The Value of Esports Degrees in Higher Education

The esports industry has grown significantly in recent years, with many universities now offering degrees in esports. However, the value of these degrees has been questioned by some, with claims that they are a waste of money and do not provide young people with career plans.

The Debate Around Esports Degrees

According to Grand Rousseau, COO of Ninjas in Pyjamas and advisor for the UK Esports Team Committee, esports degrees are a financial and timely waste. He claims that students should instead earn degrees in business, production, and media, without being pigeon-holed into one industry like esports. Rousseau argues that it is more beneficial to have a broader degree that can cover all bases, rather than specializing in esports and then struggling to escape the industry in the future.

On the other hand, some students who have completed esports degrees argue that they have been beneficial in providing them with a strong foundation for careers in the industry. For example, Louis Skilton, a graduate of the University Campus of Esports, claims that his Esports Coaching and Management BA degree has resulted in a role within the industry that would not have been possible without the connections he made. However, Skilton also notes that the majority of his learning and experiences came from extra-curricular activities and exposure from connections, networking, and opportunities outside of lectures.

Student Experiences with Esports Degrees

Students who have completed esports degrees have had varying experiences. Some, like Lewis Brumby, a graduate of Salford University, claim that their degree has been beneficial in providing them with a strong foundation for careers in the industry. Brumby argues that his degree has set him apart from other candidates and has given him a unique set of skills that are valuable in the industry.

The Future of Esports Degrees

While there is still an argument to be made that specialist subjects like media, marketing, and business management students would get more expertise by leaving the idea of an esports-related degree behind, there is also a place for esports degrees in higher education. An Associate Lecturer, formerly of Northampton University, argues that esports degrees have their place in the world of higher education and that the engagement levels are far beyond what they have experienced before. The lecturer claims that the narrative around esports degrees is too harsh and not representative of the real world, and that students should be encouraged to pursue the degrees they believe they have a true passion for.

Overall, the value of esports degrees in higher education is a complex issue, with both proponents and critics presenting valid arguments. While some argue that these degrees are a waste of money and do not provide young people with career plans, others claim that they can provide a strong foundation for careers in the industry and offer unique opportunities for networking and skill-building. As the esports industry continues to grow and evolve, it is likely that the debate around esports degrees will continue, with both sides presenting their arguments and perspectives.