The University of Sunderland's degree focuses on esports event management ©Getty Images

The University of Sunderland has launched a three-year esports event management degree, a move aimed at tapping into the growth of the gaming industry.

The first year of the course features modules on the fundamentals of esports events, gaming culture, esports event production and delivery, and digital marketing strategies and live streaming for esports.

In the second year, students are expected to cover esports, media and content creation, sports leadership and team dynamics, managing esports events and experiencing esports events, followed by study of strategic management for esports events and esports performance and analysis in the third year.

The University said its decision launch the degree was partly in response to the increasing value of managing esports events, and adds to its existing events management and computer-based courses.

It is hoped that this can attract international students from East Asia and the Americas as well as those in the United Kingdom.

The esports degree at the University of Sunderland adds to similar programmes on offer at institutions including Staffordshire University, the University of Chichester and Barnsley College.

James Scott, the head of the University of Sunderland's law and tourism school, hailed the launch of the esports event management degree.

James Scott from the University of Sunderland said the degree would be useful for students because esports
James Scott from the University of Sunderland said the degree would be useful for students because esports "requires a huge amount of event planning" ©Getty Images

"There is certainly a significant growth for the skills involved in running esports events, which has become one of the fastest growing industries in the world," Scott said.

"Esports events are packing out thousand-seater stadiums regularly, which requires a huge amount of event planning.

"This is where our new degree course comes in.

"Students will explore the world of competitive gaming and learn what makes a successful esports event.

"They’ll delve into the production and management of esports events and develop an understanding of the technologies associated with organising these events."

Academic dean from the faculty of business, law and tourism Professor Lawrence Bellamy said the degree "should prepare graduates for an exciting career ahead".

The University of Sunderland claims it is investing up to £1 million ($1.2 million/€1.1 million) transforming part of its Sir Tom Cowie campus into areas designated for esports.

Last year, the British Esports Federation announced plans to open a performance and education campus in Sunderland.