Entry Requirements
What You'll Need
- GCSE Maths at grade 4 or above
- GCSE English at grade 4 or above
- Successful interview with our team
- Initial assessment in Maths and English
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Level 3 UAL Level 3 Diploma In Creative Media Production & Technology – Games Development
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You’ll think it’s just playing games. It’s not. You’ll learn video editing, content creation, live streaming, coaching, event management, and the business side of esports. Every assignment is coursework — no exams — and you choose your own game, pick your own projects, and tailor the work to what you’re actually interested in.
Our students compete at regional and national level through the British Esports Association and have represented the college at WorldSkills UK. You’ll build a portfolio of real content, not just assignments — videos you’ve edited, brands you’ve created, events you’ve run. By the end, most students say they discovered career options they didn’t know existed when they started.
Year 1 Units
- Introduction to Esports
- Esports Skills, Strategy & Analysis
- Enterprise & Entrepreneurship
- Health & Wellbeing for Esports Players
- Producing an Esports Brand
- Esports Coaching
- Ethics Within Esports
Year 2 Units
- Esports Events
- Video Production
- Games Design
- Shoutcasting
- Psychology for Esports Players
- Nutrition for Esports Players
- Launching a Brand
- Customer Immersion Experience
Year 2 is optional but recommended. It doubles your UCAS points and adds video production, games design, and shoutcasting — the units students rate highest.
Assessment Methods
Coursework
Written assignments, research projects, and case studies that let you explore topics in depth.
Practical Assessment
Hands-on tasks and practical demonstrations in realistic working environments.
Group Work
Collaborative projects that develop your teamwork and communication skills.
Career Pathways After This Course
Creative & Content
Make things people actually watch
Video editing, content creation, streaming, shoutcasting, brand building. If you like making videos, running a channel, or telling stories about games, this is your lane. You’ll build a portfolio of real content during the course.
- Video Editor
- Content Creator
- Streamer
- Shoutcaster / Commentator
- Social Media Producer
- Brand Manager
Games & Development
Build the games, not just play them
Games design, development, testing, and production. This was the most popular career pick among current students. The course gives you foundations in design thinking and project management that apply across the industry.
- Games Designer
- Games Developer
- Games Tester / QA
- Production Assistant
- Level Designer
Competitive & Coaching
Compete, coach, or analyse
Esports coaching, team management, performance analysis, and competitive play. Our students compete at regional and national level as part of the British Esports Association team and have entered WorldSkills UK.
- Esports Coach
- Team Manager
- Performance Analyst
- Tournament Organiser
- Events Coordinator
Your Progression Pathway
- Level 2 or GCSEs
- Level 3 Level 3 National Diploma in Esports
- University or Employment
- Careers in many sectors
See What It's Really Like
Where You’ll Work
Purpose-built esports suites with the kit you’d actually use — high-spec gaming PCs, streaming setups, and dedicated spaces for content production and team practice.
Gaming & Competition Suite
High-spec gaming PCs, competitive setups, and dedicated practice space for team tournaments and individual play
Content Production Setup
Streaming equipment, video editing workstations, and recording space for building your content portfolio
Coaching & Analysis Area
Screen sharing and replay analysis tools for coaching sessions, strategy breakdowns, and team reviews
Our esports suite at The Hub
Student Voice
Studying Esports has helped me grow in confidence, learn how to communicate better, and explore the creative side of gaming. I’ve enjoyed the people, the environment, and creating things like game ideas and merch. It’s helped me see what I want to focus on in the future.
Supporting Your Child's Journey
Real Career Prospects
These qualifications lead to real jobs. Our courses are built around the skills that employers are actually hiring for — locally and nationally.
See career optionsQualifications That Count
These are nationally recognised qualifications with real academic weight. Your child will develop practical skills and knowledge that employers and universities genuinely value.
See the full unit listFinancial Support Available
Bursaries are available, and free meals are provided for those who qualify. If cost is a concern, there's help — and it's straightforward to apply.
Financial support infoA Friendly, Welcoming Place
Students are often surprised by how friendly and welcoming college is. It's a supportive community where they'll build genuine friendships and feel part of something.
About student lifeQuick Reference Guide
Level
Level 3
Duration
1-2 years full-time
Study Mode
Full-Time
Entry
GCSE grade 4+ in Maths & English
Assessment
Coursework + Practical Assessment + Group Work
Age
16+
Progression Routes
Route A: Esports Diploma (Y1) → Extended Diploma (Y2) → University (games development, digital media, esports management)
Route B: Esports Diploma (Y1) → Employment (content creation, coaching, events, broader digital roles)
Route C: Esports Diploma (Y1) → Related L3 course or Apprenticeship
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Applications for September 2026 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.
Questions? Call free 0800 358 7575 or email dcinfocentre@don.ac.uk