HND Esports

Our HND in Esports course builds on the learning and experience gained on the HNC, further empowering students to thrive in one of the UK’s fastest-growing technology sectors and join the next generation of professionals in this billion-pound industry.  

As with the HNC, students will work closely with Manchester City Esports team, the students will have access to professionals within the industry in addition to once-in-a-lifetime experiences.   

This is a career-focused qualification with industry endorsement that enables learners to gain underpinning knowledge and develop technical and transferable skills that are transferable to a range of careers in a global marketplace.

Unit 501: Professional Development 
Professional development is important in the esports industry since it helps players, coaches, influencers, managers and analysts to improve their skills and knowledge. It also provides an overview of the skills and knowledge required to stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies in the industry. 

In this unit, students will learn about the importance of interpersonal and transferable skills required to communicate with audiences in the esports industry. Students will apply decision-making tools and techniques to a range of problem-solving scenarios and create a personal development plan for a career in esports. They will have the opportunity to discuss the benefits of team working in different esports environments and explore a range of relevant management skills to lead and motivate people to achieve their goals. Finally, students will consider the need to support their own continuing professional development (CPD) and, with a better understanding of opportunities available, its role in supporting higher-level learning.

Unit 502: Esports Research Project Note: This is a Pearson-set unit. 
The unit offers students the opportunity to conduct sustained research in a specific field of esports. Research skills are vital for the workforce, academic development and innovation. The unit aims to offer students an immersive learning experience designed to provide them with essential skills in research, problem solving, information collection and time management, and the ability to communicate findings to key stakeholders. These are considered to be crucial skills by employers for most positions in the esports industry. 

This unit provides a framework to recognise and explore solutions to real esports industry problems and opportunities. Students will be able to explore different research methodologies, methods and tools. They will be able to demonstrate the ability to identify a research theme, develop research aims, objectives and outcomes, and present the research outcomes. Furthermore, students can investigate creative research methods and tools that better reflect esports data collection, analysis and presentation methods.

Unit 505: Social Media Management 

Social media platforms, having a global fan base, allow esports organisations, teams, players and fans to connect, communicate and share in real time. They encourage audience participation, foster strong communities, create chances for content marketing, raise brand exposure and draw new followers.  

From content creators to influencers and brand managers, to social media strategists, the role of social media management continues to grow with each new platform that becomes established. This unit looks to develop the awareness and skill set for students to be able to do this. Students will be expected to examine social media management, focusing on the formulation and execution of content strategies and plans while developing an understanding of the strategies employed by professional social media managers. Students are expected analyse the opportunities presented by emerging platforms, explore the significance of content diversification, examine the importance of adhering to brand guidelines, delve into the art of content curation and investigate the value of metric analysis, with a focus on the esports industry while developing critical transferable skills for a range of marketing roles. Successful completion of this unit will enable students to understand audience engagement strategies and have an awareness of the importance of metric review, equipping them with the skills to manage social media accounts across a range of industries. 

Unit 506: Content Creation 

Content creation is a form of digital marketing practice that can generate global excitement in a range of formats, including videos, graphics and podcasts. With the growing popularity of esports on social media, there is a need for job roles in content creation and media departments at organisations such as content editors and digital, social media and marketing specialists, and journalists and videographers/photographers. 

Through this unit, students will explore a range of existing content created for the esports industry and how esports organisations use content to increase public engagement. Students will develop a media content plan using strategies and demonstrating an understanding of their audiences. The plan will be implemented, and students will create a series of content for a campaign. Students will then gather primary research to evaluate the content created and its effect on their potential target audience. This unit introduces students to visual and audio communication, visual storytelling and practical skills in video and image editing as well as the wider skills in content writing and journalism, which can all be part of an esports campaign.  

Unit 508: Creative Direction and Narratives 

Behind every esports broadcast, stream and video there is a creative story at work. An engaging narrative is essential in communicating with the target audience and engaging them in different media products. Working behind the scenes, the creative director is the person who devises the narrative and then ensures that all aspects of the production serve that narrative to tell the intended story. Students will explore different types of narratives used in esports media products so they can understand how these can be used to create a concept for an original media product such as a video, documentary or broadcast. 

The aim of this unit is for students to develop knowledge and understanding of different types of creative narratives and some of the theoretical concepts that underpin them so they can create their own narratives. Students will also develop their skills by translating their narrative concept into a plan for their own media product and will consider how technical production aspects can support them in communicating their narrative.

Unit 509: Team and Player Psychology 

With the rapid growth and professionalisation of esports, it is crucial for players and teams to possess not only exceptional technical and tactical skills but also a deep understanding of the psychological factors that influence their performance and success. Esports teams increasingly seek guidance from performance consultants and coaches who can support and develop athletes from a holistic and interdisciplinary perspective. 

This unit is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the psychological aspects that influence team dynamics and individual performance in the world of electronic sports, providing them with the knowledge to identify possible psychological challenges and the skills to respond to these effectively. Throughout this unit, students will explore various psychological theories, concepts and practical strategies that can enhance team cohesion, communication and individual performance in competitive esports environments. They will examine the unique challenges faced by esports athletes, including managing stress, developing resilience, maintaining motivation and contributing to team success, while also exploring the role that the coach can play in preparing performers for competitive situations.

Unit 513: Game Analytics and Statistical Insights 

Performance analysis in esports is a multifaceted process that examines the skills, tactics and techniques employed by individuals and teams during competitive play. Its primary objective is to optimise coaching interventions and facilitate performance enhancement. Unlike subjective perceptions, performance analysis provides factual insight into what transpired during gameplay. Interestingly, players and coaches are typically able to accurately recall only 30 per cent of their performance on average. This underscores the vital role of performance analysis professionals in ensuring that evidence-based improvements are implemented effectively. 

This unit aims to equip students with the knowledge and understanding of game analytics in the context of esports, enabling them to use data-driven insights to enhance performance and decision making. Students will delve into researching the purpose, impact, and components of data analytics, and explore various methods and statistical techniques employed in performance analysis. Ultimately, students will conduct comprehensive performance analysis to provide valuable insight, feedback and recommendations. Throughout this unit, students will acquire practical and technical skills to critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of in-game performance. They will gather the necessary evidence to support performance improvements and recognise the intricacies involved in performance analysis. Emphasising the importance of valid and reliable approaches, students will learn to provide technical feedback that supports individuals, teams and organisations effectively. 

Industry professionals are regularly invited into the studios as guest practitioners to deliver lectures and workshops. There are also opportunities for external visits to locations relevant to your future employment aspirations. 

You are encouraged to seek out placements and work experience and are supported with this as part of your studies. Live briefs and competition briefs are a key element of course content. 

Esports students will develop a range of highly transferable skills, and you could expect to find employment in a wide range of sectors. 

Whether aspiring to become Esports managers, content creators, event organisers, or industry analysts, students are equipped with the basics to build upon to gain a career within the industry. 

You may choose to further your education and progress onto HND Esports or a related degree programme. 

HNC Esports 
Applicants may be invited to an interview to discuss their qualifications and experience.