Somerset might not spring to mind when planning your first steps into the fast-moving videogame industry, but Somerset College is doing its best to change that. Founded as The School Of Art And Science in 1856, it has benefited from a multimillion pound investment that’s resulted in cutting-edge facilities. Based in Taunton, the college’s two-year FdSc in computer games technology sets students up for either their first role in the industry, or a final year (subject to validation) at Somerset College to earn a BSc. Curriculum area manager Sam Batten explains why it’s the right choice for aspiring developers.
How is the course structured?
Undergraduates study a range of computer game technology subjects such as games programming, game mathematics, graphics and animation, game platforms and technologies, game design and development and professional practice and the workplace. The second year includes sound for games, games production, game AI, 3D environments and visualisation, advanced game programming, ethics and professional practice, and the option to study character modelling or mobile gaming.
How does your course prepare students for working in the videogame industry?
As well as computer games technology the programme enables the development of personal and communication skills, team working, understanding of technology and programming principles, production management techniques and presentation and pitching skills – all of which are much sought after in the game industry.
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Somerset College is a Peter Jones Enterprise Academy – what benefits does that status offer to students?
We encourage entrepreneurial skills and business awareness. Our onsite business start-up resources mean we can help our students if they wish to set up their own SME. Also, our links with businesses and agencies have led to a growing relationship with our undergraduates, and students are engaged in work placements, freelance work and live project work which all provide excellent opportunities to develop their skills, business awareness and an admirable portfolio of work.
How has the college’s relationship with industry partners influenced the course?
We increasingly receive requests from clients asking if our students can develop games suitable for mobile platforms, and this has provided them with an excellent opportunity to hone their skills and further develop their confidence. Undergraduates study a year-long module in mobile gaming, and this provides an excellent grounding in the technology.
Somerset College is also a member of TIGA and this, alongside our links with members of the game industry, helps us in the continual research and development of our courses and the training of our staff to ensure that we are delivering an up to date, relevant and high quality HE programme that equips students with the skills and expertise they need.
Why should students choose Taunton?
The creative media industries in England are characterised by a highly qualified workforce – 60 per cent of its members have a degree-level qualification. There are over 60 companies in the south-west of England with a turnover of more than £1m, spanning animation, videogames, app development and design work, and over 1,000 game development SMEs and start-up companies. Employment in the digital media industries in the south-west is estimated at 17,300 FTE employees. Somerset and Devon are the home to 25 per cent of all game companies in the south-west region. So Taunton is a great hub to start your journey into the game industry, and Somerset College provides an excellent experience and support to its students.