Online learning platform Minerva’s Virtual Academy has launched its first online esports BTEC qualification.
The course, beginning September 2023, is open to students aged between 16 and 18. The esports BTEC offered by Minerva’s Virtual Academy was developed in partnership with esports consultancy Fraser Esports LTD and will be facilitated by Pearson.
Minerva’s Virtual Academy’s esports BTEC will be led by James Fraser-Murison, the platform’s Director of Esports. In addition to his role at Minerva’s Virtual Academy, Fraser-Murison is also the Director of Esports at Queen Mary’s College, Basingstoke.
Founded in 2020, Minerva’s Virtual Academy offers a variety of courses including A Levels and a career and enrichment programme. Ran by Hugh Viney, the goal of the Academy is to provide an affordable private education solution for children.
Notably, Pearson collaborated with the British Esports Federation to devise a qualification designed for students looking to start a career in the esports industry. The qualification sees students study a multitude of topics ranging from game development and design to event management.
Pearson and British Esports have collaborated on esports BTEC qualifications since 2020.
Fraser-Murison spoke on the Academy launching the esports BTEC: “I’m excited to work with an education provider that recognises the need to innovate and provide education without barriers.
“The esports industry is currently worth north of $1.3bn dollars. Our job as teachers is to prepare our students for the ever-changing workforce and when you take into account the multiple jobs within this industry, shoutcasting, creating your own events, social media management and more, this is absolutely the right time to have this qualification taught online.”
