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Newcastle University, which offers a trio of courses for aspiring game developers, is the latest member of UK trade body Tiga.
The public university’s game courses include a one-year Masters in game engineering, and an undergraduate course in (games) computing science. That undergrad course can also grow to four years with an industrial placement.
“Our focus when designing this course was that it should prepare students to work in the computer game industry,” said Graham Morgan, lecturer at the University. “To achieve this we consulted widely with industry figures from companies such as Bizarre Creations, Midway, Sony Liverpool, Travellers Tales, Eutechnyx and Media Molecule.”
Morgan stated that the university joined Tiga for several reasons.
“Firstly, we wholeheartedly support Tiga’s work in raising the profile of the UK games industry to Government and among other stakeholders including the academic world.
“In our view, the video games industry IS this country’s IT industry, and it requires greater recognition and support from Government.
“Secondly, it is important we continue to build strong links with industry to ensure our courses maintain a standard of excellence and also to ensure our students have the best possible access to advice and employment opportunities when they graduate.
“Thirdly we are keen to discuss potential R&D projects with the development community.”
Tiga CEO Richard Wilson welcomed the deal, pledging the industry body remains “committed to strengthening the links between academia and industry”.
