Pearson and The British Esports Association release new BTEC International Level 3 qualification and resources in Esports
Pearson, the world's learning company, has partnered with the British Esports Association to launch the brand new BTEC International Level 3 qualification and resources in Esports. This qualification is the first of its kind and a major step forward in supporting the creation of long-term careers in the growing global esports industry. Institutions around the world can now offer these new qualifications to overseas learners from September 2020.
The esports industry is projected to generate revenues of $1.1 billion in 2020, a year-on-year growth of 16%, with the total esports audience set to rise 11.7% to 495 million individuals, according to Newzoo.
The qualification consists of 22 units, including Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Strategy and Analysis, Events Management, Live-streamed Broadcasting, Video Production, Shoutcasting, Coaching, Health and Wellbeing, the Law and Legislation, Computer Networking and more. The qualifications will enable some learners to enter careers in the esports industry, upskill their careers or progress to further and higher education.
The qualification is available in 5 sizes: Certificate, Subsidiary Diploma, Foundation Diploma, Diploma, Extended Diploma. These sizes are designed to work with other curriculum so that learners can take a smaller esports qualification alongside vocational subjects in business, or creative media, or alongside an academic curriculum.
The units are designed to provide deep insight into esports and will enable learners to develop a wide range of transferable skills and knowledge that can be applied to other careers and sectors including digital and STEAM-based careers. This is especially valuable to learners in a changing world where job roles are likely to continually change, and the emphasis is increasingly on flexibility, adaptability and transferable skills.
To ensure that the content meets industry needs and provides high-quality preparation for progression, the partners engaged experts within esports, educators and employers including the University of Chichester, Sheridans and the North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF). British Esports Association board members including Mark “Garvey” Candella, Director of Education and Student Programmes at Twitch and Craig “Wizzo” Fletcher, founder of Multiplay/Insomnia, supported the work of the partners, reviewing content as it developed.
Andy Payne OBE, British Esports Association Chair, commented: “Esports is a growing, exciting industry that many young people are looking at with interest and it’s important they have the opportunity to unlock their potential and be the leaders of tomorrow. The industry is still finding its feet, but with big names like Pearson coming on board to bring learning and curriculum design expertise, this bodes well for the future workforce.”
Cindy Rampersaud, Senior Vice President BTEC and Apprenticeships at Pearson, commented: “The world of esports offers huge employment potential, both in the UK and across the world, and the new BTEC International Level 3 qualification in esports will give learners the knowledge and skills they need to build a career in this exciting sector. We have worked closely with industry experts to create a career-focused set of qualifications that will support the rapid growth of the esports sector and offer learners a pathway into working in esports and related industries.”
Paul J. Foster, Chief Operating Officer, Global Esports Federation (GEF), said: “Education in esports is essential for our growing community to succeed. The British Esports Association has shown great leadership in paving the way for many others around the world, particularly in delivering quality courses together with their partner Pearson. The future for esports will continue to be bright and so it is perfect timing for this new international esports course to be launched.”
Mark “Garvey” Candella, Director of Student and Education Programs at Twitch, commented: "The BTEC in esports really addresses the core competencies needed for students to become empowered and confident young professionals in the gaming and esports industries. To meet students where they are and teach highly transferable and valuable digital media skills in an engaging way is the future."
Learn more about this qualification
Notes:
- The BTEC International Level 3 consist of 5 sizes: Certificate, Subsidiary Diploma, Foundation Diploma, Diploma, Extended Diploma.
- These qualifications are the equivalent of 0.5 International A Level, one International A Level, 1.5 International A Levels, 2 International A Levels or 3 International A Levels respectively.
About the British Esports Association
The British Esports Association 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 the grassroots level of esports and is not a governing body. The Association helps educate the masses – including parents, teachers, media and government – around what esports is and what its benefits are. Its three goals are to Promote, Improve and Inspire.
Contact
For press enquiries or for more information, please contact duncan.roberts@pearson.com.
For press enquiries or for more information, please contact the British Esports Association at info@britishesports.org.