Shipley College unveils partnership with College of Esports

Shipley College has announced it has entered a partnership with the College of Esports.

As a result of the deal, students taking part in the West Yorkshire-based College’s esports courses will no longer have to leave the area to access industry insight and specialist training that forms part of the College’s curriculum.

Shipley College was the first College in West Yorkshire to add esports qualifications as part of its curriculum. Notable alumni from the course include Nathan Horton, a former EA Sports FC player who represented Italian football club AS Roma throughout 2019 and 2020.

Thanks to the partnership, Shipley College students will have the opportunity to access career pathways alongside making connections with various industry stakeholders. In addition, students will also gain insight into other areas of esports, including broadcasting and event management.

Based in Lee Valley, the College of Esports provides students with opportunities to study esports degrees. Unveiled in 2021, the London-based institution offers a variety of courses ranging from game development to esports coaching and esports business.

The trend of educational establishments embarking on esports-focused projects shows no sign of slowing down. In September 2024, Bow Valley College in Calgary, Canada, opened the city’s first esports arena within its campus.

Elsewhere in the UK, Oldham College has also expanded into esports. In July 2024, it partnered with Manchester City-owned charity City in the Community to launch a course that forms part of its BTEC offering.

“This partnership marks a major milestone in our commitment to delivering cutting-edge esports education,” said Nicole Chamberlain, Head of Digital and Creative at Shipley College.

“By collaborating with the College of Esports, we are providing students with an unparalleled pathway into the gaming industry. This partnership ensures Shipley College students have the skills, experience, and connections to succeed – whether as players, analysts, content creators, or esports business leaders.”