TIGA, the games industry trade association, is pleased to announce the re-accreditation of the following games courses at City, University of London:
- BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Games Technology
Re-accreditation – awarded - MSc Computer Games Technology
Re-accreditation – awarded - MSci Computer Science with Games Technology
Re-accreditation – awarded
The BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Games Technology course provides a strong theoretical underpinning to the subject’s practical application in game development. Students are exposed to industry-relevant languages and tools and given the opportunity to work together on group projects. Graduates are equipped with appropriate skillsets to go on to pursue programming roles in the games industry.
The MSc Computer Games Technology course benefits from a strong technical focus on C++ programming and engine development and represents an excellent opportunity for graduates of the BSc course to spend an additional year developing the depth and breadth of their industry skills. The opportunity it provides to dig deeper into graphics and audio programming would equip students well for working in core technology roles or on product teams.
MSci Computer Science with Games Technology program incorporates the first three years of the BSc program and a final year based on the MSc program. As such it benefits from a strong technical focus on C++ programming and engine development as well as a rounded Computer Science education. The continuity of study provided by integrated programs like this are particularly advantages to the students’ employability at the end of the course.
The recorded destinations of students graduating from both courses showed significant proportions gaining employment and a high level of graduates using their game technology skills in future employment.
BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Games Technology Destinations
- Percentage employed after 15 months: 95%
(Graduate Outcomes survey data from 2017-18) - Percentage employed in games: 23%
(University data for 2017-2019 ignoring unknown students) - Percentage employed using their game technology skills: 91%
(University data for 2017-2019 ignoring unknown students)
MSc Computer Games Technology Student Destinations
- Percentage employed in games: 64%
(University data for 2017-2019 ignoring unknown students) - Percentage employed using their game technology skills: 100%
(University data for 2017-2019 ignoring unknown students)
MSci Computer Science with Games Technology Student Destinations
- Percentage employed after 15 months: 95% (Computer Science)
(from 2017-18 Graduate Outcomes survey) - Percentage employed in games: 66%
(University data for 2017-2019 ignoring unknown students) - Percentage employed using their game technology skills: 100%
(University data for 2017-2019 ignoring unknown students)
The TIGA Accreditation Team noted the following examples of best practice:
- The postgraduate course benefits from research-driven academic specialisms such as AI , computer vision and computer graphics, but also provides a strong technical focus on C++ programming and games technology.
- The department’s Professional Pathways scheme provides highly beneficial approach to studying while working, allowing students to be employed up to 4 days a week while continuing to study part time for their Computer Science with Games Technology degree.
- The undergraduate course has a remarkably low attrition rate for the current year, with all students progressing in 2019/20.
- The course benefits from broad connections with industry through its advisory panel and periodic alumni meet-ups.
- The university’s Professional Liaison Unit (PLU) provides dedicated support to students for finding placement opportunities, delivering workshops and mock interviews to help students succeed in obtaining a placement.
- The university should be commended for a decisive, early decision to switch to online delivery during the COVID pandemic. The benefits to the wellbeing of students and staff will yield dividends in years to come and positions the accredited courses well with respect to the recovery and subsequent NSS polling.