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Skillset accreditation

Two more UK games courses get the thumbs-up.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday December 14, 2009

Two more games courses have been accredited by Skillset, putting them among the ranks of the UK’s elite games training grounds.

Sheffield Hallam University has made the grade with its MSc Games Software Development, and Abertay has made the hat-trick of accredited courses with its MSc Computer Games Technology joining its two undergraduate courses.

All of Skillset’s accredited courses are judged by industry panels, and involve rigorous examination of course documentation, alumni destinations, staff CVs and industry links, as well as site visits to check resources and access.

The addition of these two courses brings the number of computer games courses accredited by Skillset to eight, with three being added this year.

Skillset’s computer games sector manager Saint John Walker said: “We are so pleased to be able to give this recognition to two more courses. This really is a victory for both these universities and the industry itself, as everybody wins when we are able to produce world-class, industry-ready graduates.”

We are now in the process of consulting with a number of other games courses across the country, and are confident that it will not be long before students have an even greater range of industry-approved courses to choose from.”

There was festive cheer from the successful Universities. Bob Steele, principal lecturer at Sheffield Hallam said: “It’s great news. Our course has always been built around a rich and meaningful relationship with industry and we’ve had great support from the likes of Sony’s London studio to get to where we are.”

North of the border, at the University of Abertay, feelings were similarly joyous.

Dr Henry Fortuna, director of learning and teaching with the MSc in Computer Games Technology said: “This is our first Skillset accredited postgraduate course and the quality of the student work is reflected in the careers they’ve forged within the industry. The course has been in operation for over 10 years and many of the graduates are now in senior and influential positions within the industry helping to shape the future of computer games development within the UK and beyond."

Skillset is inviting all computer games courses in the UK to learn more about the benefits of accreditation. For more information please email Skillset’s accreditation and quality manager Nicole Hay at nicoleh@skillset.org.

-Ends-

For more information contact

Skillset press and PR officer Nick Sheridan on 020 713 9854 or nicks@skillset.org

Skillset press and PR manager Jennifer Walters on 0207 713 9854 or jenniferw@skillset.org

Out-of-hours: 07827 989 330.

Notes to Editors:

? Skillset is the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for Creative Media which comprises TV, film, radio, interactive media, animation, computer games, facilities, photo imaging and publishing. SSCs are licensed by the UK Government and by Ministers in the devolved administrations to tackle the skills and productivity challenge by sector. They are independent, UK-wide organisations, are employer-led, and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the industry.

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