Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
A talk I gave at GDC08 on University course accreditation
Citation preview
Computer Games Skills Forum
Existing Links With Educations Two thirds (63%) of Computer
Games employers demonstrate their value of education by maintaining links with schools, colleges, universities and/or private training providers.
Qualifications
Since 2000 – 87% of entrants to the games industry have been qualified to at least graduate level.
Subject Areas
Degree is looked at as a benchmark (although post-grad is often preferable)
Preferred subjects include: Computer Science, Maths, Physics, Games Programming, Games Art, Animation, and Design Disciplines
Skillset Games Forum
Employers most value a combination of technical and soft skills.
Technical skills include C++ programming, online skills (servers and architecture), art and animation,
Soft skills include team working, communication, project management and sales and marketing expertise.
How do employers rate graduates 23% rate them as ‘fully equipped’ 45% rate them as having ‘…most of
the skills but have some need for development’
23% rate them as having ‘…some of the skills but need development’
9% - other responses
Number of Courses
2005 – identified 165 Courses 126 Undergraduate 39 Postgraduate Estimated output a potential 4,000
graduates (cf workforce of 8,000
UCAS enquiry today: 266 courses
Accreditation
Originally suggested in 2004 Graduate recruitment difficulties Perceived failing in HE system in UK, Rising numbers of games courses, Lack of contact between Industry
and HE.
Accreditation
Initial support from ELSPA, TIGA, DTI,
Leading universities in games, Leading companies on Skillset
games forum EA, Sony, Eidos, Codemasters, Blitz,
Activision
Accreditation
Detailed guidelines drawn up for Art, Programming and Design
Assessment teams drawn from Industry and Education
Assessments carried out in two stages.
Stage 1
Paper based: Module descriptors Staff CV’s Student Work Course Info and Recruitment Practise Graduate Tracking
Stage 2
Assessment Visit: View Resources Staff Interviews Student Work Student Interviews
Success
4 Accredited courses (so far) BA (Honours) Computer Arts, University of
Abertay Dundee BSc (Honours) Computer Games
Technology, University of Abertay Dundee BSc (Honours) Computer Games
Technology, Paisley BA in Computer Animation, Glamorgan
Centre for Art & Design Technology
Support Offered
Tutor workshops SCEE, EA, Blitz, and Natural Motion Technical Sessions - Procedural AI
Studio Tours Placement Support Graduate Showcase for Artists GamesEdu Marketing Benefits
Plans for Expansion
More accredited courses (8 by September 2008)
Non Games Specific Accreditation for post-graduate
courses established (launch April 08)
Results
Clear, established routes for learners interested in careers in games
Established, highly skilled graduate workforce available in UK
Collaboration between Industry and HE facilitates joint projects (eg Abertay and middleware projects, Dare to Be Digital, GamesEdu etc)
www.skillset.org/games
