New to 2021 and only a few places available across the country, join one of the biggest growing industries in the world. In the last five years, esports, the online competitive gaming phenomena has also expanded into physical events and tournaments and now has a UK export value of £183.4million and rising.

This course will take your passion for competitive gaming and your interest in how the global esports industry works to prepare you for starting your own business, putting on virtual and physical events whilst learning every single aspect about one of the most exciting future-thinking industries there is.

ACC’s approach to all its games courses is a focus on industry and providing students with a range of skills any employer would look for. By studying at ACC, you are part of a creative community of game developers, artists and events organisers – all people you could be working with after you graduate! This course differs from a standard events management course because it is primarily focused on competitive gaming. If you’d prefer to dig into lighting and sound check out Event Production Level 3.

Qualification: Level 3 Extended Diploma (the specific qualification will be confirmed later this year)
How Long: Three to four days a week for two years, September to July (daytime). How long you are in college will depend on what additional English and Maths sessions you need to attend.
Where: Birmingham, Bristol, Lincoln, London, Manchester, Norwich.
Entry Requirements: This isn’t about playing games, this is a back-breaking but rewarding industry. You’ll need to show you are really keen to put on events of your own, have some experience in this area and have achieved at least four GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C), including English, or other equivalent qualifications. Other grades will be considered on a case by case basis. Places are conditional based on this achievement and we will discuss options with you if you do not attain these.
Assessment: This qualification is coursework based and does not contain exams. Some assessments take place practically and involves your ability to carry out a task or brief being recorded. Coursework is assessed through a variety of methods with the qualification being gained through a good balance of practical and written assessments.
Fees: If you are aged 16-18 on 31st August 2020, then the course is FREE. If you are aged 19+ please refer to our 19+ information on the fees page.

Our esports course is based around skill development in a multitude of areas to ensure you have the full breadth of knowledge to prepare, manage and host events. This all starts with understanding about games; how they are designed, how they are built and how the equipment works. Over the two years, these foundations are then built upon with management skills; events management, coaching a team, shoutcasting a competition and how to master live streaming. And to top it all off, you need to know how to make it; self-promotion and marketing and creating a sellable brand.

Of course, you’re going to need to spend time in the industry-standard Overclockers Games Lab fully equipped with the latest technology as well as stretching your skills to gain experience of the events spaces using sound, lighting and other exciting tech.

Exclusive to Access Creative College, our ACC Live programme provides our students with the extras they need to gain real live experience in their sector. You will get to run your own esports events and tournaments working with other ACC campuses as well as getting insider knowledge from our industry partners such as UKIE (UK Interactive Entertainment) and BEA (British Esports Association).

With all the transferable skills you can learn on this course, the world really is your oyster. You can head off to Uni, study a Level 4/5 in games or events or go straight into the world of work as an Event Organiser, Coach and Analyst, Streamer/influencer, Community Manager, Digital Marketer. You could also go into a role such as light/sound engineer, Video editor, eSports Player, Personal Trainer, Product Designer and Game Developer!

Applying for this course is easy. All you need to do is fill in our short online application form. After you have created an account you will be able to provide links to online work, upload relevant documents and book an interview slot. Once we’ve received your application, we’ll be in touch within a couple of days.

SKILLSET: – For school leavers we will require evidence of your predicted and actual grades, ideally backed up by a school reference.

– Please note you will not be able to enrol if you will be under the age of 16 on 31st August. Applications from people under this age are still welcome, but will be deferred to the following year.