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Leading UK games development studio to grow opportunities for students with Teesside University partnership

06 October 2020

 

One of the country’s leading computer games development studios has joined forces with Teesside University to create more opportunities for students and graduates.

Staff from Teesside University and Creative Assembly taking part in a remote signing of the Memorandum of Understanding
Staff from Teesside University and Creative Assembly taking part in a remote signing of the Memorandum of Understanding

A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between Teesside University and Creative Assembly (CA) committing the two partners to explore mutually beneficial ways of working.

Creative Assembly, whose games include the popular Total War series and the critically-acclaimed Alien: Isolation, will engage in a number of ways through the partnership, including:

  • Shaping the curriculum and degree programmes to ensure that students are learning the requisite skills for a successful career in the industry.
  • Student access to mentors.
  • Guest lectures.
  • Expanding opportunities for disadvantaged people to work in the games industry.

Throughout the coming academic year, CA experienced staff will deliver online guest talks across all the year groups on the BA (Hons) Computer Games Design undergraduate course and co-deliver a 2nd year industry module.

The company will also share client briefs for academics to use, thus mimicking real world production, discuss ideas for supporting a more diverse pipeline of talent into the games industry, and support portfolio reviews as part of the Animex International Festival of Games and Animation.

CA’s Head of Talent, Emma Smith, said when students inquire about going on to higher education she talks about the positive experiences students have had at Teesside University.

We’ve had several Teesside graduates join the studio and they have been a great addition to our teams and directly contribute to the success of our projects.

Creative Assembly Head of Talent, Emma Smith

She said 'We’ve had several Teesside graduates join the studio and they have been a great addition to our teams and directly contribute to the success of our projects.

'So, when other students ask about where they should go on to, I can always talk about the fantastic graduates we have had from Teesside University in a real and authentic way.

'We are confident that by working with Teesside we will be supporting graduates to not only have a career pathway at Creative Assembly but also in the wider industry.'

Teesside University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise and Business Engagement) Professor Jane Turner OBE DL said she was inspired by Creative Assembly’s values and ethos and commented upon the passion and professionalism exhibited by CA staff when you engage with them.

She added: 'I am particularly interested in their award-winning Legacy Project which focuses on breaking down barriers to the games industry for under-represented groups such as women, Black and ethnic minority communities.”

'It’s fantastic to be able to work alongside an organisation which shares such similar values to our own, and I will be exploring with colleagues at CA how we can work together to bring a similar Legacy Project to the Tees Valley.'


 
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