University of Salford’s Business School unveils new esports room

The University of Salford’s Business School has unveiled an esports room ahead of the 2024/25 academic year.

Known as the Esports Lab, the room aims to provide an ‘immersive environment’ for students studying a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Esports Business Management.

The University of Salford’s Esports Lab is equipped for tournament play, features an array of broadcasting equipment and has a dedicated suite for students to learn. According to a release, the room was designed for ‘students looking to pave the way’ in the esports industry. The Esports Lab also contains high-end gaming PCs and a Formula One (F1) licensed racing simulator.

The HND in esports business management was launched by Salford Business School in 2023. Those taking the course will learn about the esports ecosystem alongside working industry stakeholders including Manchester-based esports agency Horizon Union. The two-year course also features a work placement in addition to insights into the importance of ethics and integrity within the industry.

The University of Salford was established in 1850 and has around 21,500 students studying on campus. Notable alumni include English comedian Peter Kay and esports stage host OJ Borg.

UK universities continue to invest in esports, as highlighted by the University of West London launching two new degrees in May. Meanwhile, the University of Suffolk recently unveiled plans to launch an esports undergraduate course in 2025.

Iain Earle, Program Leader for Esports Business Management at Salford Business School, spoke on the news: “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.

“Salford is now home to higher education’s leading Esports Lab which will be instrumental in ensuring our students have been fully immersed in the latest technology disrupting the sector, as they progress into their graduate careers.”