Skip navigation

Esports

Course details
  • FD
  • 2 Years
  • Full-time
  • 15 September 2025
  • Undergraduate
Course location
E3/Springvale Campus
Awarded by:
The Open University

Course summary

Step into the Future of Gaming, Broadcasting, and Event Management with Belfast Met's Foundation Degree in Esports
Do you dream of working in one of the most exciting and rapidly growing industries in the world? Gaming and Esports are leading the way in entertainment, technology, and innovation, offering countless opportunities for creative and technical professionals. At Belfast Met, our Foundation Degree in Esports is designed to give you the skills and knowledge to excel in this thriving field, specialising in broadcasting and event management.

Why Choose Esports?
The global gaming industry is projected to reach a staggering £187 billion by 2025, with the UK already home to over 2,100 active gaming companies. Esports, one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, goes beyond competitive gameplay. It drives the future of live event production, streaming, and content creation on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, creating diverse career opportunities in roles such as:

  • Broadcast and streaming professionals.

  • Event specialists.

  • Content creators.

  • Coaches, managers, and performance experts.

  • Wellbeing and mental health professionals.

This booming industry is an exciting space where creativity meets technology, and Belfast Met is your gateway to becoming a part of it.

Your Path to Success
At Belfast Met, we do more than teach about Esports—we bring it to life. Our Foundation Degree focuses on broadcast production, the driving force behind live Esports events, giving you practical experience and insider knowledge. You’ll have access to our cutting-edge facilities, including the chance to run your own Esports arena, and learn directly from industry professionals with years of experience. Our strong partnerships with organisations like Ireland Esports, and Wylde mean you’ll gain real-world insights and networking opportunities, setting you up for success in this competitive industry.

What You’ll Learn
Year 1: Build Your Foundations

  • The Esports Industry: Understand its growth, impact, and future potential.

  • Health and Wellbeing in Esports: Explore ways to maintain performance and mental resilience.

  • Content Creation: Master the art of creating compelling multimedia content.

  • Emerging Technology: Delve into innovations like VR and AR.

  • Games Design: Learn the principles of game development.

  • Shoutcasting and Hosting: Develop skills to engage audiences during live events.

Year 2: Specialise and Lead

  • Event Management in Esports: Plan and execute live events.

  • Social Media Management: Build and grow audiences through strategic content.

  • Esports Live Event: Get hands-on experience with large-scale event coordination.

  • Live Broadcast Production: Learn the technical skills to deliver world-class streaming.

  • Work-Based Learning: Apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Why Study with Belfast Met?
Our Creative and Digital Technologies department has a long-standing reputation for excellence in Esports, gaming, media, and music. Our lecturers are active professionals with years of industry experience and connections across gaming, event production, and broadcasting. You’ll learn from experts who are passionate about your success and have access to:

  • A collaborative, hands-on learning environment.

  • Cutting-edge tools and facilities, including a purpose-built Esports arena.

  • Real-world projects with industry leaders like Ireland Esports and Wylde

A Unique Learning Experience
Our course combines academic knowledge with practical skills to ensure you are job-ready. Delivery methods include:

  • Lectures and workshops led by experienced professionals.

  • Practical sessions in live broadcasting and event management.

  • Collaborative projects and team-based problem solving.

  • Guest lectures from industry leaders.

  • Flexible learning, including online sessions and blended approaches.

Modules

Year 1: Build Your Foundations

The Esports Industry: Understand its growth, impact, and future potential.
Health and Wellbeing in Esports: Explore ways to maintain performance and mental resilience.
Content Creation: Master the art of creating compelling multimedia content.
Emerging Technology: Delve into innovations like VR and AR.
Games Design: Learn the principles of game development.
Shoutcasting and Hosting: Develop skills to engage audiences during live events.

Year 2: Specialise and Lead

Event Management in Esports: Plan and execute live events.
Social Media Management: Build and grow audiences through strategic content.
Esports Live Event: Get hands-on experience with large-scale event coordination.
Live Broadcast Production: Learn the technical skills to deliver world-class streaming.
Work-Based Learning: Apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Assessment method

Students are assessed using a range of different methods including:

Portfolios and projects.
Presentations and live briefs.
Essays and reports.
Video case studies and podcasts.

Whenever possible, we make our assessment methods as practical, with written components primarily being used to reinforce technical understanding and personally reflect on own performance. However, research is a core component to the development of any skillset, and so will be tested through written assessment alongside academic writing skills appropriate to the foundation degree level.

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Course does not award QTS

How to apply

Apply by
29 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
U992
Institution code:
B07
Campus name:
E3/Springvale Campus
Campus Code:
E

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

Belfast Met will not be sponsoring new applications for a student visa for the academic year 2025-26. More information on Right to Study and applying with overseas qualifications is available on our Frequently Asked Questions page on our website https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/full-time/how-to-apply/application-faqs/

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff 64 points

Minimum entry requirements are pre-defined by the College’s admissions criteria, which can be found by visiting our entry criteria page at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/full-time/higher-education/entry-criteria-higher-education/

Enhanced entry criteria for this course is:
GCSE Grade C English and Maths or equivalent
64 Tariff Points from A – Levels or Level 3 Qualification

A level

Minimum entry requirements are pre-defined by the College’s admissions criteria, which can be found by visiting our entry criteria page at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/full-time/higher-education/entry-criteria-higher-education/

Enhanced entry criteria for this course is:
GCSE Grade C English and Maths or equivalent
64 Tariff Points from A – Levels or Level 3 Qualification

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Minimum entry requirements are pre-defined by the College’s admissions criteria, which can be found by visiting our entry criteria page at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/full-time/higher-education/entry-criteria-higher-education/

Enhanced entry criteria for this course is:
GCSE Grade C English and Maths or equivalent
64 Tariff Points from A – Levels or Level 3 Qualification

Access to HE Diploma

Minimum entry requirements are pre-defined by the College’s admissions criteria, which can be found by visiting our entry criteria page at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/full-time/higher-education/entry-criteria-higher-education/

Enhanced entry criteria for this course is:
GCSE Grade C English and Maths or equivalent
64 Tariff Points from A – Levels or Level 3 Qualification

Scottish Higher

Minimum entry requirements are pre-defined by the College’s admissions criteria, which can be found by visiting our entry criteria page at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/full-time/higher-education/entry-criteria-higher-education/

Enhanced entry criteria for this course is:
GCSE Grade C English and Maths or equivalent
64 Tariff Points from A – Levels or Level 3 Qualification

Please click on the course page link to find out more about entry requirements for this course.

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

Additional entry requirements

Other
Following receipt of application, applicants will enter a Pre-Entry Advice process. Applicants must complete this process before moving to the next stage.

English language requirements

There are minimum English Language requirements for full-time Higher Education programmes. Applicants must hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language. Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills Literacy may be regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE English Language. The College may accept an equivalent level of qualification. Some courses may require higher than the minimum Grade C/4. You are advised to check the individual course entry requirements. You can find these within the Entry Requirements section under each individual course. Where a GCSE grade in English is specified as the only qualification accepted, other English competency qualifications may not apply. If you have not achieved GCSE English Language Grade C/4 or an equivalent level, you will be asked to provide evidence of English Language competency. Other qualifications may be accepted as evidence of level of competency on a case-by-case basis. To provide evidence of English Language competency, please contact us on 028 90 265 265 or email studentportal@belfastmet.ac.uk You will be referred to the appropriate curriculum area who will guide you on your next steps. Where an ESOL qualification is used, the appropriate level must be achieved across all skills - Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening. Applicants should also check the English language criteria for progression to other further and higher education institutions as these may vary.

Please click on the link below for more information about course entry requirements. https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/course/p00992-aa/foundation-degree-in-esports-validated-by-the-open-university/

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We recognise that prior learning or experience may give some students credit towards a qualification to gain entry onto a programme or credit towards a programme of study. Please refer to our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process.

Please click on the link for more information on Belfast Met's Higher Education entry requirements and our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Process.

Learn more on the Belfast Metropolitan College website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

The College reserves the right to introduce bursaries, offer concessions and vary fees within this schedule during the financial year to ensure optimal participation.

The College reserves the right to vary fees within this schedule during the financial year in line with amendments to Government policy.

Applicants and students will be informed, at the earliest opportunity of any rate change.

All course fees must be paid, or payment terms agreed with the College in advance of course commencement.

Please refer to our Fees and Charges Policy 2025-26 available from the Public Documents section of our website at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/media/qu1lwkoq/fees-and-charges-policy-2025-26_.pdf

Fees are payable annually.

The fees for 2025 and 2026 have not been finalised and may be subject to change.

All fees are set in accordance with DfE regulations.

Please contact the student loan company if you require a loan or our Funding Team by emailing studentfunding@belfastmet.ac.uk for other options.

Sponsorship information

Our Student Funding service provides advice and guidance to students on funding opportunities available in support of their studies. We aim to inform students about the range of financial assistance available, the relevant criteria and how these funds can be accessed. Please visit our website at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/life-at-the-met/students-support/student-finance/ to find out more information.

Like this page