QUEEN Mary’s College Basingstoke will launch BTEC in esports this September.

Delivered in partnership with Belong, this new BTEC qualification will teach students how esports works as an industry, equipping them with the knowledge, understanding and digital skills to enable them to create business and branding opportunities.

It will provide QMC students with a host of skills and opportunities, including contact with esports industry experts, work experience and bespoke preparation and training for national competitions.

QMC also plans to launch the first-ever esports scholarship, giving specific access to the Basingstoke Belong Arena, resources and discount codes with other global brands and unique esports guests.

As well as in gaming itself, career opportunities include Event Management, Sales and Marketing, Broadcasting, Human Resources and many more of the roles typically associated with running large scale businesses.

Kathy Slack, EnterpriseM3 CEO said: “It’s fantastic to see QMC taking the lead in the South of England with the provision of the new BTEC in esports. The EM3 region has an ever-growing number of businesses in the Gaming and Immersive Tech Industries.

"There are signs this may be one of the more resilient industries to the current economic slowdown, and one with the potential to help drive growth and an economic recovery. It is therefore vital there are training opportunities such as this, with wide-ranging career prospects for prospective learners who aspire to be the esports designers of tomorrow.”

James Fraser-Murison, Head of Creative Arts at QMC, said “It’s a huge honour that Belong have chosen to support us in our mission to become the leading provider of esports education in the South of England. Belong has a proven track record of working successfully within the esports industry and we welcome them in helping us to develop future esports teams, coaches and players.”

Andy Dopson, Head of Belong, said “This is an remarkable opportunity for both Belong and Queen Mary’s College and we are excited to be supporting such a unique qualification, that focuses on developing skills in all elements of the Esports industry. We are proud to be working alongside James and his team to help build the next generation of esports managers, producers, casters, players, creatives and talent and look forward to supporting the students development through this course”