Belfast Met has teamed up with sprint legend Usain Bolt to launch a new Foundation Degree for anyone seeking a career in esports and video gaming.
The college has announced a multi-year partnership with WYLDE, the company co-owned by the eight-time Olympic gold medallist.
WYLDE is one of the fastest growing esports organisations in Europe with active rosters competing at top tier level in Rainbow 6 Siege, Valorant, FIFA and Rocket League.
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The esports industry is made up of professional players, games publishers, event specialists, broadcast providers, coaches, managers, health and fitness experts, psychologists and many more.
Belfast Met is the first college on the island of Ireland to offer the qualification which is now open for students to enrol for and commence this September.
This Foundation Degree will look at the esports industry as a whole and consist of lectures and networking events, provide students with insider industry access and career placement within the industry opportunities.
The partnership will see WYLDE become the official esports partner for Belfast Met, and the esports organisation will assist in delivering lectures and networking events, provide insider industry access, oversee real time course projects, career placement opportunities and will work with Belfast Met to deliver the most relevant curriculum.
Belfast Met’s esports course co-ordinator Michael Smyth said: “Through our recent partnership with WYLDE esports, we are thrilled to lead the way in the advancement of esports education and development at Belfast Met.
“Esports is a rapidly expanding industry that offers great opportunities for students to excel in various areas such as video production, management, marketing, event organisation, and game design. WYLDE esports' expertise and experience in the field will undoubtedly enhance our curriculum and provide our students with valuable insights and industry connections.
“Together, our goal is to support and empower the next generation of esports professionals, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in this dynamic and competitive field. We believe our esports offering will represent unique opportunities for students to enhance their skills for future careers.”
WYLDE CEO Steve Daly added: “We are incredibly passionate about supporting new talent into esports and this partnership is our way of onboarding the next generation of gamers, whilst supporting the community.
“We are delighted to partner with Belfast Met, who share our vision in developing esports talent. WYLDE was established with a core focus to responsibly help to provide education, training and skills, enhancing opportunities for those who have a passion and drive for esports.”
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