Computer games course gets industry accolade

Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for the Computer Games industry, has handed out an accreditation to Teesside University for its BSc in Computer Games Programming.

It is the first BSc in England to be awarded the accolade.

The Skillset accreditation scheme has been created with the games industry to signpost courses which fulfill professional criteria and prepare students for the world of work.

It highlights the best new entrant recruitment spots for the games industry, as well as being a magnet of excellence for prospective students who want to know the best places to study.

Involving the computer industry in the course Kate O’Connor, Skillset’s Executive Director of Policy and Development, said: 'A very big congratulations to Teesside University, which has gone the extra mile to involve the computer industry in the course. The accreditation panel was particularly impressed with Teesside’s links with regional companies like Eutechnyx and Ubisoft, as well as the maturity of the students’ work.'

David Braben, Chair of Skillset’s Computer Games accreditation panel, said: 'We welcome Teesside’s BSc in Computer Games Programming joining the list of accredited courses. The panel found facilities are excellent and students also benefit from strong links with local games companies, through industry placements and industry facing events.There is also a good emphasis on games development teamwork embedded in the course.'

Dr Derek Simpson, Dean of the School of Computing, said: 'I am delighted for the School of Computing and the team to have gained Skillset approval for our BSc in Computer Games Programming course. We are very strong believers in external accreditation and this approval sits alongside our Skillset accreditation for computer animation, our Skillset Academy status and our British Computer Society accreditation. We look forward to continuing our strong and positive links with Skillset in the future.'

Skillset accredits courses in Games Art and Games Programming, and is now developing a Games Design post-graduate framework after consultation with a number of companies.

Factfile

• Skillset is the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for Creative Media which comprises TV, film, radio, interactive media, animation, computer games, facilities, photo imaging and publishing.
• SSCs are licensed by the UK Government and by Ministers in the devolved administrations to tackle the skills and productivity challenge by sector.
• SSCs are independent, UK-wide organisations, are employer-led, and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the industry.
• Teesside University has also been awarded Skillset Media Academy status, one of only 11 UK Higher Education institutions to receive this recognition.
• The 11 institutions form the Skillset Media Academy Network, a UK-wide group of institutions identified by Skillset on behalf of the UK television and interactive industries as Centres of Excellence in creative media education and training.

---