A GROUNDBREAKING higher education pathway is helping transform a generation of gamers into the digital professionals of tomorrow, equipping students with the technical, creative and business skills needed to thrive in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.
Coleg Cambria is seeing learners progress seamlessly from Further Education into university-equivalent study through its Higher National Diploma (HND) in Esports, delivered at Cambria University Centre Deeside in partnership with Pearson.
Designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals across the gaming and digital sectors, the programme offers a clear progression route from Levels 2 and 3 through to Levels 4 and 5, with opportunities to continue on to a full university degree.
Among those pioneering the pathway are Ben Oortwyn, from Sandycroft, and Adam Parkes, from Deeside, members of Cambria’s first-ever Higher Education Esports cohort after progressing through the college’s Further Education programme.
Ben initially enrolled on an ICT course before discovering Esports.
“It’s been incredible,” he said.
“I enjoy gaming, but I love the other aspects too, whether that’s event management, audio-visual production, coaching, or game design. The course has opened my eyes to so many different career opportunities.”
Adam has set his sights on a career in competitive gaming.
“My goal is to become an Esports professional,” he said.
“I’ve had success with the Cambria Chimeras Valorant team, and the dream is to travel the world through Esports. The Higher Education programme has developed both my skills and my understanding of the industry.”
Both students have reached national finals in the Student Championships, highlighting the quality of talent emerging from the programme.
Esports Lecturer Tom Crofts said the industry had evolved far beyond competitive gaming.
“People assume Esports is only about playing games professionally, but that’s one small part of a much bigger picture,” he said.
“There are careers in event management, broadcasting, marketing, content creation, coaching, analytics and game development – and our course is hands-on and industry-focused from day one.
“You don’t need an Esports background to join us. We welcome students from all kinds of educational and professional backgrounds.”
Esports Lecturer Lauren Crofts said the programme also filled an important regional skills gap.
“Very few opportunities like this exist in the region. Students can gain industry-relevant qualifications without leaving North Wales.”
Students benefit from industry-standard facilities, including Cambria’s £230,000 Esports Arena, featuring 36 high-spec gaming stations, professional competition equipment and dedicated teaching spaces, alongside a state-of-the-art 360-degree immersive classroom that supports collaborative and experiential learning.
The college’s competitive team, Cambria Chimeras, has already built an impressive national reputation, winning the Apex Legends Spring Cup, finishing among the UK’s top four in EAFC, and reaching the finals of both the Student Champs Overwatch competition and the British Esports Federation’s Valorant tournament.
Assistant Principal for Technical Studies Lisa Radcliffe said the programme was preparing learners for a wide range of careers across the wider digital economy.
“Employers are increasingly recognising the value of the technical, creative and professional skills developed through Esports.
“Whether students want to compete, work behind the scenes or transfer their skills into related industries, this pathway opens real doors.”
For more information visit www.cambria.ac.uk or follow Coleg Cambria on social media.
