CITY UNIVERSITY LONDON
A university with a strong technical focus and its own incubation space
Chris Child began his industry career as lead programmer at
Speed Ball 2: Brutal Deluxe developer Empire Interactive back in 1996, and has since founded his own studio, Childish Things. He now lectures in Computer Game Technology. Greg Slabaugh, meanwhile, is a senior lecturer in Computer Science and started out as lead software developer at Friendly Software. Recently, both were involved in the Play To
Cure: Genes In Space app, created as part a Cancer Research UK jam. What game courses do you offer? Chris Child The postgraduate Computer Games Technology MSc is designed to give students strong technical skills suitable for professional programming roles in the game industry. Students develop specialist knowledge in computer graphics, AI, physics and audio, and learn how to use professional game engines as well as build their own. [They gain] experience in the planning, management and execution of a major game technology project. We also offer an undergraduate Computer Science with Games Technology Bsc (Hons) course, which provides technical game-building skills along with a more general computer science education. The MSc has a big technical focus, right? Greg Slabaugh Yes, the course was developed by game industry experts, and teaches the fundamentals of game programming… On the course, students develop a strong portfolio of games and technology demonstrations that showcase their ability and passion as programmers.
Is that backed up by opportunities to gain industry experience?
CC Getting hands-on industry experience is key to our students’ career development. We have strong links with videogame companies and help our students to find internships and placements. We also have an extremely successful track record of students finding work in the industry after graduation, with some choosing to start their own companies, others working at indies, and some finding employment with major companies. [Our] alumni are now working as programmers at Rockstar
Games, SCEE, Criterion and EA. And whether it’s attending a seminar, going to a game jam, or networking at a Tech City event, there’s a plethora of activities for students to attend and expand upon what they’ve learned in the classroom. This year, our students were invited to exclusive prelaunch PS4 events. What other benefits can students expect?
GS The main campus in Clerkenwell is just moments away from Tech City, the thirdlargest technology startup cluster in the world. We have a designated space there called the Hangout, where startup companies and spinoffs can incubate. Also, we frequently host or participate in game jams – we were a host site for Global Game Jam in January. And being members of TIGA gives our students access to TIGA events, including a recent game jam at Pinewood Studios, where movies such as Skyfall were filmed!
“[OUR] ALUMNI ARE NOW WORKING AS PROGRAMMERS AT ROCKSTAR GAMES, SCEE, CRITERION AND ELECTRONIC ARTS”