Lecturer in Esports

About the Job

Part Time 25.9 hours a week 

Fixed term contract until 31st July 2028

Interview Date: 11th September 

The University of Northampton (UON) is seeking an inspirational Lecturer in Esports. You will join a growing, dynamic, and collegiate team with a strong culture of student-focused teaching and high impact research.

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. Applications are welcomed from individuals with experience working in academia as well as commercial and professional esports settings.

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 7^th 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.

Our commitment to supporting athletes and teams is evident through our close collaborations with professional sport organisations and the community sector. Students and staff work together with key stakeholders on projects that not only deliver social impact but also enhance the university's reputation and the overall experience for our staff and students. Some of our recent initiatives include the Active Quarter, Elite Athlete Scholarship Scheme, and the Emerging Talent Centre.

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 emma.whewell@northampton.ac.uk

About You

You will have academic and / or professional background in Esports business management, esports digital marketing or esports event management. You will possess the ability to design and deliver engaging and inclusive learning in supportive environments that develop students’ knowledge, skills and professional competencies.

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.

With the support of School and Faculty leadership, 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. Importantly, we are looking for individuals who are not only team players, with academic and industry expertise, but who will own and live the university values. 

Qualifications

Essential:

• UG degree in a sport and / or esports related discipline relevant to the post

Desirable:

• Postgraduate qualification in a sport or esports related discipline relevant to the post, or willingness to obtain within an agreed timescale
• Professional recognition as HEA Fellow (D2) or teaching qualification recognised by HESA, or willingness to obtain within an agreed timescale.
• Ideally, you will be working towards or hold a recognised professional body qualification (e.g., CIMSPA).

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.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the recruiting manager, Dr Emma Whewell (Head of School), at emma.whewell@northampton.ac.uk

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:

1. Creating an Inclusive Environment: Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
2. Supporting Students and Staff: Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
3. 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