Level 1 Diploma: Pathway to Esports
Take your first step into the exciting world of Esports. Develop practical, digital and employability skills through gaming-related projects, work experience opportunities and industry-focused activities that prepare you for further study and future careers.
Course Summary
Course Information for Students
Who is this course for?
Do you enjoy gaming and want to learn more about the exciting world of Esports?
This course is designed for learners who are interested in developing their knowledge of Esports, gaming and the wider digital industry while building the skills and confidence needed for further study and employment.
You will take part in a range of practical and theory-based projects that introduce key Esports concepts, teamwork, content creation and event activities. You will be encouraged to develop your own ideas, improve your communication skills and work collaboratively with others.
Alongside your main programme of study, you will develop important employability, digital and personal development skills through enrichment activities, employer engagement and work experience opportunities.
To support future progression and life skills, students will study GCSE English and GCSE Maths and will continue to develop their skills through the study of these qualifications.
Entry Requirements
You will need a minimum of three GCSEs at grade 2 or above (or equivalent qualifications). A qualification in a creative, media or digital subject would be beneficial but is not essential.
All applicants will be invited to attend an interview to discuss their interests, aspirations and suitability for the course.
A genuine interest in Esports, gaming and digital technologies is essential. Previous experience through gaming, content creation, streaming or participation in team-based activities would be advantageous.
This course is designed to support learners in developing the skills, behaviours and attitudes expected in further education and employment. Applicants should be willing to:
- Maintain good attendance and punctuality
- Demonstrate a positive attitude towards learning
- Work independently and as part of a team
- Follow instructions and meet deadlines
- Show respect for staff, peers and the learning environment
- Engage positively in practical activities, projects and work experience opportunities
- Develop professional behaviours and communication skills
What will you learn?
During this course, you will develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to progress to further study within Esports and related digital industries.
You will learn about:
- The Esports and gaming industry
- Practical Esports activities and events
- Teamwork and communication skills
- Research, planning and creative thinking
- Content creation and digital skills
- Reviewing and evaluating your own work
- Personal development and employability skills
As part of your study programme, you will also participate in:
- Work experience opportunities
- Employer engagement activities
- Enrichment activities and educational visits
- Development of digital and sustainability skills
- Personal and professional development activities
You will be studying Maths and English at GCSE level.
How will you learn?
This course is delivered on-site through a combination of practical activities, workshops and classroom-based theory sessions.
You will learn through:
- Practical Esports and gaming-related activities
- Tutor-led lessons and demonstrations
- Individual and group projects
- Discussions and classroom activities
- Work experience and employer engagement opportunities
- Independent study and research
- Online and remote learning activities that support classroom learning and help develop digital skills
Throughout the course, you will be supported to develop the professional behaviours expected in education and the workplace, including good attendance, punctuality, teamwork, communication, organisation and respect for others.
What will you need to bring with you?
You will be required to contribute towards the cost of educational visits and enrichment activities. Financial support may be available through the College’s Student Financial Support Fund, subject to eligibility.
You will also need access to basic stationery and should be prepared to use digital learning platforms to support your studies.
How will you be assessed?
Assessment is primarily through coursework, practical projects and portfolio work.
Assessment methods may include:
- Practical activities and project work
- Presentations and discussions
- Written assignments
- Research tasks
- Group work and collaborative projects
- Reflective reviews and evaluations
You will be assessed on both your subject knowledge and your ability to demonstrate employability skills such as communication, teamwork, organisation and professionalism.
For GCSE English and GCSE Maths you will complete the assessment requirements for those qualifications, including examinations.
Where next?
Further Study
Successful completion of this course can lead to progression to a range of Level 2 programmes within the Creative and Digital Industries curriculum areas, including:
- Level 2 Esports
- Art and Design
- Creative Media Skills
- Games Development
- Fashion Business
- Music
- Performing Arts
Students will continue to develop their skills in English and Maths where required to support their future progression.
Careers
This course provides a foundation for further study that could lead to careers in areas such as:
- Esports and Gaming
- Content Creation
- Social Media and Digital Marketing
- Events and Tournament Operations
- Video Production
- Creative Digital Industries
Who do you contact for more information?
For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk
Course Information for Employers
Information for Employers
Career Information
DCG Success Stories
Discover how our students have achieved success. Their hard work and dedication to learning has enabled them to succeed in rewarding careers or progress onto higher education.
We encourage progress and aspirational outcomes by guiding people onto learning pathways that lead to positive destinations. Our students have gone on to achieve great things since leaving the College. We would like to share some of their inspiring success stories with you.
Find out what funding could be available to you:
Thinking about returning to education or developing new skills? Use our funding calculator below to get an estimate of the financial support you may be eligible for based on where you live.
Whether you’re looking to retrain, progress in your career, or try something new, funding could make your next step more accessible than you think.
Simply enter your postcode into the calculator to see an estimate of the funding that may be available in your area. This is based on regional funding allocations and typical eligibility criteria for adult learners.
Important:
The results shown are a guide only and are not a guarantee of funding.
Funding availability can vary depending on:
- Your personal circumstances (such as age, employment status, and prior qualifications)
- The course you choose
- Government and local funding rules at the time of enrolment
If you’re considering adult learning, there’s never been a better time to explore your options.
Our courses are designed to fit around your life, with flexible study options and expert support every step of the way.
Find out more about the courses available. Adult Courses
If you have any questions about funding, eligibility, or courses, our team is here to help. Contact Us
Applications for 2026 Full-Time School Leaver Courses are now CLOSED FOR PROCESSING*
If you’ve already applied for a full-time vocational or academic course, please check your InTouch account to view your application status and accept any outstanding offers. We may also be trying to contact you by phone, so keep an ear out for calls from the College — to ensure we are progressing your first-choice course area.
Haven’t applied yet?
Your next opportunity will be during our Open Enrolment sessions, starting Wednesday 26th August at 12pm. Please note that places will be limited and subject to course availability, entry requirements, and interviews. Find out more about Enrolment and Clearing Enrolment: Enrolment and Clearing Information 2026
Course Information Last Updated On: September 8, 2026 8:17 am
