The University of Salford Business School has launched an advanced Esports Lab to align with the new academic year starting this September. This innovative facility aims to meet the digital needs of students pursuing the Higher National Diploma (HND) Esports Business Management programme.
Housing high-quality broadcasting equipment, gaming PCs, and unique features like a Formula 1 licensed racing simulator, the lab provides students with an unparalleled learning environment.
Cutting-Edge Equipment
The University of Salford Business School has introduced a state-of-the-art Esports Lab just in time for the new academic year starting in September. This new facility aims to cater to the digital needs of students in the Higher National Diploma (HND) Esports Business Management programme. The lab is equipped with industry-grade broadcasting equipment, such as Blackmagic 4K cameras and television studio mixers, alongside an esports suite for teaching, learning, and gaming.
Additionally, the lab boasts 23 Yoyotech i9 RTX Esports Gaming PCs, powered by Intel i9 Processors and NVIDIA RTX 4080 Super graphics cards. A six-seat tournament space is available, designed for broadcasting and competition purposes. Among its many high-tech offerings, the lab also includes a Formula 1 licensed racing simulator that mimics the technology used by professional drivers.
Immersive Experience
The new Esports Lab is not just about high-tech equipment; it also provides an immersive experience. The six-space tournament arena is explicitly designed to give students a feel of real-world esports competitions. The Formula 1 racing simulator further enhances this experience by providing a lifelike cockpit environment.
According to Uswitch, the global esports market is expected to generate £3.41bn in revenue this year. This figure is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.1%, reaching £4.52bn by 2028. As of 2024, approximately 11.7% of the world’s population, or nearly 948 million people, are estimated to be involved in the esports market.
Elevating Student Experience
Iain Earle, the Programme Leader for Esports Business Management at Salford Business School, emphasises the thriving nature of the esports industry. He highlights that esports has evolved from a mere hobby into one of the world’s largest entertainment markets, now worth billions of pounds.
“Esports is a rapidly-growing and ever-evolving sector so, with the latest cutting edge technology integrated into the lab, we have made a considerable investment to really elevate our student experience in this space, while ensuring access to industry grade equipment,” says Earle. With these innovations, Salford aims to prepare students for lucrative careers in esports.
The lab’s cutting-edge technology and purpose-built environment ensure that students are fully immersed in the latest advancements disrupting the sector as they transition into their postgraduate careers. The significant investment is intended to offer students the best possible educational experience.
Strong Industry Ties
The HND Esports Business Management programme at Salford Business School is now in its second year, and has been developed with input from industry leaders like Horizon Union. This ensures that each module equips students with the necessary skills for a successful career in the esports industry.
Throughout the course, students explore the esports industry’s ecosystem, gaining expert insights and developing an awareness of the ethics and integrity that sustain the sector. The university’s partnership with the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology (GMIoT) further enriches the learning experience.
A Pathway to Careers
According to Iain Earle, courses like the HND Esports Business Management programme, combined with facilities like the Esports Lab, make transforming an esports hobby into a career more achievable. “Those who are passionate about the sectors they work in, really do go on to have fulfilling and rewarding careers, and we’re committed to making that happen for our students,” he adds.
The combination of hands-on experiences, industry-standard equipment, and strong theoretical foundations ensures that graduates are well-prepared to enter the jobs market. The lab and the programme provide students with the tools and knowledge they need to turn their passions into careers.
As the esports industry continues to grow, the graduates of Salford Business School’s HND Esports Business Management programme will be at the forefront, leading the way with their cutting-edge skills and knowledge.
The launch of the Esports Lab at the University of Salford marks a significant milestone in high-tech education. With its cutting-edge equipment and industry ties, the facility is set to provide unparalleled opportunities for students.
From industry-grade broadcasting tools to immersive simulations, the lab ensures students are well-prepared for future careers in esports. This initiative underscores the university’s commitment to elevating the student experience and aligning education with industry needs.