respected business schools. Our programmes are practice based and many have an international focus, which means your course will be entirely relevant to today’s business world. Almost all of our courses, both at undergraduate and postgraduate level, are open to international students.

We also have links with universities across the world, including Europe, the USA, China, India and Malaysia.

International Services

Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:

Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here
Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies
Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country
Learn where to find financial support for your studies

The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.

Facilities & Staff

Our Facilities

We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £340 million on new learning facilities.

The Curzon Building

This course is based at our City Centre Campus – and specifically The Curzon Building, alongside other Social Sciences, Law, Business and English students.

The £63m building offers students a unique social learning space, including a dedicated student hub incorporating student support services, in the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside development.

The Business floors house an extensive number of IT facilities, breakout areas, and specialised rooms. The Marketing Link Agency is designed to replicate a modern marketing firm, allowing students to get real-life experience of working in the marketing sector. There is also the City Trading Room, which features state of the art stock market tracking equipment, keeping you up to date with all the financial comings and goings of the London Stock Exchange and Wall Street.

The Curzon building is also conveniently close to Birmingham’s business and financial centre, allowing for strong links between your studies and the real world.

The Curzon Building also features:

An impressive new library with access to over 65 million full text items and stunning views of Eastside City Park
Your Students’ Union which is located in a beautifully restored 19th century pub, The Eagle and Ball
A modern 300-seat food court with space to study and socialise
Brand new, accessible IT facilities with full Office365 for all students for free
Shared facilities with the wider campus including the recently opened Parkside Building and Millennium Point

Our staff

Dr Richard Oddy

Senior Lecturer and Programme Director

Dr Richard E. Oddy is a Senior Lecturer and Course Director specialising in Marketing, Sport, Event and Esports Management. He has developed and launched a number of new courses in these specific fields, and has over a decade of teaching experience at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Full Profile

More about Richard

Dr Russell Cowley

Senior Lecturer, Programme Director for Global Sports Management

Dr Russell Cowley retired from a professional ice hockey career (2017) that spanned over 17 years, winning a world championship gold medal in April 2017, also his final game at the elite level.

Full Profile

More about Russell