Manchester City Esports Academy Level 2

If you’re passionate about gaming and want to turn that interest into a career, the Esports Academy Level 2 BTEC Award in Esports, delivered in partnership with City in the Community and Manchester City Esports, gives you the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge and experience needed to take your first steps into the exciting world of esports, gaming and digital media.

You will learn how the esports industry operates and explore the different roles behind professional teams, tournaments and live events. You will develop your skills through practical activities, industry-style projects and competitive esports experiences.

Topics of study include:

• Esports Games, Teams and Tournaments - explore competitive gaming, esports teams and how tournaments operate
• Establishing an Esports Organisation - learn how esports organisations are created, managed and developed
• Streaming for Esports - develop skills in streaming and explore how esports content reaches audiences online
• Planning an Esports Event - learn how to plan and organise an esports event while developing your teamwork, communication and organisational skills.

You will also develop valuable communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving and professional skills that can be used across esports and the wider digital and creative industries.

As part of the Oldham College Esports Academy, you’ll have opportunities to take part in practical esports activities, tournaments, live projects, content creation and industry-style tasks, allowing you to put your learning into practice.

Our partnership with City in the Community and Manchester City Esports provides opportunities to gain an insight into professional esports and the wider industry, alongside our links with Williams Esports and other industry organisations.

You may also have opportunities to take part in trips, visits and experiences, which could include to DreamHack, the City Football Academy, Williams Esports, esports teams, universities and the National Esports Performance Centre.

Opportunities will vary throughout the year, giving you the chance to experience different areas of the industry and develop your confidence both inside and outside the classroom.

You will complete 20 hours of work experience as part of your study programme, giving you the opportunity to develop your communication, teamwork, organisation and professional skills in a real working environment. This can take the form of placements, industry-led masterclasses, employer engagement and real life gaming experiences.

You will be assessed through a combination of coursework, practical projects, presentations, planning activities and industry-specific assessments.

Lessons can include:

• Competitive esports and tournaments
• Practical streaming activities
• Event planning
• Team-based esports activities
• Content creation
• Research and coursework
• Presentations and pitches
• Industry-style projects
• Practical demonstrations
• Employer and industry engagement.

You will have opportunities to work both individually and as part of a team, developing the communication, organisation and problem-solving skills expected within the industry.

The course focuses on learning by doing, allowing you to apply what you have learned to realistic esports scenarios and projects.

You will receive regular feedback from your tutors to help you develop your skills, improve your performance and prepare for your next step.

This course can provide a pathway into further study and help you explore the wide range of careers available within esports, gaming, digital media and the creative industries. 

Successful completion of Level 2 can allow you to progress to the Oldham College Esports Academy Level 3 Extended Diploma in Esports, a two-year programme designed to develop your skills and knowledge further.

You may also be able to progress to other relevant Level 3 courses, depending on your interests, career ambitions and entry requirements.

The esports industry offers a wide range of careers beyond competitive gaming. The course can help you explore roles including:

• Professional Esports Player
• Esports Coach or Analyst
• Team Manager
• Tournament Organiser
• Event Manager
• Match Official
• Shoutcaster or Commentator
• Streamer and Content Creator
• Video Editor
• Social Media and Community Manager
• Digital Marketing
• Broadcasting and Production
• Games Design and Testing
• Esports Administration and Business.

Whether your ambition is to compete, coach, create content, run events, work in broadcasting or develop a career in gaming and digital media, the Oldham College Esports Academy gives you the opportunity to start developing the skills and experience you need.

Through your course and our partnership with City in the Community and Manchester City Esports, you’ll have opportunities to gain valuable industry insight while developing your confidence, communication, teamwork, creativity and professional skills.

This can help you take your next step towards Level 3, further study or a career in the exciting and rapidly developing world of esports.