Staffordshire University has announced that it is taking Esports to the next level – by launching the UK’s first dedicated Masters degree.
The MA Esports will sit alongside the BA (Hons) Esports degree which launches at the University’s Stoke-on-Trent campus in September.
The new postgraduate qualification is set to appeal to graduates with a computer games or business degree who wish to work in the Esports industry which is predicted to grow significantly in coming years.
Rachel Gowers, Associate Dean in Staffordshire Business School said: “We’ve been working with the Esports Industry extensively over the last 12 months as we developed the undergraduate degree and it was clear there was a need for a higher level qualification which focuses on the political, economic and regulatory framework surrounding Esports. The MA will focus on the International Esports Ecosystem and give students the opportunity to develop independent thinking skills and a critical understanding of this complex industry.”
Like the BA, the Masters is a collaboration between the University’s Business School and the School of Computing and Digital Technologies which has an excellent reputation for Computer Games.
Associate Professor Bobbie Fletcher said: “Having the Masters launch alongside the BA (Hons) Esports helps us sets out our intention to create an Esports hub at Staffordshire University. We plan to grow our reputation for Computer Games and Esports and we are looking to collaborate with industry at every opportunity. Like Esports, the Masters is fast and dynamic, and students will be expected to work in a range of esports settings within weeks of their start.”
Rachel added: “Our MA Esports is designed to prepare the next generation of managers to work in the industry and to contribute to a body of research in this new digital landscape.”
Applications are being taken for a September start and people wanting to find out more can attend the Postgraduate Event on Wednesday May 16 from 4pm – 7pm.