Top industry seal of approval for computer games course

A leading games industry trade body has awarded prestigious accreditation to a respected University of the West of Scotland computer games programme.

The sought-after TIGA accolade is awarded to the very best games courses – including UWS’s BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development programme – with the aim of helping prospective students and employers easily identify courses that produce industry-ready graduates.

Dr Thomas Hainey, UWS Computer Games Development Programme Leader, said: "I am absolutely delighted that the BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development Programme at UWS has achieved TIGA accreditation. It is a phenomenal opportunity to maintain and improve the standards of the course in conjunction with respected games industry representatives and provide excellent opportunities and enhanced employability for our students.

“The programme consists of highly dedicated staff members and many talented students who should all be congratulated for making this accreditation possible. Many thanks to the accreditation team and I am sure that, with their continued support, the course will continue to progress on a successful upward trajectory."

TIGA uses ‘Graduate Outcomes’ data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) to help inform its decision on which courses should qualify for the highly regarded accreditation.

Employment figures feature highly in the scoring system, and *89% of UWS Computing Games Development Graduates were found to be working in degree-related employment after 15 months.

The course encompasses a broad range of skills which equip graduates for industry roles as game developers or help to provide a solid foundation for further study in specialist industry roles. The broad nature of the programme provides a strong environment for interdisciplinary team working and the curriculum includes a range of opportunities to develop appropriate group skills essential to industry practice.

The TIGA Accreditation Team commended UWS for its commitment to the student experience and willingness to adapt teaching to fit the local employment market. They also noted the University has strong ties with industry partners who demonstrate high levels of engagement with the course.

This includes a strong relationship with Blazing Griffin, who have provided a range of industry talks, panels and competition judging to students on the degree programme. Pineapple Studios also represent a key industry partner in terms of employability and have recruited a significant number of the course's graduates in game development roles.

Dr Richard Wilson OBE, TIGA CEO, said: "UWS's BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development course prepares students for indie game development roles and a sound platform for further specialist study. Students on the course benefit from strong links with Blazing Griffin and Pineapple Studios.

“Teamwork, which is vitally important for our industry, is actively promoted. Congratulations to the staff and students of UWS on your successful accreditation."

Dr Jacob Habgood, TIGA Educational Advisor, said: "Scottish degree programmes still represent significant value for money to home students, allowing them four years in which to explore a broad-based programme of study. In the case of the BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development degree, this provides its students with the time and space to explore a wide range of industry roles without accruing significant levels of debt through tuition fees."

*Graduate Outcomes survey data from 2017-18