UK game industry bolstered by TIGA Accreditation scheme, as trade body welcomes more universities to join drive to improve student prospects
LONDON, September 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — TIGA, the trade association representing the UK video games industry, has published a new report looking at progress made so far in its Accreditation initiative. The report, Achieving Success: TIGA Accreditation Report 2017 shows that 17 university courses have achieved TIGA Accreditation and that up to 67 per cent of graduates on some TIGA University Accredited courses are securing jobs in the games industry. TIGA’s University Accreditation scheme aims to support universities, students and studios in preparing the next generation of game making talent.
TIGA’s Accreditation Report shows that:
- 17 courses have achieved TIGA University Accreditation;
- a high proportion of graduates from TIGA University Accredited courses are securing work in the games industry; and
- that TIGA University Accredited courses have strong links with industry.
As of September 2017, 17 courses at the following universities achieved TIGA Accreditation: Anglia Ruskin (1 course); Bournemouth University (1 course); Portsmouth University (2 courses); Sheffield Hallam University (3 courses); University of the West of England (1 courses); Staffordshire University (7 courses); and City University of London (2 courses).
A high proportion of graduates from TIGA University accredited courses who graduated in 2014/15 are securing jobs in the video games industry. For example:
- 40% of students on Anglia Ruskin University’s BA (Hons) Computer Games Art;
- 50% of students on City University of London‘ MSc Computer Games Technology;
- 61% of the students on the University of Portsmouth’s BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology course;
- 56% of Sheffield Hallam’s BSc Game Software Development; and
- 67% of graduates on Staffordshire University’s BEng (Hons) Computer Gameplay Design and Production found work in games.
Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO, said:
“The UK needs its studios to be backed by quality graduates from universities that know the current needs of the game industry. To make that happen, collaboration between industry and educators is essential.
“The TIGA University Accreditation system was introduced to recognise the very best undergraduate and postgraduate university courses, enabling both prospective students and game developers to identify those courses that are producing industry-ready graduates, while strengthening the bond between industry and educators.
“Through decades of hard work and devotion, the UK leads the world when it comes to game industry creativity, technology, innovation and best practice. Equally, our report shows that we are home to a number of the world’s finest universities, many of whom are already educating some of the finest game talent available.”
Dr Mark Eyles of the University of Portsmouth and TIGA’s Education Adviser, commented:
“There is always room to improve the prospects of the next generation of game makers, while assuring that UK studios have a plentiful supply of suitably trained future staff. With that in mind we developed the TIGA Accreditation scheme to recognise and support universities in getting game education right. Equally, TIGA Accreditation pools industry insight and recommendations to make sure there is a clear match between course content and industry needs. The more universities that seek TIGA Accreditation, the greater the benefits for students, educators and game makers across the UK.”
TIGA is welcoming more universities to consider the benefits of Accreditation, and encourages them to make contact: Mark.Eyles@port.ac.uk . Those in the industry wishing to provide insight, feedback or guidance are also encouraged to reach out to TIGA: richard.wilson@tiga.org.
TIGA members looking to understand how TIGA Accreditation supports universities – can access the full report for free by contacting here: suzi@tiga.org.
Related: Report: UK Games Developers Continue Their Adventures – TIGA
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