HND Esports (Athlete Support and Development Pathway)
The Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Esports (Athlete Performance and Support) is equivalent to the second year of an undergraduate degree offers students a clear progression pathway into the esports industry or wider creative industries.
The qualification, designed in partnership with the British Esports Association, helps to develop students as independent-thinking professionals who can meet the demands of employers and adapt to a constantly changing world.
Learners will also develop a wide range of transferable skills and knowledge that can be applied to other digital and STEAM-based careers. Uniquely, York College's qualification focuses on high performance athletes with specific units of study selected to enhance Esports athletes professional practice and capabilities and inspire the next generation of professional coaches and athletes.
UCAS Code: Q124
UCAS Institution Code: Y70
| Level 5 |
|---|
| Professional Development |
| Esports Research Project |
| Team and Player Psychology |
| High-Performance Environments |
| Inclusive Coaching and Special Populations |
| Emerging Technologies |
| Game Analytics and Statistical Insights |
| Social Landscape and Community Dynamics |
Entry requirements
We recommend that students have the following:
96 UCAS points plus a Merit grade at HNC Esports.
How will I be assessed?
Individual units are assessed against performance criteria set out by the awarding organisation and include written analysis, participation and performance in esports and practical application of knowledge and skills demonstration.
Skills you will learn
Studying the HND Esports (Athlete Support and Development) course will help you develop skills in coaching, performance analysis, player wellbeing, sports psychology, fitness and nutrition.
Embedded into the course you will learn how to support esports athletes by analysing performance data, creating development plans, improving teamwork and communication, and promoting healthy lifestyles.
The course also develops valuable employability skills such as problem-solving, organisation, research, and project management, preparing you for a range of careers within the esports industry.
Method of delivery
This is a face-to-face delivery mode, 3 days per week.
Additional costs
Purchase of the Higher Education Esports kit along with the new practical kit introduced in September 2026. Students should also have access to an internet enabled laptop or PC.
Your next steps
Once students have achieved the Level 5 Higher National Diploma, they can develop their careers in the business sector by:
- Entering employment
- Continuing existing employment
- Linking with the appropriate professional body
- Committing to continuing professional development (CPD)
- Furthering study at university
With a background in education theory and performance psychology, Joe has served as the course lead for Esports at York College & University Centre since September 2024. As an alumnus himself, Joe is focused on growing the esports programme by building relationships with sports organisations, universities, and businesses, both regionally and nationally to better the recruitment opportunities for his students.
As a proud alumnus of York College & University Centre and the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London, Joe moved to New York City to work professionally before returning to York in 2018. He has worked across a wide variety of educational roles before formally completing his PGCE with the University of Huddersfield in 2022 and was subsequently recruited to join York College & University Centre.
Joe has first-hand experience with the competitive esports scene and working in tandem with his brother, operates an anonymous esports promotional company that educates people on the benefits of esports. Joe brings this wealth of experience into his teaching, grounding his instruction in real-world applications.
Looking to the future, Joe is currently pursuing a PhD exploring the topic of violence within video games.
HNC Esports (Athlete Support and Development Pathway)
University Centre
Courses for Adults
Curriculum Area
Esports, Sport & Uniformed Service
Study Mode
Full-time
Start Date
September 2026
Duration
1 Year full-time
Level
Level 4
