eSports Management, Bachelor of Arts

Who is the Esports Management Degree Suitable For?

The part-time Bachelor's degree programme in Esports Management at the University of Applied Management is aimed at everyone seeking a career in the esports sector or gaming business. The programme particularly appeals to individuals who already have a passion for gaming and esports – regardless of whether they play on PC, consoles (Xbox, Playstation), or mobile devices. It is targeted at school leavers with the general university entrance qualification (Abitur), those with the advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachabitur), practitioners with professional experience (also without Abitur), as well as professionals who want to academically advance themselves alongside their work or hobby. Due to its flexible, semi-virtual concept, the programme is especially suitable for people requiring their own time management, such as elite athletes, working students, or young professionals. Typical target groups include:

• Gaming enthusiasts aspiring to managerial roles in esports
• Career entrants interested in esports, event management, marketing in the gaming sector, or team leadership
• Employees in companies, clubs, or agencies who wish to build esports expertise
• School leavers with the general or advanced technical college entrance qualification looking to qualify for a future-oriented industry
• Career changers with an affinity for gaming and professional experience
• Individuals aiming for a career in the esports industry, at clubs, event agencies, game developers, hardware companies, media houses, or marketing agencies

Admission Requirements at a Glance

The following formal admission requirements apply for enrolment in the Bachelor's degree programme in Esports Management:

• General university entrance qualification (Abitur) or
• Advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachabitur) – recognised nationwide or
• Alternatively: Applicants without Abitur may also be admitted if they have completed vocational training and can demonstrate several years of relevant professional experience (studying without Abitur).

Personal Requirements and Recommended Prior Knowledge

In addition to the formal admission requirements, prospective students should meet further personal prerequisites to succeed in the Esports Management degree. These include:

• Genuine enthusiasm for gaming and the esports industry
• Interest in management topics such as team leadership, event organisation, marketing, and economic interrelationships
• Willingness to engage with digital trends, AI applications, and innovation processes
• Self-motivation, ability to learn independently, and good time management (especially for part-time or dual studies)
• Teamwork skills and willingness to communicate, particularly in group and practical projects
• Good German language skills, as the language of instruction is German; basic English skills are advantageous (among other things due to international content and literature)
• Advantageous: Initial experience in gaming, esports, events, or voluntary work in clubs or associations

What Awaits You in the eSports Management Degree Programme?

The eSports Management degree programme at the University of Applied Management imparts profound knowledge and skills for a career in the professional gaming and eSports sector. You combine business administration expertise with competencies specifically tailored to the eSports industry.

• Fundamentals of Sports and eSports Management: You learn subjects such as sports science, organisation, and legal aspects (including civil, corporate, and labour law).
• eSports Core Modules:
  • Event management of eSports events
  • Team management and talent promotion in eSports
  • Marketing in the eSports environment (including influencer marketing & social media)
  • Digital innovations and AI applications in the gaming sector
  • Community management and media relations
  • Industry specifics, legal particularities and current challenges in eSports
• Practice-oriented Projects: Own projects, practice-related case studies and a mandatory internship semester give you the opportunity to apply what you have learned directly within companies or organisations from the industry.
• Interdisciplinary Skills: Communication and presentation, team development and moderation, economic fundamentals, research methods and statistics.
• Business English: Development of your industry-specific English skills.
• Future Skills: Sustainability, digitalisation, AI and innovative solution approaches.

The blended learning concept enables flexible, independent study, which is complemented by targeted on-site workshops and intensive exchange with experts from the industry.

What Is the Structure of the Degree Programme?

The eSports Management degree is designed to be compatible with work and practical experience, spanning seven semesters (standard period of study) and comprises a total of 210 ECTS credits.

• Study Models:
  • Studium Plus: Flexible study alongside work or other commitments. Learning mainly takes place online, combined with occasional on-site workshops at your study centre.
  • Dual Plus: Dual study programme with a corporate partner, where a large part of your study time takes place directly at the company. The tuition fees are covered by the partner company.
• Structure: Each semester consists of modules that combine practical competencies with in-depth theory. From the 4th semester onwards, a mandatory internship semester follows, which is designed for at least one company.
• Learning Methods: Combination of online learning platform, digital learning content, practice-related case studies, project work and on-site workshops (approx. 10 per semester) in small groups.
• Support: Personal support by experienced lecturers from the eSports sector and regular exchange within the community and at events.
• Degree: The programme concludes with the bachelor’s thesis (B.A. Sports Management with a focus on eSports Management).

Which Professions and Career Paths Does the Degree Open Up?

The degree qualifies you for tasks relating to strategy, organisation and management in the eSports sector as well as in traditional sports management. Typical fields of employment for graduates are:

• Management and organisation of eSports teams and clans
• Event management of local to international eSports tournaments
• Talent management and scouting in professional gaming
• Community and social media management in the gaming industry
• Marketing, digital sponsoring and brand building for eSports organisations
• Consulting for companies that use eSports as a marketing or employer branding tool
• Entry at device manufacturers, media companies, game and event agencies, traditional sports organisations with eSports departments or non-endemic brands

According to the Federal Employment Agency, the median salary for eSports managers is around 45,500 EUR gross per year. The dynamic industry development, strong networking with practical partners and increasing professionalisation open up very good career prospects in Germany and internationally.

Where Can You Study?

Study locations include numerous cities in Germany and abroad. On-site workshops are offered at the following locations:

• Ismaning/Munich
• Berlin
• Unna/Dortmund
• Hamburg
• Hanover
• Frankfurt/Main
• Mannheim
• Leipzig
• Vienna (Austria)

The degree programme is mainly conducted online, so local flexibility is very high. The few mandatory on-site events can be completed individually at your nearest study centre or online.

What Are the Costs and What Financing Options Are Available?

• Studium Plus (flexible study): The fees are 495 euros per month.
• Dual Plus (dual study): Here, the partner company covers the tuition fees. Additionally, you receive a salary.
• Total Costs for Self-financing: For Studium Plus, the total costs amount to 21,585 euros.

Various financing options are available, such as cost coverage by the employer in the dual study model, traditional study financing, scholarships or government grants. HAM supports you with individual advice on study financing.