MA
Become an expert in the legal, ethical and political dilemmas facing the industry
The first dedicated esports Masters degree developed in partnership with industry
Contribute to the body of research in this growing industry
We are at a very exciting time in esports as a research area. Now that the first cohorts of students with esports degrees are graduating, we are seeing esports establish itself as an academic discipline in its own right. This MA is positioned at the centre of this developing area of study, designed to explore how the esports sector has emerged as a leader in the globalised digital media landscape.
Focusing on the developments in this rapidly changing space, and using a varied set of case studies this MA will help you examine the strategies employed by organisations working in esports, giving you opportunities to craft your own innovative responses to the latest practices.
The esports industry is at the cutting edge of latest trends in games, sports, and digital media and we are looking for innovative, interdisciplinary minds, not exclusively from esports backgrounds, who understand the value of being able to use esports as a lens, through which to explore shifts in society about the way people spend their time and their money, the way people consume and produce media and the way in which we regulate and govern the global online space.
On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MA Esports
This course will allow you to explore the co-creative relations of esports audiences, participants, and organisations, encourage you to become an expert in managing these emerging digital media practices and giving you a critical understanding of the underpinning global economics of esports so you can lead ongoing conversations surrounding the role, scope, and influence of the industry, and apply what you find to wider societal infrastructures.
Choosing to study at our London or Stoke-on-Trent campus, you will have access to resources such as the esports arena in London or the Epic Games Centre in Stoke-on-Trent. Having access to both campuses, you will be able to draw upon the academic expertise in areas including media, journalism, production, events, coaching and business, giving you a range of directions and plenty of choice in terms of supervision. There is also opportunity to carry your MA research forward onto a doctoral programme.
You will usually have achieved a 2:1 in a relevant subject area. If you don’t meet our entry criteria but have achieved a 2:2 at degree level and have recent relevant work experience or other relevant qualifications, you may be eligible to apply for the course. In such cases, you would normally be required to interview or complete a preliminary task with the Course Leader, and entry is at the discretion of the Course Leader.
For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.
Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.
Everyone needs a space to relax, wind down, and take a break from study, and we have just that. In our den you'll find all the things you need to help chill you out including lockers, comfy booths, food prep space and more.
Integrate yourself with the buzz of digital technologies in The Hall, a space dedicated to seminar groups, group discussions and class meetings. The space is fully flexible, and can be configured to suit the needs of groups of up to 30 students with electrical points and multiple seating areas.
Get to grips with the modern world of digital technologies in our bespoke Esports Arena. Here you'll become familiar with the industry that's taking the world by storm, and you'll be able to hone your craft in event organisation, planning and technical skills.
Our labs offer development facilities for multiple platforms, including PS4, Xbox360, Xbox One, phones, tablets and PCs. Underpinning the console specific solutions are development environments for languages including C, C++, C# and Java.
The Den includes:
Our setup includes:
6v6 PC gamingSix Seat Presenter Desk with integrated monitors for live monitoring of gaming feedsFour ceiling suspended TV’s for audience viewingThree Panasonic studio cameras with Autocue teleprompter’sPTZ (Pan, tilt, zoom) remote controllable studio camera for arena coverageProfessional custom designed lighting rigPortable green screen kit
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This course will equip you with transferable skills in research, analysis, critical thinking and project planning, giving you the option of applying your knowledge both inside and outside the esports sector or for progressing onto to a PhD. All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.
You will gain an intimate understanding of global esports perspectives, delving into regional intricacies which shape esports across the globe and their broader implications for esports as a profession and practice. Throughout the course you will develop a comprehensive understanding of the theories which frame and influence the contemporary esports landscape.
You will drive innovation in esports practices through practice-led assessments and a self-directed research project, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in fields as varied as esports broadcast production, tournament operations, regulation, and business.
Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:
If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.
For the course starting on 26 September 2022 the tuition fees are:
For the course starting on 30 January 2023 the tuition fees are:
If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.
If you've previously completed a Staffordshire University undergraduate degree (excluding HND and foundation degrees) you may be entitled to a discount of up to 25% off your course fees for any subsequent postgraduate taught course (terms apply, see the alumni discount page for details). If you have any questions about how this relates to you, please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.
Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.
For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation
Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,222 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning.
For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.
If you are offered a place at Staffordshire University, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.
Students of Staffordshire University enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.
Times Higher Awards 2020
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021
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