The new BTEC qualifications in esports are skills-focused and are a major step forward in supporting the creation of long-term careers in the growing esports industry both in the UK and internationally. The esports industry is projected to generate revenues of $1.1 billion in 2020, a year-on-year growth of 16%, with the total esports audience set to rise 11.7% to 495 million individuals, according to Newzoo.

Institutions in the UK and around the world will have the opportunity to offer these new qualifications to students from September 2020, with funding confirmed in the UK from the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

The new Level 3 esports qualification consists of 20 units, including enterprise and entrepreneurship, strategy and analysis, events management, live-streamed broadcasting, video production, shoutcasting, coaching, health and wellbeing, the law and legislation, computer networking and more. The qualifications will enable some learners to enter careers in the esports industry and for others it will offer an opportunity to upskill and progress their careers. 

The units are designed to provide deep insight into esports and may be adjusted to update content and to reflect variations within the industry internationally and in the future. Learners will develop a wide range of transferable skills and knowledge that can be applied to other careers and sectors including digital and STEAM-based careers. This is especially valuable to learners in a changing world where job roles are likely to continually change and the emphasis is increasingly on flexibility, adaptability and transferable skills.

To ensure that the content meets industry needs and provides high-quality preparation for progression, the partners engaged experts within esports, including employers, professional body representatives, university and further education lecturers and teachers.

Stakeholders including the University of Chichester, Sheridans and the North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF). British Esports Association board members including Mark “Garvey” Candella, Director of Education and Student Programmes at Twitch and Craig “Wizzo” Fletcher, founder of Multiplay/Insomnia, supported the work of the partners, reviewing content as it developed.

Andy Payne OBE, British Esports Association Chair, commented: “Esports is a growing, exciting industry that many young people are looking at with interest and it’s important they have the opportunity to unlock their potential and be the leaders of tomorrow. The industry is still finding its feet, but with big names like Pearson coming on board to bring learning and curriculum design expertise, this bodes well for the future workforce.

“These qualifications are a unique development that can elevate esports education in the UK and around the world.

“We have taken our time to ensure the qualifications are as comprehensive and high quality as possible, in order to provide students with a valuable qualification that will give them the knowledge and skills they need to pursue a career in esports, video games, tech or other related sectors.”

Cindy Rampersaud, Senior Vice President BTEC and Apprenticeships at Pearson, commented: “The world of esports offers huge employment potential, both in the UK and across the world, and these new BTEC qualifications will give learners the knowledge and skills they need to build a career in this exciting sector. We have worked closely with industry experts to create a career-focused set of qualifications that will support the rapid growth of the esports sector and offer learners a pathway into working in esports and related industries.”

Dr Jo Twist OBE, Ukie CEO, said: “We are pleased to see the launch of the Pearson BTEC qualifications in esports. This has been put together with direct support and partnership from the industry led by the British Esports Association with input from the University of Chichester, Sheridans and the North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF). We hope that this high quality qualification will provide a pathway to a fulfilling career in the growing esports and related industries in the UK.”

Mark “Garvey” Candella, Director of Student and Education Programs at Twitch, commented: "The BTEC in esports really addresses the core competencies needed for students to become empowered and confident young professionals in the gaming and esports industries. To meet students where they are and teach highly transferable and valuable emerging, new and digital media skills in an engaging way is the future."

Read more about the BTEC qualifications in esports

Notes:

1. The BTEC Nationals consist of an Extended Certificate, Foundation Diploma, Diploma and Extended Diploma. 
2. These qualifications are the equivalent of one A Level, 1.5 A Levels, 2 A Levels or 3 A Levels respectively.
3. In England, funding is pending the approval of the Education and Skills Funding Authority.
4. Through the partnership an international BTEC National will also be available. ENDS 
   
   

About the British Esports Association 

The British Esports Association is a not-for-profit organisation established in 2016 to support and promote esports in the UK.  As a national body, its aims are to foster future British talent, increase the awareness of esports and provide expertise and advice. It’s focused on the grassroots level of esports and is not a governing body. The Association helps educate the masses – including parents, teachers, media and government – around what esports is and what its benefits are. Its three goals are to Promote, Improve and Inspire. 

www.britishesports.org

About Pearson

Pearson is the world’s learning company with more than 24,000 employees operating in 70 countries. 

It combines world-class educational content and assessment, powered by services and technology, to enable more effective teaching and personalised learning at scale. Pearson believes that wherever learning flourishes so do people. 

www.pearson.com

Contact  

For press enquiries or for more information, please contact Hannah.Hawkins@pearson.com

For press enquiries or for more information, please contact the British Esports Association at  info@britishesports.org