About the Job
The University of Northampton (UON) is seeking an inspirational Lecturer in Esports with a desire to develop course leadership skills. You will join a growing, dynamic, and collegiate team with a strong culture of student-focused teaching and high impact research. The Faculty of Health, Sport and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Northampton has an exciting opportunity for a Lecturer in Esports to contribute to our established BSc (Hons) Esports course at Waterside Campus. This is an excellent opportunity to shape a distinctive, applied and industry-facing esports curriculum that prepares students for careers across esports business, marketing, events, broadcasting, media, coaching, performance analysis, content creation and digital enterprise.
The course places significant emphasis on practical, hands-on learning, including casting, streaming, content creation, event delivery, gameplay analysis and ethical professional practice within the fast-moving esports sector. You will work collaboratively with colleagues across different disciplines, and build strong relationships with employers, professional networks and industry partners.
You will be joining a forward-thinking and supportive academic community with access to specialist esports facilities, digital learning spaces and opportunities to contribute to live events, industry engagement, applied research and wider portfolio development.
Our Sport and Exercise group of UG and PG courses provide a comprehensive and cutting-edge portfolio, including five undergraduate degrees and two postgraduate degrees. We pride ourselves on delivering an exceptional student experience, which is reflected in our overall student positivity ranking of 7th in England for Sport Science in the 2026 National Student Survey (NSS).
As an academic, you will be expected to contribute to the research and scholarly output of the subject area and work collegiately with other researchers within the faculty and university wide. Research and scholarship are supported through our research centres, mentor scheme, and leave for scholarly activity.
We want you to be able to carry out your work in a way that best supports UON and our students, but also you as an individual. We understand this may vary between different areas of the university as well as from one person to another. With Smarter Working you can work with increased flexibility, if you would like to, which can facilitate greater freedom and autonomy. However, there will be an expectation to carry out teaching duties appropriate to the session type, meetings with staff and students, and personal tutor support should this require a physical, on-campus presence at various times.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the recruiting manager, Dr Emma Whewell (Head of School), at [email protected]
About You
You will have an academic and / or professional background in esports business and strategy, esports digital marketing, esports event management and research experience in this field. You will possess an ability to translate theory to practice, creating learning environments to develop students’ knowledge, skills, and professional competencies. You will have experience that allow you to work with our team of academics in the course delivery. Relevant industry experiences working within the esports sector and / or an ability to teach across the wider subject area, will be considered an advantage.
Your academic identity, commitment to applied learning and enthusiasm for developing students’ professional skills will make you an ideal candidate for this role.
You will bring a clear and informed vision for how an esports degree should be delivered: combining academic rigour with authentic industry practice, inclusive pedagogy, digital capability, entrepreneurship and strong graduate outcomes. You will be able to lead and motivate colleagues, manage multiple priorities, contribute to teaching and assessment, support student engagement and maintain a positive student experience. Experience of course leadership, quality assurance, recruitment, employability activity or industry partnership development would be particularly valuable. You will bring a clear and informed vision for how an esports degree should be delivered: combining academic rigour with authentic industry practice, inclusive pedagogy, digital capability, entrepreneurship and strong graduate outcomes.
With the support of School and Faculty, you will play a central role in strengthening the profile, performance and future development of BSc (Hons) Esports, contributing positively to the wider academic community and the University’s ambition to deliver transformational student outcomes.
The successful candidate will be ICT literate and have experience in leading and teaching modules in HE settings. You will be highly disciplined, organised, supportive, and able to work collegiately within a team. A successful track record of research publications, successful grant applications, and/or generation of commercial income, would be welcomed.
Qualifications
Essential:
- UG degree in a sport and / or esports related discipline relevant to the post
Desirable:
Faculty
The School of Sport and Public Health is a dynamic academic community within the Faculty of Health, Sport and Behavioural Sciences, delivering high-quality teaching, research and knowledge exchange across sport, exercise, public health and related applied disciplines.
Our BSc (Hons) Esports course reflects the growth of competitive gaming and digital sport, combining theory and practice across esports business and marketing, events, broadcasting and media, coaching, performance psychology, wellbeing, content creation and event delivery. Students benefit from practical learning opportunities, specialist digital and esports facilities, industry-informed teaching and opportunities to engage in live esports competitions, events and applied projects.
BSc Esports has been running for five years at UON and has received positive feedback from students, industry partners, and the external examiners. Echoing the multidisciplinary nature of the industry and the requirements of relevant jobs, the course offers three development directions for students, which are esports business and management, esports coaching and performance support, and esports digital marketing. While ensuring the academic quality and research skill development in the teaching content, the course offers hands-on experience opportunities for students from Year 1. The esports lab and the esports society provide top facilities and an engaging community for the esports students.
You will have access to sector-leading facilities including an HP Omen-equipped esports laboratory, professional Greaves 3D sim racing rigs, media production studios and immersive digital technologies that support authentic, industry-focused learning. The role will involve working with established partners including British Esports, EPIC.LAN and other industry organisations to enhance student employability through live events, placements and professional networking. The successful candidate will also contribute to the continued growth of key performance indicators including student recruitment, continuation, graduate outcomes, NSS satisfaction, industry engagement, research and knowledge exchange, while supporting the University's strategic ambition to become a leading provider of esports education in the UK.
The School is committed to excellent student experience, employability, inclusive teaching and strong partnerships with employers and professional networks, ensuring our graduates are prepared for emerging careers in fast-changing sport, digital and creative industries.
Based at our modern Waterside Campus, you will contribute to a collaborative, ambitious and supportive environment where innovation, applied learning and real-world impact are central to the student journey.
About Us
At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.
Our People
Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.
Our Values
- Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
- Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
- Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
- Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.
Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference
Right to Work
All candidates will be required to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the UK during the interview process. The University is open to considering Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, provided that the eligibility criteria of the points-based immigration system are met. Due to the requirements laid out by UK Visas and Immigration regarding Right to Work in the UK, the University can only accept applications from individuals who currently have a status allowing them to work in the UK for this position. Due to this criteria, we regret that we are unable to offer sponsorship at this time
Equality
We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.
The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.
Together @ UON
Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion
Together @ UON affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.
Commitments Include:
- Creating an Inclusive Environment: Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
- Supporting Students and Staff: Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
- Tackling Inequalities: Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.
UON’s Major Commitments:
- Disability Confident
- Standalone Pledge
- IHRA Working Definition
For more details, visit: Equality and Diversity at UON
