Irish esports organisation WYLDE and higher education college Belfast Metropolitan College (BelfastMet) have launched the first esports-focused degree in Northern Ireland.
The esports organisation has become the official esports partner for BelfastMet and will help deliver lectures. Moreover, WYLDE will work with the educational institution on the curriculum, events and other aspects of the degree.
Co-owned by Olympic champion Usain Bolt, WYLDE fields teams in FIFA, Rocket League, VALORANT, Rainbow Six: Siege, as well as a roster of content creators. The organisation has large-scale partnerships with Virgin Media and sportswear company PUMA, and is behind the first esports academy in Ireland, located in Cork.
The esports course is the first of its kind in the country, and will focus on establishing the foundations of the esports industry. The degree will explore the industry as a whole, but will focus on the production aspect of esports events.
First-year students will learn about content creation, technology, health and wellbeing in esports, among other topics, Meanwhile, the second year will focus on social media management, live production and esports events.
The degree is closely developed with WYLDE, but Northern Ireland Esports and Ireland Esports members will also help with the classes and the curriculum.
WYLDE CEO, Steve Daly, commented on the partnership: “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 BelfastMet, 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.”
