Level 3 Extended Diploma in Esports Production

Do you enjoy gaming and want to explore the exciting world of professional Esports?

Whether your ambition is to work in Esports, content creation, media production, marketing, events management or to progress to university, this course will provide you with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to take the next step.

This industry-focused qualification provides a comprehensive understanding of the Esports sector and related creative industries. You will explore how Esports organisations, events, teams and content producers operate while developing practical, technical and transferable skills that are valued by employers and higher education providers.

Equivalent in size to three A-levels, this two-year programme offers opportunities to work on industry-relevant projects, engage with employers, participate in enrichment activities and develop professional portfolios that support progression into higher education, apprenticeships and employment.

Typically, you will have at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including GCSE English and GCSE Maths.

Alternatively, you may have achieved a relevant Level 2 qualification at Merit grade or above, together with a grade 4 in GCSE English and GCSE Maths.

Applicants will be invited to attend an interview to discuss their interest in the sector, future career aspirations and suitability for the course.

As this programme prepares learners for higher education and industry, applicants should demonstrate:

• Good attendance and punctuality
• A strong commitment to their studies
• A positive and professional attitude towards learning
• Effective communication and teamwork skills
• The ability to work independently and manage their workload
• A willingness to meet deadlines and complete work to a high standard
• An interest in Esports, media production and digital technologies
• A commitment to engaging with employer-led projects, work experience and enrichment opportunities

Students considering progression to university should be aware that many higher education institutions require five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths.

You will be studying towards a UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication (focusing on Esports Production).

During this two-year programme, you will study a range of units that develop your technical, creative and professional skills within Esports production and the wider media industry. Your studies will culminate in a substantial final major project that showcases the knowledge and skills developed throughout the course.

You will explore:

• The Esports industry and professional practice
• Esports production and content creation
• Media production techniques and technologies
• Event planning and management
• Research, planning and project development
• Audience analysis and communication strategies
• Leadership, teamwork and collaboration
• Creative problem-solving and innovation
• Professional practice and portfolio development

Throughout the course, you will develop transferable skills that are highly valued by employers and universities, including:

• Communication and presentation skills
• Project management and organisation
• Critical thinking and evaluation
• Leadership and teamwork
• Digital and technical skills
• Research and analytical skills

You will also benefit from:

• Employer engagement activities
• Industry-focused projects and live briefs
• Work experience opportunities
• Guest speakers and educational visits
• Development of digital, employability and sustainability skills
• Professional portfolio and career development activities

Students who have not yet achieved a grade 4 in GCSE English or GCSE Maths will continue to study these qualifications alongside their main programme.

This course is delivered on-site through a combination of practical workshops, media production activities, industry-focused projects and classroom-based theory sessions.

You will learn through:

• Practical Esports and media production projects
• Tutor-led lessons, seminars and workshops
• Industry-focused assignments and live briefs
• Collaborative team activities
• Employer engagement and work experience opportunities
• Independent research and project development
• Portfolio-building activities
• Online and remote learning activities that support classroom learning, research and digital skill development

As a Level 3 learner, you will be expected to demonstrate increasing levels of independence and professionalism. This includes maintaining excellent attendance and punctuality, meeting deadlines, communicating effectively, taking responsibility for your learning and demonstrating the professional behaviours expected in higher education and industry.

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.

Derby College Group has its own Esports teams, and team merchandise is available to purchase. 

Assessment is carried out through a range of internally assessed coursework and practical activities.  

Assessment methods may include:

• Practical projects
• Written assignments
• Presentations and pitches
• Research and investigative activities
• Portfolio development
• Individual and group projects
• Creative production work
• Reflective evaluations

Formative units are graded as:

• Referral
• Pass

Your summative (final) unit is graded as:

• Referral
• Pass
• Merit
• Distinction

Your programme will culminate in a Final Major Project, allowing you to apply and showcase the knowledge, technical skills and professional behaviours developed throughout the course.

You will also be expected to undertake independent research and study to support project work and assessments.

Students studying GCSE English and/or GCSE Maths will complete the assessment requirements associated with those qualifications, including examinations where applicable.

Higher Education

Successful completion of this course can lead to a wide range of university-level study options, including:

• Esports
• Content Creation
• Media Production
• Digital Marketing
• Events Management
• Sports Journalism
• Broadcasting
• Business Management
• Games and Interactive Media
• Coaching and Performance

Apprenticeships and Employment

The qualification also provides a strong foundation for higher apprenticeships and careers within the creative, digital and Esports sectors, including:

• Esports Operations and Event Management
• Content Creation and Production
• Social Media and Digital Marketing
• Broadcasting and Streaming
• Journalism and Media
• Business and Enterprise
• Games and Creative Industries

Students will continue to develop their English and Maths skills where required to support progression into higher education, apprenticeships and employment.

Alternatively, you could consider freelance work (self-employment).

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