About the course

The Pearson Higher National Diploma (HND) in Esports is a Level 5 qualification designed to develop industry-relevant knowledge, practical skills, and professional behaviours for the rapidly growing esports sector. The course combines academic study with applied learning, preparing students for employment or progression to the final year of a related undergraduate degree.

Throughout the programme, students will explore key areas of the esports ecosystem, including:

- Esports industry structure, stakeholders, and governance

- Event planning, streaming, and broadcast technologies

- Branding, sponsorship, marketing, and community management

- Ethical, legal, and current issues in esports

- Emerging technologies and innovation in competitive gaming

Students will develop a wide range of transferable skills, such as project planning, strategic thinking, teamwork, communication, and critical evaluation. Assessment is primarily coursework-based, using practical and written assignments that reflect real-world industry scenarios.

The HND in Esports equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in esports-related roles or to continue their academic journey in higher education.

Entry Requirements

The applicant will have a relevant or working towards a HNC or level 4 qualification. However, the qualification needs to be done before the applicant commences studying this HND course.

Other relevant entry requirements information:

GCSE English & Maths at Grade 4 or above

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma - MMM

UCAS Tariff - 96-104 Points

Modules

Unit 501 - Professional Development

Unit 502 - Research Project

Unit 505 - Social Media Management

Unit 506 - Content Creation

Unit 508 - Creative Direction and Narratives

Unit 512 - Emerging Technologies

Unit 514 - Social Landscape and Community Dynamics

Assessment

You will be assessed through internally set assignments that are completed after the relevant unit content has been delivered (or after specific sections of a unit where more than one assignment is used).

Assessment tasks may take a variety of forms, including written work, practical activities, or a combination of both. Assignments are completed independently, either individually or as part of a team, and are separate from taught lessons, workshops, and other tutor-led learning activities.

Each assessment is issued through a formal Assignment Brief. This outlines what you are required to do, the evidence you must submit, and the key dates, including when the assignment is set and when it must be completed. Some assignments may also include practical activities that must be completed under tutor observation.

Assignments may be divided into multiple parts and may require different types of evidence. All assessments are designed to allow your work to be graded clearly and fairly against published assessment criteria.