MSc in Games Programming

Hull, UK.  11th February 2009.  The University of Hull’s Masters course in Computer Games Programming is the first in England to receive Skillset accreditation. Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for Creative Media which supports skills and training for people and businesses to ensure UK creative media industries maintain their world class position.

The accreditation is welcomed by industry giants such as Sony, Microsoft, EA and Blitz Games Studios who are keen for strong computer games courses, like the one at Hull, to be recognised for their academic rigour.

Hull’s MSc in Games Programming has been running since 1996 and is the longest-established course of its kind in the UK.  Students who graduate from the department go on to achieve very successful careers; examples include Kieran Connell who graduated in 1996 and is currently Development Lead at Microsoft Games Studios and Paco Viciana who graduated in 2003 now holds a senior position at EA.

Dr Jon Purdy who runs the course says: “We are delighted to have been the first English institution to have been recognised for our prestigious Computer Games Programming course. The success of our graduates speaks volumes about the high calibre students we attract and the level of teaching we provide.”

He continues: “The major computer games companies come to Hull each year to identify potential employees; they know that the standard here is particularly high and every year a number of our students are given job offers on the spot.”

Dawn Beasley of Blackrock Studios, part of Disney Interactive Studios says: "Disney is one of the biggest Entertainment companies in the world and we are serious about recruiting the right people to create original games. Our confidence in the University of Hull's Computer Science department is demonstrated by the fact that we have been hiring from Hull for several years now and all have worked out successfully. Since we are keen to hire the best, some students are offered jobs six months before the end of their course."

Sarah Lemarie, Infrastructure Manager at Sony Computer Entertainment Europe says: “The combination of a sound academic degree together with a thorough understanding of the commercial sector is vital for any discerning undergraduate and I am pleased that Hull has been recognised for being exemplars of this practice.” 

David Braben, founder of Frontier Developments, one of the games industry's leading independent developers, says: “The Skillset accreditation is fully supported by Frontier and other computer gaming companies; it provides employers with a real sense of reassurance about the graduates they are recruiting. The MSc at Hull was already well regarded, so this recognition is very well deserved.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

About the MSc in Games Programming

The MSc in Games Programming provides a broad education in computer game design, development and technology, with a special emphasis on the programming of computer games. It develops the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a successful career in industries specialising in the creation and distribution of leisure and entertainment computing technologies, using computer games development methods and techniques as a vehicle for introducing the theoretical, intellectual, creative and dynamic aspects of computing.

About the University of Hull

The University of Hull is one of the world’s top 500 universities and is well known for the discovery of liquid crystals, for which the Department of Chemistry received the Queen’s Award for evolutionary biology.  Philip Larkin, one of the greatest English poets of the twentieth century, was the University’s librarian for 30 years and he wrote some of his most celebrated works at the University.  Famous alumni include: Lord Dearing, Roger McGough CBE, John McCarthy and Anthony Minghella.

About Skillset

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.

For more information, visits www.skillset.org