Staffordshire University launched a new esports program, the BA (Hons) Esports is open for aspiring students.

Back in May, Staffordshire University announced the new degree for undergrad students. BA (Hons) Esports is a three-year program focused in the business aspect of esports. Students enrolled in the program will learn everything they need to know to organize events and run an esports organisation.

Stuart Kosters, a lecturer at the Staffordshire Business School said: “There’s a lot of misconceptions; obviously people think you are going to be playing games for three years but in actual fact, the course is like a business degree but it is in a new industry.

In the first year, students are taking courses like ‘Contemporary Issues in Esports’, ‘Communications Skills for Managers,’ and ‘Business Simulation Project.’ In year two, the students are learning about event planning, casting, and content creation. In their final year, students will focus on hosting their own esports event.

June Dennis, Dean of Staffordshire Business School said: “The degree covers not only the technical aspects of esports but also how to run and promote esports events worldwide and has been designed in consultation with specialists in the field. Graduates will enter a very buoyant job market in three to four years time.”

Theoretical knowledge is not enough for the esports students, they need to practice what they learn in class. Staffordshire University took that need into consideration and back in August unveiled the Esports Hub at the Stoke-on-Trent campus. The facility includes 12 gaming stations with peripherals by Razer.

Inside the Esports Hub, students can practice broadcasting, gaming and other essentials to their studies.

About the Esports Hub, Kosters said: “The hub will be a place where students can learn in a real-life setting and understand what goes on behind-the-scenes of a major esports event. We have been working closely with industry employers who believe that this hands-on experience is vital. We want to put our students ahead of the game when they graduate and give them the best chance of getting a job.”

2018/2019 academic year started on September 17. Aspiring students can apply now for the 2019/2020 academic year set to start on September 16, 2019.

Esports Insider says: Educational programs focused on esports are not so rare anymore. As the industry evolves, the need for professionals increases. Passion is not enough at this point, the organisations need people with the knowledge to get the teams and tournaments ahead.

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