You’re absolutely right! The University of Roehampton is a pioneer in university esports in the UK and offers a fantastic **Esports Scholarship** to talented gamers. This scholarship provides **£2,000 per year** to help students pursue their competitive gaming alongside their academic studies.
Here’s how you can go about getting this scholarship:
### 1. Be a University of Roehampton Student (or Applicant)
* **Apply for a Degree Course:** First and foremost, you must apply for and secure a place on a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degree course at the University of Roehampton. You cannot receive the scholarship without being a registered student.
### 2. Demonstrate Significant Esports Talent
This is the core requirement. Roehampton is looking for **high-level competitive gamers**. You’ll need to demonstrate proficiency in a recognised esports title. This typically includes games like:
* League of Legends
* Valorant
* CS:GO (Counter-Strike 2)
* Dota 2
* Rocket League
* Overwatch 2
* FIFA/EA Sports FC
* Rainbow Six Siege
* And potentially other popular competitive titles.
**Evidence you’ll need to provide usually includes:**
* **High Rankings:** Evidence of high ladder rankings (e.g., top global/regional tiers, diamond/master/grandmaster equivalents, etc.).
* **Competitive Experience:** Participation and strong performance in tournaments (national, regional, or even strong university-level leagues like NUEL or NSE).
* **Team Experience:** If it’s a team-based game, details of teams you’ve played with, your role, and achievements.
* **VODs/Match History:** Links to recordings of your gameplay or detailed match history to showcase your skills and decision-making.
### 3. Maintain Academic Performance
* **Balance Academics:** While the scholarship is for esports, you are primarily a student. You must be able to balance your training and competition schedule with your academic responsibilities and maintain good academic standing throughout your degree.
### 4. Commitment to Represent the University
* **University Teams:** Scholarship recipients are expected to represent the University of Roehampton in various university esports leagues and tournaments throughout the academic year. This includes attending practices, team meetings, and competitions.
### 5. Application Process (General Steps)
While the exact process can vary slightly year-to-year, it generally involves:
1. **Apply to the University:** Get your academic application submitted and accepted.
2. **Scholarship Application Form:** Once you are an applicant (or current student), you will typically complete a separate application form specifically for the esports scholarship.
3. **Submit Your Esports Portfolio:** This is where you detail your gaming achievements, competitive history, rankings, team experience, and provide any supporting evidence like VODs or statistical profiles.
4. **Trials/Interviews:** Shortlisted candidates are often invited for online trials, skill assessments, or interviews to further evaluate their gameplay, strategic understanding, and suitability for the university’s esports program and team environment.
5. **Selection:** A panel will review all applications, academic records, and trial performances to select the scholarship recipients.
### How to Maximize Your Chances:
* **Specialise:** Focus on becoming exceptionally skilled in one or two major esports titles rather than being mediocre across many.
* **Document Everything:** Keep detailed records of your rankings, tournament results, and any significant plays or VODs. Start building this portfolio now!
* **Be a Team Player:** If applying for a team game, highlight your communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.
* **Research Roehampton’s Program:** Look into their current esports teams, the games they focus on, and any specific requirements or expectations they have for their scholars.
* **Contact the University:** If you’re seriously considering it, reach out to Roehampton’s admissions or sports department for the most up-to-date and specific information on their Esports Scholarship for the academic year you plan to enrol.
This scholarship is a fantastic opportunity, not just for the financial support but also for the chance to develop your esports skills in a structured university environment with dedicated facilities and coaching. Good luck!
