University of Suffolk in Ipswich to launch esports degree

Suffolk may soon become the destination for anyone wishing to work in the professional gaming industry.

The University of Suffolk will become the among the first in the East of England to offer an esports degree from 2025.

Its curriculum will cover a number of key areas, ranging from game design, event management, live streaming, marketing and analysis of competitive gameplay.

The course will make use of the University of Suffolk’s new esports lab, featuring high-spec gaming computers.

Stuart Harmer, Dean of the university’s School of Technology, Business and Arts, said the course was being developed alongside industry experts.

Students will gain vital experience through internships, partnerships and live esports events hosted at the university itself, he said.

Professor Harmer added: “We are thrilled to announce our plans to create one of the first esports undergraduate courses in the East of England.

“It recognises the tremendous growth and potential of the esports industry.

“We have witnessed a significant growth in students studying esports at colleges and schools in the region and by providing this course we’re offering these students a much-needed pathway that allows them an important progression into higher education in this industry.

Esports, short for electronic sports, are competitions played in video games, which has seen increasing popularity in the past decade.

The industry has attracted a number of key brand sponsorships, including Red Bull, Heineken, Microsoft, Pepsi and more.