University of Chichester to begin world first degree in e-sports psychology
It aims to 'understand the complex world of competitive gaming'
The world's first degree in the psychology of e-sports is being set up at the University of Chichester.
They've said it'll help to 'understand the complex world of competitive gaming' with the first students starting in September next year.
It'll look at things like human interaction while online, the ethics behind playing games and team dynamics.
The curriculum also includes psychological principles with practical esports applications, preparing graduates for diverse careers including esports psychology, team analysis, coaching and management.
Dr. Benjamin Sharpe, course founder and programme leader and a Senior Lecturer in Cognitive Psychology, is a distinguished researcher in esports psychology:
“Psychology helps us decode human behaviour, motivation and interpersonal dynamics. Our programme will apply these psychological frameworks to understand the complex world of competitive gaming, from individual player performance to team dynamics.
“Through practical experiments, students will connect theoretical knowledge to the multifaceted esports landscape, including international competitions, global audience engagement and the industry’s full spectrum from grassroots to professional levels.
“This pioneering degree represents a collaborative achievement between our Institute of Psychology, Business and Human Sciences and Creative Industries. We’re not just filling a market gap and responding to stakeholder calls – we’re creating versatile graduates equipped with both psychological expertise and practical industry skills, within and beyond esports.”
The course will also be assessed for accreditation by the British Psychological Society (BPS) in February 2025, which would mean students graduate with an industry-recognised qualification that acts as a first step to becoming a psychologist.
Professor Antonina Pereira, Director of the Institute of Psychology, Business, and Human Sciences at the University of Chichester, said:
“The BSc (Hons) Psychology of Esports programme invites students into a profound journey of enquiry, empowering them to critically engage with the complex psychological dimensions of esports. Through this dialogue, students are equipped not merely with knowledge but with the tools to foster resilience, mental well-being, and transformative change within competitive gaming spaces.”