TIGA, the trade association representing the UK video games industry, is pleased to announce the accreditation and re-accreditation of the following games courses at the University of Portsmouth.
- BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology Accreditation Awarded
- BSc (Hons) Computer Games Production Accreditation Awarded
- BA (Hons) Computer Games Design AccreditationAwarded
- BA (Hons) Computer Games Art Accreditation Awarded
The TIGA Accreditation Team was impressed by numerous examples of best practice:
- The courses adopt a T model, providing a breadth of knowledge in the first year and greater depth of knowledge in subsequent years. All courses equip graduates with a good mix of generalist and specialist skills. The first year in particular is designed to provide students with highly transferable skills.
- All courses provide for team working and making a lot of games. Every year the courses run two game jams (and this has been taking place for the last 16 years).
- A high proportion of graduates achieve in ‘games’ or ‘games related’ employment. For instance, 46 per cent of graduates from the Computer Games Technology programme are employed in games and 70 per cent are using games technology skills (university data from 2022-24).
- The National Student Survey (NSS) results for 2023-24 are very impressive. For example, 100 per cent of students on the BSc (Hons) Computer Games Production programme believe that their course develops the knowledge and skills that they think they will need for the future.
- The course teams are also commended on maintaining a good ratio of ‘known’ graduate destinations through post-graduation networks.
- The teamwork and collaboration are of a very high standard throughout the courses, and a pleasure to witness through the accreditation process.
- The team have developed numerous connections with industry partners and guests. There is a high number of visiting lecturers per annum (43 in 2023-24) and an annual curriculum review with industry maintains subject relevancy.
- Professional development for staff, including studio visits and structured work placements, is exemplary practice.
- The business skills delivery alongside the integration of industry tools such as Perforce and Jira, complimenting the excellent facilities that provide access to developer kits (PS5/Switch), photogrammetry, motion capture, and more.
- The teaching ethos on the courses is one of ‘a community of learning’, with divisions between lecturers and students minimised.
- There are opportunities to learn business skills via modules including Game Publishing and Marketing and Leadership Development.
Destination data
BSc Computer Games Technology
- Percentage employed after 15 months: 90%
(Graduate Outcomes survey data from 2021-22) - Percentage employed in games: 46%
(University data for 2022-24 ignoring unknown students) - Percentage employed using their game technology skills: 70%
(University data for 2022-24 ignoring unknown students) - Total number of graduates: 145
(University data for 2022-24) - Unknown destinations: 89
(University data for 2022-24)
BSc Computer Games Production (previously entitled ‘Enterprise’)
- Percentage employed after 15 months: 85%
(Graduate Outcomes survey data from 2021-22) - Percentage employed in games: 53%
(University data for 2020-24 ignoring unknown students) - Percentage employed using their game technology skills: 79%
(University data for 2020-24 ignoring unknown students) - Total number of graduates: 64
(University data for 2020-24) - Unknown destinations: 53
(University data for 2020-24)
NB: BA (Hons) Computer Games Design & BA (Hons) Computer Games Art do not yet have graduating cohorts and have been validated using the data provided, given they previously ran as pathways on the courses listed above.
Dr Richard Wilson OBE, TIGA CEO, said: “The University of Portsmouth’s games courses are highly impressive. Graduates are equipped with a strong mix of transferable and specialist skills. The courses have excellent links with industry, opportunities for team work and have a strong track record of enabling graduates to gain employment in the games industry. No wonder the courses achieve such high NSS scores. Congratulations to the University of Portsmouth on achieving TIGA accreditation and providing such excellent games courses.”
Associate Professor Mark Wickham, Director of Computer Arts and Technology, Norwich University of the Arts and TIGA Education Advisor, said: “It’s wonderful to see such a collaborative team. Students at the University of Portsmouth are provided with excellent facilities, knowledgeable staff, great opportunities to work with industry, and are expertly supported throughout the entire academic journey. The co-working ethos and community spirit are notable highlights. Well deserved contratulations to the team.”
Dr Neil Dansey, Programme Area Lead for Games at the University of Portsmouth, said: “We are delighted to have achieved accredited status with TIGA for a third consecutive period. Our passion has always been delivering graduates of the highest quality to fulfil important creative roles and shape the future of the Games industry. The students and staff are a great source of pride, and it is fantastic to see their hard work being celebrated here. Many thanks to the TIGA panel for their support and feedback over the last 11 years!”
TIGA
TIGA is the trade association for the UK video games industry. TIGA’s vision is to make the UK the best place in the world to develop video games. To this end, TIGA:
- engages with policymakers to create an environment favourable to video games development;
- enhances education and skills through our accreditation programme, the TIGA Games Education Awardsand our education conference;
- promotes best practice through our membership services, including the TIGA STAR Employer Awardand the TIGA Games Industry Awards;
- conducts primary research into the games sector, surveying hundreds of companies each year about the business environment, support policies and the health of the industry.
Get in touch:
Tel: 0845 468 2330
Email: info@tiga.org
Web: www.tiga.org
Twitter: www.twitter.com/tigamovement
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TIGAMovement
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/tiga