Esports Foundation Diploma/ Extended Diploma

This course is for anyone aged 16 to 18, school leavers or 19+ adults returning to education.

Esports is organised, competitive, human-versus-human video-gaming where people play against each other online and at live spectator events.

It is played by both amateurs and professionals and is open to all, regardless of gender, physical or mental ability. It can be played on PCs, consoles, and mobiles.

Depending on the game, the format can be 1v1, 2v2, 3v3, 4v4, 5v5, 6v6 and so on. At the top level, leading global teams and players can earn significant sums in wages and prizemoney each year.

Esports can be team-based and is always played against another person or people; therefore it is more social and more beneficial than the stereotypical perceptions of solo video-gaming

Units you will be covering over the two years:

• Introduction to Esports
• 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
• Business Applications of Esports in Social Media
• Shoutcasting
• Esports Coaching
• Ethical and Current Issues in Esports
• Corporate Social Responsibility in Sport
• Producing an Esports Brand
• Sports and Esports Law and Legislation
• Launching Your Esports Enterprise

5 GCSEs at Grade 4 (C in the old grading system) or above which must include English and Maths or equivalent (Level 2 Functional Skills), a Higher Diploma (which is equivalent to 7 GCSEs at grade 4-9 A*-C), NVQ 2 or Level 2 Diploma at merit grade with ideally GCSE English and Maths at minimum Grade C or equivalent (Level 2 Functional Skills).

You will be enrolled on the Foundation Diploma, which is a one-year course. Upon successful completion of year one, you can then progress onto the Extended Diploma in year two.

• Assignments
• The units taken are assignment-based
• Students complete a series of activities set in a work-related scenario which may be tailored to local industry needs
• Students generate relevant evidence, drawing on their knowledge, understanding and skills to complete an assignment over a period of time, working either individually or in a team

The world of High-Tech is rapidly growing, especially Esports, and in the West of England, it is a key priority area.

More jobs are being created in these fields, and students completing courses in Computing are best placed to take advantage of this high-growth area.

By completing the 2-year Extended Diploma, you will have the option of studying further at Higher Level in the form of a Foundation Degree or a BSc (subject to grades and UCAS (Points). Completion of just the year 1 Foundation Diploma will still allow students to access further study and gain employment.

The course adequately prepares learners for employment and many students have moved straight into the industry.

There will also be the option of higher-level apprenticeships or degree apprenticeships for those who have shown that they have successfully completed a Level 3 programme. As part of the programme, we will support you in searching and applying for the best progression routes for you.

The course is free to anyone between the age of 16-18 at the start of the programme.

If you are aged 19-23, there may be funding available if you have not completed a Level 3 qualification.

Anyone who is not eligible for funding or is over 24 can apply for an Advanced Learning Loan, which will pay for tuition and will be wiped if you enter Higher Education the year after completing your course.

There is no formal kit list for consumables, but financial support is available through the Learner Support Fund.