Following the launch of the Esports Hub at Fraserburgh Campus last year, North East Scotland College (NESCol) has levelled up with a second facility, this time at Aberdeen City Campus.
The new £65,000 Esports Hub was completed over the summer break and gives computing students access to advanced gaming equipment. Replicating the Fraserburgh model, the hub features 13 high-performance PCs and a separate PC for controlling the livestreaming of gameplay.
Esports is a growing and evolving industry in the UK. Recognising the importance of this emerging sector, NESCol introduced Esports into its computing course offering in 2021. This was followed by its first Esports Hub in Fraserburgh in 2024, funded by a donation from a local benefactor.
NESCol Principal Neil Cowie said: “After the success of the Fraserburgh facility, the launch of the Esports Hub at Aberdeen City Campus is a welcome addition.
“These hubs provide budding professional gamers with a dedicated space to hone their talents for competition at regional and national levels. But this is just one part of the picture.
“The multi-million-pound Esports industry offers a wide range of related careers, from management and event production, to marketing, broadcasting and IT infrastructure.
“We are committed to preparing our students for the fast-evolving digital sector and the wealth of opportunities it offers. Innovative learning environments like our Esports Hubs help equip the next generation with strong digital literacy and a skill set for the future.”
Esports refers to competitive video gaming. Much like traditional sports, gamers can compete individually or as part of a team in organised leagues and tournaments, with top professional gamers earning salaries and sponsorship deals. Millions of fans tune in to competitions via live streams and broadcasts, with some of the largest tournaments filling stadiums and offering huge prize pots.
The Esports Hub is primarily used for course delivery but can act as a base for elite tournaments, with the capacity to host six versus six player competitions. The space can also be used for student clubs and local community groups, including schools.
Andrew Donn, Head of Sector for Construction, Science and Computing, NESCol, said: “It’s fantastic to have continued investment in Esports at NESCol.
“Esports allows us to use something that students are passionate about as an educational tool. They learn in a hands-on way, which is particularly beneficial for engaging those who struggle with classroom-based activities but thrive in a digital and interactive learning environment.
“For students who aren’t interested in traditional sports, Esports offers them a community to belong to. They’ll develop a similar skill set, developing their communication, teamwork, and critical thinking.”
NESCol's next Open Day will be held on Saturday 29 November from 10am – 2pm. For those interested in studying computing at Fraserburgh or Aberdeen City Campus, both Esports Hubs will be open for attendees to try out the equipment, and staff will be on hand to support with queries.
Find out more about the NESCol Open Day