TIGA, the trade association representing the UK video games industry, is pleased to announce the re-accreditation of the following games course at the University of the West of Scotland:
- BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development Accreditation Awarded
The TIGA Accreditation Team highlighted the following examples of best practice:
- The curriculum encompasses a broad range of generalist skills which would equip graduates well for industry roles as indie game developers or provide a foundation for further study in specialist industry roles.
- There are opportunities for team working. For example, via the Year 3 Game Development Portfolio Project.
- The National Student Survey (NSS) results for 2023-24 are strong. For instance, 87.5 per cent of students on the programme believe that the teaching staff have supported their learning.
- Attainment results are good: 11 students out of 22 were awarded ‘1sts’ in 2023-24.
- There were 19 industry guest lecturers in 2023-24, providing invaluable insights for students and staff.
- The course boasts a Retro games room, an excellent facility supporting community, belonging, and stimulating an understanding and appreciation of games history and design evolution.
- The course is regularly updated, with 5 new modules being introduced since the last TIGA accreditation in 2021.
- The curriculum incorporates modules (e.g. Games Console Programming) that teach C++ programming and PlayStation console development, which equip students well for further study in specialist programming roles.
- The content on Immersive Tech delivered on the course is a strength – recognising a growth sector and supporting student aspiration.
- Course staff all maintain active research profiles, which is commendable.
Graduate Destination data
Note: Missing destination data tends to distort overall employability rates. So TIGA uses official ‘Graduate Outcomes’ data from HESA[1] to report overall employment rates, as well as drawing upon university data.
- Percentage employed after 15 months: 85%
(Graduate Outcomes survey data from 2021-22) - Percentage employed in games: 23%
(University data for 2021-24 ignoring unknown students) - Percentage employed using their game technology skills: 71%
(University data for 2021-24 ignoring unknown students) - Total number of graduates: 124
(University data for 2021-24) - Total number of known graduate destinations 65 (52%)
(University data for 2021-24)
Dr Richard Wilson OBE, TIGA CEO, said: “University of West of Scotland’s BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development provides a broad range of generalist skills which equip graduates well for industry roles as indie game developers, or provide a foundation for further study in specialist industry roles. The course is regularly updated, benefits from a Retro Games room and attracted 19 industry guest lecturers in 2023-24. The National Student Survey (NSS) results for 2023-24 are strong. Congratulations to the University of West of Scotland on the re-accreditation of your games course.”
Associate Professor Mark Wickham, Director of Computer Arts and Technology, Norwich University of the Arts and TIGA Education Adviser, said “With a team of research-active staff and an established curriculum, University of West of Scotland’s BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development course integrates programming and applied mathematics to equip graduates for success across diverse industries. Adoption of PlayStation 5 dev kits provides invaluable, hands-on experience that enhances employability in the gaming sector, supported further by an annual employability event. The Retro Games room cultivates a strong sense of community and offers a fascinating lens into game design history through ‘Retro-games Archaeology’ – one of the most appealing module titles in games education!”
Dr. Thomas Hainey, Programme Leader of Computer Games Development at UWS, said: “I am exhilarated and thrilled that we have been able to achieve TIGA accreditation for a second time. This is a major achievement for our Programme Team, school, students and UWS as an institution. The accreditation will allow us to strengthen our ties with industry, promote equality and collaboration and provide our students with greater support to prepare them for their advancement to further study and industry ready employment.”
TIGA’s commitment to games education extends beyond its Accreditation programme:
The TIGA Game Education Conference 2025 – which takes place on July 3rd at Birmingham City University – will once again comprise a full day of keynotes and panel discussions. It provides a vital forum for educators and studios to exchange knowledge and ideas to address key challenges, including skill needs, graduate employability, excellence in research and teaching and studio spinouts from higher education. Find out more and register here.
Graduates Guide: TIGA has published a comprehensive and practical guide for Students and Graduates looking for a career in games. It provides a full overview of the many and varied career opportunities available in the games industry – from coding and programming to marketing and communications; from design and narrative to business development; from QA and localisation to HR and talent acquisition. Importantly, the publication also provides invaluable guidance to students and graduates on how to take their first steps in securing a new career opportunity. Download it for free here.
The TIGA Games Industry Awards: These prestigious awards are now open for entry, featuring two dedicated categories for universities and colleges, namely Educational Institution and Education Initiative. To find out more and to enter, click here.
Ends.
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 and 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
