Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This degree blends computing and digital technologies with practical e‑sports industry skills. You study programming and systems fundamentals alongside specialist topics such as game and tournament production, live streaming, digital media pipelines, player performance analytics, and the business of e‑sports. The programme emphasises hands‑on learning: laboratory sessions, studio production, team projects and a substantial final‑year research or industry project that brings together technical development, event delivery or commercial strategy.

• Core technical modules — programming (object‑oriented languages), networking and cloud basics, databases, real‑time systems and tools used in game and streaming workflows.
• Specialist e‑sports modules — tournament and event management, live broadcast and production techniques, community and influencer management, streaming technologies and platform integration.
• Data and analytics — match and player performance analytics, telemetry, visualisation, and using data to inform coaching, broadcast and commercial decisions.
• Creative and commercial modules — games design concepts, user experience for players and viewers, marketing and sponsorship models, rights, governance and ethical issues in e‑sports.
• Professional practice — industry placements or integrated work projects, professional skills, entrepreneurship and portfolio development.

Structure

The course is typically delivered over three years full‑time, with an option to include a work placement or professional practice year where available. Learning methods include lectures, practical labs, studio production, collaborative group projects, and assessment by coursework, practical demonstrations and a final major project.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a combination of academic qualifications (A‑levels, BTEC or equivalent) or relevant vocational experience. Typical offers combine academic and practical achievement; applicants who can demonstrate strong practical experience in gaming, production or computing and who present a portfolio or evidence of relevant work may be considered. GCSE (or equivalent) English and maths at a recognised pass level are usually required. International applicants must meet recognised English language requirements.

Mature students and those with non‑traditional backgrounds are encouraged to apply; interview or submission of a portfolio showing relevant technical, creative or event experience can form part of the assessment.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of roles across e‑sports, games and digital media industries. Common career paths include:

• Event and tournament producer or manager (live and online)
• Broadcast and streaming technician or producer
• Data analyst or performance analyst for teams and organisations
• Community manager, content creator or digital marketing specialist
• Platform and tools developer, game‑systems programmer or QA specialist
• Roles in sponsorship, commercial development, rights management and e‑sports operations

The combination of technical skills and industry‑facing practice also supports careers in adjacent sectors such as games development, interactive media, digital broadcasting and creative technology startups.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University is known for its applied, industry‑connected approach to media, technology and creative subjects. The course benefits from practical facilities, opportunities to work on live projects with industry partners and access to multidisciplinary expertise across computing and media studies. Students gain professional experience through placement options, collaborative projects and connections with the region’s creative and digital businesses. The university emphasises employability, with dedicated support to develop a portfolio, professional networks and the practical skills needed for the fast‑moving e‑sports sector.