TIGA, the trade association representing the UK
games industry, is delighted to welcome the University of Northampton as its
latest member.
In 2012 it was recognised as England's No 1
University for employability and as part of the University's new strategy, it
aims to be the top university in the UK for social enterprise by 2015.
The two game courses at the University of
Northampton are relatively new. The first course, launched in September 2012
was the BSc (Hons)/HND Computer Games Development. This course aims at
providing an experience in the programming side of the industry, along with
other skilling including mobile app development, internet programming skills,
and many more.
The next course to be launched, in September 2013 is
the BSc (Hons) Creative Games Development. In this new course the aim is to
support development of the arts side of the industry (this course is changing
to BA Games Art in September) From concept to 3D modelling, the student will
also be working on games design, development, and visual effect.
The university's courses allow students use of the
latest industry-standard equipment and software. Northampton's university is
also home Nvision which has an ‘ActiveWall’ that allows for work to be
projected in 3D on a large scale and an immersive ‘ActiveCube’ environment.
Both of its courses work hand-in-hand on a regular
basis. They share a Group Project module which allows artists and programmers
to work together on joint gaming projects. This then offer the chance for each
student a chance to get a feel of a number of different job roles across the
industry.
Martyn Simmons, Senior Lecturer (Course Leader) in Games Design, said:
“UoN hopes
that by joining TIGA we will be able to reach out to those interested in the
games industry as a career choice. We aim to give those people, young and old,
the opportunity to fulfill their dreams in developing their games development
skills, and maybe find the next the next big thing in the industry.”
Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO, said:
“We like the way Northampton's course leaders
encourage students to
get their work into the public domain. They enter national competitions such as
Dare to Be Digital, Off the Map, Something Unreal, Get into Games and Search
for a Star, which showcases their talent and also allows them to network. We
welcome the University of Northampton to TIGA.”
About
TIGA:
TIGA is the trade association representing the UK’s
games industry. The majority of our members are either independent games
developers or in-house publisher owned developers. We also have games
publishers, outsourcing companies, technology
businesses and universities amongst our membership. Since 2010, TIGA has won 14 business awards and has been nominated a
finalist for 16 other awards.
TIGA's
vision is to make the UK the best place in the world to do games
business. We focus on three sets of activities: political representation,
generating media coverage and developing services that enhance the
competitiveness of our members. This means that TIGA members are
effectively represented in the corridors of power, their voice is heard in the
media and they receive benefits that make a material difference to their
businesses, including a reduction in costs and improved commercial
opportunities.
For
further information, please contact Dr Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO on: 07875 939
643, or email: richard.wilson@tiga.org.