Studying Esports

Introducing your course leader, Joshua Lindsey

Hi, I'm Joshua Lindsey, the Course Leader for the FdA Esports course.

Our esports teaching team brings together industry professionals, academic specialists and active researchers who provide a learning experience shaped by expert insight, practical relevance and consistent support.

Whether you're interested in events management, marketing, performance and team management, communities of play or sociology of esports, you'll always be able to speak to someone who can offer guidance - whether it's related to your modules, career aspirations or extracurricular projects. We also regularly collaborate with industry partners, giving you opportunities to get involved in real‑world events and hands‑on projects.

From the moment you join us, you'll be assigned an Academic Mentor who will be your primary contact for advice and general support. You'll meet with them regularly to discuss your progress, set goals and make sure you're on track throughout your studies.

We look forward to welcoming you into the esports community at University of Staffordshire and supporting you throughout your journey as you develop the skills, confidence and experience needed for a successful career in esports.

Life as a student at our London campus

We know you’ve been wondering what it’s like to be a student at University of Staffordshire London. The campus and local area offer a varied and welcoming environment for student life. Whether you like getting involved in activities or prefer taking things at your own pace, there’s always something to do. You’ll find plenty of nearby green spaces to relax in, a wide choice of places to eat, sports facilities, and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park just around the corner. And with Stratford only a short trip from central London, the rest of the city is always within easy reach.

Events and tournaments for Esports students

Our Esports course offers you an immersive experience, filled with numerous events and tournaments that provide hands-on learning and networking opportunities. Here’s a glimpse of what you can look forward to:

  • Campus Clash - Campus Clash is our annual friendly competition between year groups, held in our state-of-the-art esports facilities. This event not only fosters a sense of community but also allows you to gain experience in organising and participating in large-scale tournaments.
  • Varsity leagues - you'll have the chance to compete in UK and international varsity leagues such as NUEL (National University Esports League) and NSE (National Student Esports). These leagues feature popular games like League of Legends, Call of Duty, Valorant, Overwatch, and Super Smash Bros, providing a platform for you to test your skills against peers from other universities.
  • Industry engagement - you will also have opportunities to work with industry professionals and companies. Past collaborations include working with professionals from organisations like EPIC.LAN, ESHub, Atlas.GG, UKEL, Riot Games through the Riot Play Club Series, EVC Tournaments, BFBS Pro League and the Fete Smash event series, plus many more!

Frequently asked questions

Can I join any clubs or societies?

Absolutely! We have 10 societies on the London campus covering cultural communities, cosplay, creative technologies, esports, tabletop gaming, film, creativity technology, and sports. Each group hosts regular on‑campus events, so whether you're interested in competitive activities, creative projects, or social meetups, you’ll find a society that suits you.

Can I progress onto a full degree after this course?

Yes. The course is designed with a clear progression route into the BA (Hons) Esports (Top-Up) degree at our London or Stoke‑on‑Trent campus. 

What accommodation options are available for first-year students?

The university works with a range of private accommodation providers across London. While we don’t offer on‑campus housing, students can choose from several popular purpose‑built residences located across the city and within a commutable distance to our campuses. With a wide range of prices and facilities to suit different budgets, these options are a great way to make friends, gain independence and feel part of a student community while living in London. Visit our Accommodation page for more details on options, pricing and accessibility.

Are there opportunities for industry collaborations?

Yes, you will work on live industry briefs and projects, and have opportunities to collaborate with professionals. We've previously worked with organisations like EPIC.LAN, ESHub, Atlas.GG, UKEL, Riot Games through the Riot Play Club Series, EVC tournaments, BFBS Pro League and the Fete Smash event series, plus many more!

What career prospects can I expect after graduating?

During your time on the course we can help you tailor your portfolio towards your chosen career path. There are a wide variety of career opportunities within the esports industry and other industries such as TV and film, broadcast media, sports, events, corporate businesses, education and many more. Typical roles you could pursue include:

  • Coach/Analyst
  • Content Creator
  • PR or Marketing Executive
  • Community or Social Media Manager
  • Broadcast or Production Crew
  • Event Manager
  • Agent
  • Organisation owner or manager

How is the course assessed?

The course uses a variety of assessment methods, including:

  • Essays
  • Reports
  • Portfolios
  • Presentations
  • Final year project
  • Written exams

Are there any practical experiences included in the course?

Yes, you will have opportunities to organise and participate in events such as varsity tournaments, charity fundraisers, and collaborations with industry professionals. The course also includes live industry briefs and projects, plus a range of practical assessments that are designed to build real-world skills.

What kind of support is available for students with disabilities?

You can request a Student Inclusion Plan by contacting the university’s Student Support or Disability Services team. They’ll guide you through the process and work with you to identify any adjustments you need. Support can include extra time in exams, accessible learning materials, assistive technology, note-taking support and adjustments for practical sessions. 

Teaching staff

Joshua Lindsey

Lecturer

Joshua is a lecturer in computer science, focusing on engagement, mentoring, and commercial opportunities. He also contributes to the Esports course at Stoke-on-Trent by leading modules on emerging technology, digital media, and governance.

Dr Ying-Ying Law

Course Director - Esports

Ying-Ying is a sociologist and an active researcher in digital cultures. Her main area of interest includes video gamer culture, communities, play, esports, research methods and gender studies from a sociological perspective.

Ying-Ying's profile

Philip Cooke

Senior Lecturer

Phil is a Lecturer on the Esports course at Staffs. Specialising in Marketing, Broadcasting & Events, Phil has experience working on a variety of events globally before moving on to the lecturer team.

Philip's profile

Dr Joshua Jarrett

Senior Lecturer

Josh is a Senior Lecturer specialising in Esports, who joined Staffordshire University in September 2019. Josh’s ongoing research interests include co-creative player relations, free-to-play monetisation, grassroots esports and platform governance.

Joshua's profile

Your next steps

  1. Accept your offer

    An exciting new chapter awaits you here at University of Staffordshire - we can't wait to meet you. Before you can progress with finance or accommodation choices, you'll need to confirm your offer via UCAS.

    Accept your offer

  2. Apply for student finance

    It's best to arrange your student finance before starting University. You can learn more about student finance and make an application at www.gov.uk/student-finance. Our support team is here to help, get in touch if you have any questions about student finance.

    Enquire about finance

  3. Find accommodation

    Finding a home from home is an important part of the student experience. If you're looking to live close to campus, there's a range of accommodation near to our East London campus surrounded by bars and eateries, along with all the activities the capital has to offer.

    View accommodation

Your Offer Holder Events

You're now part of our offer holder community, and we've planned an exclusive programme of events to help you prepare for becoming a student. These include both virtual and on‑campus sessions.

Keep an eye on your inbox for your invitation to our offer holder events - we'd love to welcome you, answer your questions, and help you feel confident about your next steps.

Your first event will be an interactive session designed to bring your course to life, with real case studies, taster activities, and live challenges tailored to your interests. If you're taking exams this summer, you can get some great tips at our exam preparation session.

At other upcoming events, you'll be able to explore your accommodation options, and find out more about student support and opportunities to earn while you learn. We'll also keep you up to speed on all the key deadlines and next steps, so you are ready for September.

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025

TIGA Best Games Institution 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021