Computing and Digital Technologies

Level 3

01 Sep 2025

2 Years

KNIGHTSTONE CAMPUS

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Esports, BTEC Extended Diploma

The Esports BTEC Extended Diploma is an exciting and comprehensive programme that immerses you in the rapidly growing world of competitive gaming. With esports gaining immense popularity worldwide, there is a need for skilled individuals who can excel in this dynamic and competitive industry.

The diploma provides you with the opportunity to develop your skills in various aspects of esports, including game analysis, team management, event organisation, and streaming production. Through a combination of theoretical learning and practical experience, you will acquire the knowledge and expertise required to succeed in the fast-paced and ever-evolving realm of esports. Whether it's becoming a professional player, a team manager, a content creator, or an event organiser, this course opens doors to a range of exciting career pathways within the esports industry.

We are one of the top colleges in the UK for computing and digital technologies courses. You will learn from experienced lecturers who will equip you with the knowledge and expertise required for success in the workplace. Our college boasts state-of-the-art facilities to ensure that you have access to the latest industry tools and technologies.

When you study with us, you’ll become part of our Digital Career Excellence Hub, which means you’ll enjoy a host of career-boosting benefits and unrivalled access to potential employers. You will benefit from work experience opportunities, employer visits, guest lectures from sector experts and courses designed in collaboration with leading organisations to meet industry demands. You'll gain invaluable insight into the IT sector and create numerous networking opportunities. By the time you complete your training, you'll be fully prepared for your future career, armed with the skills and knowledge that employers value.

WHAT DOES THIS COURSE INVOLVE

This course combines theoretical and practical content around the Esports industry. On this BTEC qualification, you will cover a variety of modules over the following sectors:

Esports
Business
Sport
Creative Media
IT

69% of parents feel that Esports teaches their children skills which cannot be developed through traditional learning, this is reflected in the range of modules that you will learn on the programme of study, modules may include:

Introduction to Esports
Enterprise and Entrepreneurship in the Esports Industry
Health, Wellbeing and Fitness for Esports Players
Producing an Esports brand
Psychology for Esports Performance
Shoutcasting
Computer Networking

Alongside your course, you can join our Esports academy, train for national competitions and become an ambassador for the area.

As part of this study programme, you will develop your Maths and English skills, and attend tutorials and Individual Development (ID). All aspects of your study programme will be discussed at your interview.

ASSESSMENT METHOD

You will be assessed through a range of theoretical and practical coursework modules. This will include group work, presentations, and portfolio development.

FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

From the Esports qualification, you can progress into a variety of different areas. You will have opportunities to progress onto university degree, such as an Esports degree, or direct into the industry.

This course is a good starting point for progressing into roles such as: content creator, Esports coach, social media manager or events management.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

5 GCSEs at grade 9-4 or the Technical Progression Certificate in Computing.

WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

Ready to apply – please use the ‘apply now’ button at the top of this page.
I’d like to visit and see the facilities and chat to staff – see when our next open event is here: EVENTS | Weston College
I have a quick question – use our Live Chat facility on the bottom right of this page.

Please note that there is currently a review by the Department for Education on a number of level 3 qualifications as part of a national education review. While we hope to offer this course in the upcoming academic year, its availability may be subject to change following the conclusion of the review, which we hope will be concluded by December 2024. We understand this uncertainty may be disruptive and appreciate your patience and understanding during this period of Government review, please be reassured that we are planning for all outcomes and are in no doubt that whatever the results of the review, we will be able to provide you with the right qualification and pathway to support you with your career goals and next steps. More information is available by clicking (here)[https://www.weston.ac.uk/news/important-update-government-qualification-reforms-and-course-offerings-2025]

Category & Subject Area

Computing and Digital Technologies Courses for 16 to 18-year-olds Courses for 16 to 18-year-olds

iAn interview is required for this course.

Fees Information

Level 2 Qualifications

This course may be Free* if you live in the South West of England and:

You are defined by the Adult Education Board (AEB) as being unemployed because one of the following applies:
- receive Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), including those receiving National Insurance credits only
- receive Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- receive Universal Credit and your take home pay, as recorded on your Universal Credit statement (disregarding Universal Credit payment and other benefits) is less than £345 a month (learner is sole adult in the benefit claim) or £552 a month (learner has a joint benefit claim with their partner)
- are released on temporary licence, studying outside a prison environment, and not funded by the Ministry of Justice
You are employed, or self-employed, and earn less than £18,525.00 annual gross salary.

Level 3 Qualifications

This course is Free* if:

The qualification you have chosen to study is part of the Legal Entitlements list and you are aged 19-23 at the start of your course and you do not already have a qualification at Level 3 or higher. From April 2021, any adult aged 24 and over who wants to achieve their first full level 3 qualification will be able to access certain courses we run for free.

The full fee is payable if:

this is not your first full level 3

the qualification you wish to study isn’t on the approved list of level 3 qualifications the College can run for free.

However, you may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Apprenticeships - Information for Employers

The cost of apprenticeships will be split into 30 funding bands ranging from £1,500 to £27,000. The prices will depend on the type of apprenticeship and the level it is taught at, and are negotiable with your training provider.

For 98% of employers, the reforms mean that employing an apprentice will be better value for money than ever before. Small businesses will only have to pay 5% of the training costs, with the Government picking up the remaining 95%. In some cases, the Government will fully fund apprenticeships for small businesses.

Click here for more information about how the reforms and levy will affect your company.

Advanced Learner Loans

You may be eligible to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan from Student Finance England, to fund the cost of your course. For further information and to check eligibility, please follow the links below:

Other Important information

While every care has been made to ensure the accuracy of our prospectuses and website, errors may occur from time to time resulting in incorrect information / fees being shown / printed.

Fees quoted online and in our prospectuses are for the current academic year only, and are subject to change – two and three-year courses will have fees to pay again in subsequent years.
You may still need to buy a uniform/kit which is your professional start-up kits or pay professional/personal memberships and all students will need to provide a National Insurance number and up-to-date proof of benefits, if applicable, at the time of enrolment.
Please click here for our current term dates.

If you are 16-18 years old on the 31st August in the current academic year, this course is usually Free.
Students who are EU/EEA or Swiss Citizens who have lived in the UK before 1 January 2021 who do not have indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK or haven’t applied for the EU Settlement Scheme and been granted pre-settled or settled status – please contact the College Registrar on 01934 411 531 for advice on appropriate UKVI student visa fees before you enrol.

Refunds

Full refunds will be payable if we need to cancel a course.
Tuition fee refunds are payable if you change your mind within 14 days of enrolling on your course and before the start of the course (10% of tuition fee or £25 administration fee whichever is larger will be charged).

If you change your mind about a course before it starts or during the first three weeks, we will happily transfer you to an alternative course - you may need to pay any difference in fees or have a credit note issued to you if the course is cheaper.
If you wish to withdraw from a course you can request a credit note for the remaining proportion of the tuition fees to a maximum of 50% of tuition fees paid (a £25 administration fee will be charged). Credit notes are valid for one calendar year.
There are different terms and conditions for Higher Education courses - please call 01934 411 409 for further details.

Discretionary Learner Support Fund

This is a College-administered fund which can support some costs associated with attending qualification courses. It is mean-tested against gross household income and limited in its amount per learner. For further information please contact Student Services on 01934 411 571.

What our Students say

Luke

Esports BTEC Extended Diploma

This course offered me the opportunity to turn something I love doing in my free time into a career I can hopefully travel the world with.. My lecturers have been excellent. They have shown me the opportunities available in esports and always supported me in choosing and taking my next steps at every stage throughout the course.

Read my story

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