School of Design, Engineering & Computing

BU joins leading games industry association

10 January 2011

Bournemouth University (BU) has joined TIGA - the trade association representing the UK's games industry.

The University’s membership is led by the School of Design, Engineering & Computing which offers a BSc (Hons) in Games Technology. Dr Christos Gatzidis, Co-ordinator of the Degree Programme and Lecturer in Media Technology, believes that BU students will benefit from the extensive network of industry contacts available through TIGA.

“Bournemouth University is committed to working with the industry to further enhance our courses and create benefits for our students,” said Dr Gatzidis. “We would love to speak to TIGA members about opportunities for guest lectures, research collaboration and student placements.”

TIGA is comprised of members drawn from the independent games development industry including games publishers, technology businesses and universities. TIGA's vision is to make the UK the best place in the world to do games business by focusing on political representation, generating media coverage and developing services that enhance the competitiveness of its members.

Dr. Richard Wilson, TIGA CEO, stated: “TIGA is committed to working with its university and academic members to help facilitate greater knowledge exchange to benefit both students, universities and the wider industry. We welcome Bournemouth University to TIGA and look forward to working closely with them in the future.”

The University’s degree in Games Technology is designed to help students improve their knowledge and skills of the technological aspects of media and games programming. The course looks at game development on the latest game platforms and also addresses the growing area of mobile phone game development.

The subject of entrepreneurship is highlighted through learning in the area of business development, including company creation and business planning. The course also offers an optional 12 month placement to give students the opportunity to put the skills and knowledge acquired during the first and second years of the course into practice and will help students make an informed decision about their future career.