We have partnered with The British Esports Federation, the not-for-profit organisation established to promote and support grassroots esports, to create the world’s first qualification of its kind for a career in esports.

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The BTEC International Level 3 in Esports; is a skills-focused program and is a major step forward in supporting the creation of long-term careers in the growing esports industry, both in the UK and internationally currently valued at $2bn, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 20%. 
The World's First Esports Qualification | Pearson BTEC International Level 3 in esport
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Available in 5 sizes
  • Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Certificate in Esports (180 th)
  • Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Esports (360 th)
  • Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Esports (540 th)
  • Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Diploma in Esports (720 th)
  • Pearson BTEC International Level 3 Extended Diploma in Esports. (1080 th)

Read more about the qualfication sizes and what the qualification offers in the specification overview document below:

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What is Esports?

Esports is organised, competitive, human-versus-human video-gaming where people play against each other online and at live spectator events.

Esports is played by both amateurs and professionals and is open to all, regardless of gender, physical or mental ability.

Esports can be played on PCs, consoles and mobiles. Depending on the game, the format can be 1v1, 2v2, 3v3, 4v4, 5v5, 6v6 and so on. At the top level, leading global teams and players can earn significant sums in wages and prize-money each year.

Esports can be team-based and is always played against another person or people, therefore it is more social and more beneficial than the stereotypical perceptions of solo video-gaming.

In the UK, it is classified as a game not a sport, but this varies country by country. In specific countries, where ’mind’ games are classified differently, esports is recognised as a sport.
How will Esports help my learners?

Esports is already massively popular with young people. As such, the esports industry is being driven by a demographic of under-35s and their increasing engagement with, and immersion in, the digital world.

Esports is an exciting, massively popular team-based activity that engages a wider demographic of young people, usually under 35's and their increasing engagement with, and immersion in, the digital world compared to other traditional team activities such as sport, music, art or drama.

When done in moderation and as part of a balanced lifestyle, esports is also a beneficial alternative to watching passive media, like TV, or using social media. It has explicit links to computing education, STEAM subjects and the development of business, enterprise, digital and cyber skills. It also promotes character development in the same way that traditional team-based activities do.

Download the BTEC International Level 3 in Esports brochure to learn more.

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What skills can my learners acquire by participating in Esports?
  • promotes leadership skills and teamwork 
  • boosts social and communication skills 
  • develops problem solving, decision-making and multitasking abilities 
  • improves cyber, digital and other transferable skills 
  • develops friendships and communities 
  • improves reaction times, dexterity and concentration 
  • increases perceptual and cognitive skills
  • improves resilience through winning and losing 
  • can act as a motivator to improve attendance and behaviour

 

 
What equipment or delivery requirements do I need to set up?

Physical Resources and Centre Requirements

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What are the Careers in Esports?

As the industry continues to grow around the world, more jobs and career pathways are being created in esports, creating a demand for people with specific skills.

Here is a snapshot of some of the different roles within the industry:
  • Coach – including fitness trainers, nutritionists, psychologists
  • PR/Marketing executive
  • Sales/partnerships manager
  • Business management
  • Production crew
  • Shoutcaster/host
  • Journalist/content creator
  • Product Manager
  • Admin/Referee
  • Community/Social Media Manager
  • Event Manager
  • Professional esports player

 
Who are the British Esports Federation?
The British Esports Association

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The British Esports Federation (BEF) 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 grassroots (amateur) esports.

BEF helps educate the masses – including parents, teachers, media and government – around what esports is and what its benefits are. It runs the British Esports Championships for schools and colleges and other similar projects with young people. The federation is a member of Ukie, the Sport and Recreation Alliance the Welsh Sports Association, the European Esports Federation and the Global Esports Federation.

Its three goals are to Promote, Improve and Inspire:

  • promote esports internationally and increase its level of awareness
  • improve the standard of esports internationally
  • inspire future talent

The Founder and CEO of the British Esports, Chester King, is also a Vice President of the Global Esports Federation and chairs their Education, Culture and Wellness Commission. He also sits on the International Olympic Committee’s Esports and Gaming Liaison Group.

Visit the British Esports website

Case studies

Hear from professionals who studied a BTEC qualification, and how the knowledge and skills gained, supported their career progression
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Latimer King

Studied: BTEC Level 3 Enterprise and Entrepreneurship 

Current Role: Head of Marketing for Esports Global 

" I was able to get real life examples of working in a business environment. I believe that BTEC students have a confidence about them which helps them excel..."

Read more about Latimer King (PDF | 281 KB)
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GEMS FirstPoint School

Type of Institution: Private School 

Current number of active students at the centre: 1500 (all subjects)

Specialisms: Innovation, technology, sustainability, inclusion and vocational education

In January 2022, we spoke to Daniel Doyle at GEMS FirstPoint School about their delivery of BTECs, including the new BTEC in Esports.

Read more about GEMS (PDF | 281 KB)