Qualifications Scotland, the national body in Scotland responsible for developing all qualifications other than university degrees, has officially started developing a new Higher National Diploma, HND, in esports.

According to the official announcement, the first meeting of the Qualification Development Team, QDT, has already taken place. The group includes representatives from colleges, universities and esports employers. Scottish Esports said they’re also part of the team and are supporting the development of the new qualification.

Its role, along with other partners, is to help make sure the HND is both academically strong and closely linked to the real needs of the Scottish esports industry in 2026. It is designed to give students a clear next step if they want to continue studying esports at a higher level.

Qualifications Scotland expects the development process to take around six months. During this time, the structure and content of the course will be fully designed. Dr. Gavin Baxter from the University of the West of Scotland has been selected to lead the development. He will work with the Computing team at Qualifications Scotland to build the new qualification.

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As per the release, the new HND builds on the recently developed HNC Esports and the success of the National Progression Award, NPA, in Esports. The NPA is currently being delivered in more than 30 schools and colleges across Scotland at SCQF Levels 4, 5 and 6. It has now become an important starting point for students who want to learn about the esports industry.

Local authorities such as the Scottish Borders Council have added esports to their course options and have reported positive feedback from students.

The NPA covers key areas of the industry, including event management, game performance and transferable digital skills. The new HND will give students the next step in their education journey to help students into further study and eventually into jobs in the esports sector.

Qualifications Scotland has said it is not too late for others to join the process. Educators, industry professionals and community organisations are encouraged to take part in helping transform the new qualification.

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