Be a part of key gaming events
The University of Greenwich offers an undergraduate degree course in Games Design and Development, a Computer Science degree course with a focus on Games, and Games courses with a focus on programming and modelling and animation. These courses allow students to tailor their learning and study the areas of games that most interest them and will best support their career goals. Games teaching on the historic Greenwich Campus in Greenwich, London, is complemented by the opportunities offered to students to gain industry experience.
In November 2022, the Greenwich Campus hosted Adventure X, a huge annual conference bringing together games professionals from around the world. The Campus welcomed around 600 attendees, including guest speakers, for this two-day event centred on narrative-driven gaming. University of Greenwich Games students were able to purchase discounted tickets for the event and also had the opportunity to work as volunteers at the event, supporting Lecturer in Games Development Dr Tom Cole in ensuring the event ran smoothly. Dr Cole has been involved in Adventure X for years and was excited to bring this important networking event to Greenwich for the first time.
For students, volunteering was a great way to gain insights into industry and make connections.
Volunteering at Adventure X was an invaluable experience to get a glimpse into the industry I am striving to join and meet the people that are part of it.
Matthew Reynard, first year student, BSc Games Design and Development
Get creative with games development
Another great opportunity for Games students to gain experience and network came in January 2023, when all students had the opportunity to participate in a game jam on the Greenwich Campus as part of Global Game Jam 2023. University of Greenwich students joined thousands of designers and developers around the world to create from scratch games with the theme of ‘Roots’.
I thoroughly enjoyed Game Jam. It was great just to put everything else aside and focus on one thing with a group of like-minded individuals. Playing each other's games at the end was a good reward.
Benjamin Brennan, second year student, Games Design and Development (Programming)
Plans are already underway for more game jams on Campus.
Inspire the next generation
There are also opportunities for Games students to support the Games Department at university events. All University of Greenwich students can apply to join the Student Ambassador Scheme and choose the shifts they would like to work if successful. In July 2022, a team of ambassadors supported their university at the Medway Rapture Gaming and Creative Festival, a huge annual gaming and technology festival held locally to the university’s Medway Campus. Ambassadors assisted with the university’s exciting interactive stands and engaged with guests of all ages to spread the word about the university and its Faculty of Engineering and Science. The shift also came with free entry to the event, and students enjoyed taking part in activities and viewing the exhibitions during their breaks. The university has plans to again hold a stand at the festival in 2023.
For Iasmina Leagan, being a Student Ambassador has meant she has been able to work to support her lecturers at Open Days and other events, talking about her course to prospective students, assisting with subject sessions, and helping the Games Department inspire the next generation of games designers and developers.
Open Days are a great opportunity to share your experience and show people how enjoyable game development can be.
Iasmina Leagan, third year student, BSc Games Design and Development (Programming)
