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Level 2 Diploma in Esports

Do you enjoy gaming? Do you love the idea of competitive gaming and learning about the Esports industry? Would you like a career as a professional gamer or an understanding of all the roles in the Esports industry?

Course Summary

Subject Area: Games Design and Esports
School Leaver - Vocational/Technical
Full Time or Part Time: FT
Level: 2
Number Of Years:
Interview Required?: Y
Joseph Wright Centre

Apply now at: https://www.derby-college.ac.uk/course/level-2-diploma-in-esports
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Course Information for Students

If you would like to develop a range of skills within the Esports and related industries, then this is the Level 2 qualification for you.

Endorsed by The British Esports Federation, it is ideal if you are looking to progress to employment in the Esports industry, possibly via an apprenticeship in a related industry. Or, if you have aspirations to progress to further education, this course will help you to start that journey.

The qualification will give you a solid foundation in understanding how the Esports industry works. It is a career-focused course with industry endorsement, enabling you to develop your underpinning knowledge, technical and transferable skills and to gain experience in a variety of different sections of the Esports industry.

If you would like to develop a range of skills within the Esports and related industries, then this is the Level 2 qualification for you.

Endorsed by The British Esports Federation, it is ideal if you are looking to progress to employment in the Esports industry, possibly via an apprenticeship in a related industry. Or, if you have aspirations to progress to further education, this course will help you to start that journey.

The qualification will give you a solid foundation in understanding how the Esports industry works. It is a career-focused course with industry endorsement, enabling you to develop your underpinning knowledge, technical and transferable skills and to gain experience in a variety of different sections of the Esports industry.

Typically, you will have at least four GCSEs at grade 3 (or the equivalent), including a grade 4 in English Language or Maths.

Typically, you will have at least four GCSEs at grade 3 (or the equivalent), including a grade 4 in English Language or Maths.

 

  • Unit 1: Esports Games, Teams and Tournaments
  • Unit 2: Establishing an Esports Organisation
  • Unit 3: Streaming for Esports
  • Unit 4: Plan an Esports Event
  • Unit 5: Start an Enterprise in Esports

The mandatory content will allow you to develop your technical skills across the different unit areas, supported by underpinning knowledge.

All assessments relate to the Esports industry. Communication skills are developed throughout the units, and can also enhance your broader skills in ICT, while literacy and numeracy skills are developed throughout.

  • Unit 1: Esports Games, Teams and Tournaments
  • Unit 2: Establishing an Esports Organisation
  • Unit 3: Streaming for Esports
  • Unit 4: Plan an Esports Event
  • Unit 5: Start an Enterprise in Esports

The mandatory content will allow you to develop your technical skills across the different unit areas, supported by underpinning knowledge.

All assessments relate to the Esports industry. Communication skills are developed throughout the units, and can also enhance your broader skills in ICT, while literacy and numeracy skills are developed throughout.

This course will be delivered on-site in our Esports suites.

This course will be delivered on-site in our Esports suites.

We have our own Esports Teams and merchandise is available to purchase.

We have our own Esports Teams and merchandise is available to purchase.

While you will attend guided learning directed by tutors, you will also be expected to carry out private independent study and research as well as prepare and undertake assessments.

All units are assessed through internal assessment. Internal assessment is through assignments that are subject to external standards verification.

  • Unit 4: Plan an Esports Event (provides the main synoptic assessment)
  • Unit 5: Start an Enterprise in Esports

These synoptic assessments are designed to take place towards the end of the course and draw upon all that you have learned throughout your course of study. They take the form of a vocational activity: you will be required to plan for an Esports event. By completing these synoptic units, you will study how to develop a plan for an Esports event, pitch the plan to an audience and use feedback to revise the plan.

You must achieve all units and their associated assessments at Pass grade or above to gain the qualification.

While you will attend guided learning directed by tutors, you will also be expected to carry out private independent study and research as well as prepare and undertake assessments.

All units are assessed through internal assessment. Internal assessment is through assignments that are subject to external standards verification.

  • Unit 4: Plan an Esports Event (provides the main synoptic assessment)
  • Unit 5: Start an Enterprise in Esports

These synoptic assessments are designed to take place towards the end of the course and draw upon all that you have learned throughout your course of study. They take the form of a vocational activity: you will be required to plan for an Esports event. By completing these synoptic units, you will study how to develop a plan for an Esports event, pitch the plan to an audience and use feedback to revise the plan.

You must achieve all units and their associated assessments at Pass grade or above to gain the qualification.

Further Study

Taking this qualification could lead to progression to Level 3 qualifications in Esports, Games Development, Information Technology, Creative Media, Sport, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, or Business.

Further Study

Taking this qualification could lead to progression to Level 3 qualifications in Esports, Games Development, Information Technology, Creative Media, Sport, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, or Business.

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk

Course Information for Employers

Career Information

DCG Success Stories

Former Derby College student Jake Braithwaite, a young male with brown hair wearing a pink hoodie.

Jake Braithwaite

Everything aligning perfectly on Jake’s Esports journey with DCG

They’ve communicated with me regularly and given me the opportunity to improve my skills. I wouldn’t be where I am now without them.  “They’re so encouraging. Everyone on my course loves gaming and our teachers share our enthusiasm.

Read More about Jake Braithwaite

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: March 10, 2026 8:33 am