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another UK university help thread.

richy19 · 2010-11-09T12:36:02

Hi i first of all just want to say that all though i haven't posted much on here i have been lurking the forum for a while, and by doing that i have seen a few of the "what course to do" threads.I have read all the information you usually give those people as well as some other stuff i found, the thing is:Next year 2011 i will be starting university and there fore now is the time i have to choose and apply for them, however im having a bit of a hard time choosing what course to do, on one hand i love games and programming and i would love to work as a programmer, on the other hand im realistic and know that its hard enough to get a job at all let alone one in the games industry.So my debate is whether to try and go for derby's programming course(which i have seen people say is very good) or go to one of the other universities and take computer science with a few modules that would benefit a games career.Now until now i wouldn't even of asked however i am reading more and more here and i see that derby's got probably the best course for programming(games wise that is) and they probably have good contacts within the industry, so they would be best suited for say helping me get a summer internship or something.Apart from that i would also like your help with anything i can do at home to further my knowledge into the subject, im currently learning C++ by creating a simple game with SFML as well as learning some advanced maths.Oh and also would it be ok if i posted a personal statement once i have a draft see what you think?As well as if you have any advice on it?Finally i dont know if anyone here goes or has been to Hull university, but anyone know what their contacts in the industry are like and such?Thanks to anyone and everyone that has taken the time to read that, really appreciated.

Games Career Development Business

Started by richy19 November 06, 2010 07:46 PM

13 comments, last by richy19 13 years, 7 months ago

richy19

115

Author

November 08, 2010 04:41 PM

Quote: Original post by HackSlash
Before I answer that, take a look at the Skillset accredited courses on their website here. The only course that's accredited at the University of Hull is the Msc Games Programming course and these are the courses that have been praised by the games industry. Y'know, not to make you're decision even more tougher ;)

Im not really 100% sure how much i trust that site, im sure their doing there best to research all the courses and such, but derby's course isnt on there and thats meant to be one of the best courses in the country (or so i have heard)

Toughts, creations and ramblings can be found at: http://richy1913.byethost22.com/

stone_ta

126

November 08, 2010 05:13 PM

Quote: Original post by richy19
Im not really 100% sure how much i trust that site, im sure their doing there best to research all the courses and such, but derby's course isnt on there and thats meant to be one of the best courses in the country (or so i have heard)

I could be wrong but I don't think Skillset go searching for all the games courses, there are a number of tickboxes that the courses need to check and then they apply to be skillset accredited at which point they then review the course and decide whether it meets their standards or not. It could be that Derby haven't applied for it, so there could be good courses that aren't accredited.

richy19

115

Author

November 08, 2010 05:17 PM

I am thinking of sending them an email just to get their view.
So far i have:

Quote:

Hi.
I am currently looking into different universities as i am planing to apply this year.
I wish to do some sort of computer programming in the future and have a strong lean towards the games sector.
I wondered if you could answer some questions to help me choose between taking the "computer science with games development" or just the normal "computer science" and take some of the modules of the games development course.
1- What percentage of students ultimately end up in the games sector after taking the games development Bsc course?
2- Do you often get studios or companies asking for undergraduates? And if so would you give preference to those students that have taken the games course or would you offer the job to any of the students that was looking to work in that sector?
3- What contacts does the department have within the games sector?

Anything else i could add?

Toughts, creations and ramblings can be found at: http://richy1913.byethost22.com/

yaustar

1,022

November 09, 2010 04:18 AM

Quote: Original post by stone_ta
I could be wrong but I don't think Skillset go searching for all the games courses, there are a number of tickboxes that the courses need to check and then they apply to be skillset accredited at which point they then review the course and decide whether it meets their standards or not. It could be that Derby haven't applied for it, so there could be good courses that aren't accredited.

That is correct. You have to apply to get your course Skillset accredited which takes time and looks at past students work throughout the years.

Since the course is fairly new, they wouldn't be able to show past students' work.

Steven Yau
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richy19

115

Author

November 09, 2010 12:36 PM

Is there anything you would recommend i put on the personal statement?
I see that some of you have been or are at university and you opinion would really help me as i am clueless as to what to put.

Toughts, creations and ramblings can be found at: http://richy1913.byethost22.com/