Gamers: these are the top UK unis for gaming
Several UK universities stand out for their commitment to nurturing gaming talent and fostering esports communities, providing students with both academic excellence and opportunities to pursue their passion for gaming. If you’re looking for a university where you can combine study with play, this list will help you sort the power-ups from the debuffs!
Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, the CEO of OnlineGames.io, discusses the top five best and worst UK universities for gamers.
The Top UK Universities For Gaming Enthusiasts
| Rank | University | eSports Twitter followers | eSports competitors | Discord members | |
| 1. | University College London | 386 | 194 | 2,964 | |
| 2. | Imperial College London | 212 | 225 | 2,461 | |
| 3. | The University of Warwick | 1,435 | 488 | 2,359 | |
| 4. | The University of Southampton | 410 | 361 | 2,195 | |
| 5. | The University of Bath | 409 | 205 | 1,933 |
London Region
UCL, renowned for its academic prowess, boasts a thriving gaming community. With a substantial online presence across gaming platforms, UCL offers relevant degree programs in game design, computer science, and digital media. The university's state-of-the-art gaming facilities provide students with immersive gaming experiences, fostering a vibrant gaming culture on campus. The UCL Gaming Society fields teams in popular titles like League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Overwatch. With support from the university, these teams participate in collegiate gaming leagues, showcasing their skills on a national stage.
Imperial College London, known for its excellence in STEM fields, embraces the gaming craze with fervour. Offering degree programs in computer science and digital media, the university provides students with opportunities to explore their passion for gaming. With dedicated gaming lounges equipped with cutting-edge technology, Imperial College London offers a conducive environment for gaming enthusiasts to thrive.
Midlands Region
The University of Warwick is a frontrunner in the gaming arena, boasting a large following on gaming platforms. Offering verified degree programs in game design and computer science, the university prepares students for careers in the gaming industry. With modern gaming facilities and regular gaming events, The University of Warwick fosters a dynamic gaming community among its students. The Warwick Gaming Society supports teams in popular titles like Fortnite, Rainbow Six Siege, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. These teams train rigorously and participate in intervarsity tournaments, representing Warwick with distinction.
Southern Region
The University of Southampton stands out for its vibrant gaming community and relevant degree offerings. The university's gaming facilities offer students opportunities for competitive gaming and socialising, contributing to a thriving gaming culture on campus. The University of Southampton Video Games & Gaming Society fields teams in games like Hearthstone, FIFA, and Call of Duty, showcasing the university's diverse gaming talent.
The University of Bath is a hub for gaming enthusiasts, with active teams competing across multiple gaming platforms. The Bath Gaming Society sponsors teams in popular titles such as Apex Legends, Overwatch, and Rainbow Six Siege. These teams participate in collegiate gaming leagues and tournaments, representing Bath with skill and sportsmanship.
The UK Universities With Limited Gaming Interest
| Rank | University | eSports Twitter followers | eSports competitors | Discord members |
| 1. | University of Cumbria | n/a | 0 | 15 |
| 2. | Canterbury Christ Church University | 4 | 30 | 33 |
| 3. | Bath Spa University | 20 | 63 | 37 |
| 4. | The University of Wolverhampton | n/a | 1 | 53 |
| 5. | Buckinghamshire New University | n/a | 6 | 65 |
North Region
The University of Cumbria exhibits limited engagement with gaming, lacking dedicated gaming facilities and comprehensive gaming-related programs. While the university's involvement in the gaming community remains minimal, there's potential for growth and development in fostering a more vibrant gaming culture on campus.
East Region
Similarly, Canterbury Christ Church University displays minimal interest in gaming, with few established gaming initiatives and limited infrastructure. Expanding gaming-related activities and investing in gaming facilities could enhance student engagement and cultivate a more dynamic gaming environment at the university.
West Midlands Region
Although The University of Wolverhampton demonstrates some interest in gaming, its gaming facilities and academic programs are relatively limited. There's an opportunity for the university to bolster its gaming initiatives and infrastructure to better engage students and promote a thriving gaming culture on campus.
Similarly, Buckinghamshire New University exhibits limited involvement in gaming, with minimal gaming-related initiatives and infrastructure. Strengthening gaming programs and facilities could enhance student participation and elevate the gaming experience at the university.
Marin says, ‘As gaming continues to gain momentum, UK universities play a crucial role in nurturing gaming talent and fostering esports communities. By offering verified degree programs and investing in gaming infrastructure, universities create a conducive environment for gaming enthusiasts to thrive and excel.’
