Esports Short Course
About this course
What is the Esports Short Course?
The ASDAN Esports Short Course is a flexible, portfolio-based esports course for learners aged 13 and over. It accredits between 10 and 60 hours of activities exploring competitive gaming and the esports industry.
Learners explore the development of esports, health and wellbeing, online safety, career pathways, business and enterprise, branding, digital media, communication and esports team leadership.
Activities can include researching esports teams, games and tournaments; exploring respectful and safe online behaviour; developing an esports business idea; creating a brand and digital marketing materials; and practising the behaviours needed to communicate and work effectively within a team.
The course helps learners understand the range of roles available across esports and related gaming, business, media and digital industries. It was created with esports educator and consultant James Fraser-Murison: “Esports is more than just competitive gaming; it’s a gateway to developing essential skills, building confidence and preparing learners for the jobs of tomorrow.”
Through practical challenges, research and reflection, learners develop ASDAN’s six core skills: learning, communicating, decision making, thinking, team working and self-awareness. They can also build confidence, digital literacy, creativity, enterprise and employability skills.
Challenges can be interpreted and adapted to suit learners’ individual abilities, needs, interests and learning environments.
Delivery format: Esports is available exclusively through Equitas, ASDAN’s digital learning platform. Learners complete activities, upload evidence and track their progress within one secure, interactive space.
| Learner age | 13+, 14+, 14–16, 14–25, 16+, 16–19, 19+, Adults |
| Key Stage | Key Stage 5, Key Stage 4, Key Stage 3 |
| Education setting | Mainstream school, Justice system (including youth offending), Further education, Community Education, EOTAS, PRU, Academy / Multi-academy trust, Voluntary sector, Training provider, Adult education, Independent school, Social services, Secondary |
| Guided learning hours | 10–20 hours, 20–60 hours |
| Regulated | Non-regulated course |
| Certification | Externally certificated, digital or hard-copy (additional fee) |
| Location | International (including Channel Islands and Ireland), Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England |
| UCAS points | No UCAS points available |
| Available on Equitas | Yes |
| Pathway | Personal Effectiveness |
Helpful information
Who is the Esports Short Course for?
Short Courses are widely used in formal and non-formal settings, for learners aged 13 and over. Although ASDAN’s Short Courses are designed for learners working at Entry level 3 to Level 1, they can be adapted for learners working above or below these levels. The focus is on completing challenges and developing skills.
Facts and figures
- Flexible programmes of learning accessible to learners at a range of levels
- Internally moderated
- Accredits 10–60 hours of activities
- Can count towards up to three credits for the Personal Development Programmes
- Can support skills development for ASDAN’s Personal Effectiveness Qualifications and may contribute to recognition of prior learning where standards are met in full
Requirements
Each learner must have their own registration. Learners must present evidence of their activities in an organised portfolio.
This should include:
- a record of the challenges completed, with supporting evidence
- recording documents showing how the learner planned and reviewed their activities
- a summary of achievement highlighting skills development
- a personal statement.
Equitas organises evidence against each challenge within the platform.
We have created guidance for members delivering ASDAN Short Courses, including planning, requirements, quality assurance and certification.
Course content
The Esports Short Course is available exclusively on Equitas and comprises six modules:
- Introduction to Esports
- Health, wellbeing and safety in Esports
- Careers and pathways in Esports
- Building an Esports business
- Esports branding, media and communications
- Building and leading an Esports team
The Esports Short Course is available exclusively on Equitas.
For guidance on running ASDAN Short Courses, please see our step-by-step guide: How to run Short Courses through Equitas
ASDAN training supports educators to deliver this course successfully. Sessions provide an introduction, alongside guidance on planning, delivery, assessment and internal quality assurance. Training is not mandatory but is strongly recommended.
Training is included in ASDAN membership for organisations joining or renewing after 1 April 2026, excluding tailored INSET.
Book training in the members area
ASDAN members can also take part in our special interest groups. These online sessions focus on specific areas of practice and provide opportunities for discussion, collaboration and networking with other members.
All registration costs are per learner. Each learner must have their own registration. Registrations are valid for three years from the date of purchase.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Short Course Equitas learner registration and digital learning platform login | £12 |
| Short Course PDF certificate | Free |
| Short Course printed and foiled certificate (optional, per learner, per Short Course) | £3.75 |
Volume pricing for Equitas Short Courses
We offer scalable pricing for Short Courses on Equitas. This pricing applies only to new registrations made together in a single transaction for the same Equitas Short Course:
- 1–9 learners: £12 per registration
- 10–19 learners: £8 per registration
- 20–29 learners: £6 per registration
- 30+ learners: £4 per registration