University News Last updated 26 January
Graduates from Birmingham City University (BCU) are moving directly into employment across the games and digital industries - and that success has now been recognised by TIGA, the UK’s video games industry body.
With up to 85% of graduates in employment 15 months after graduation, and the majority using games technology skills in their roles, BCU’s career-focused approach to games education has earned national accreditation.
BCU has received TIGA accreditation for three of its games courses:
- BSc (Hons) Game Programming
- BSc (Hons) Game Technology
- BA (Hons) Game Design
TIGA accreditation is awarded to courses that demonstrate strong industry alignment, high-quality teaching and clear evidence of positive graduate outcomes.
The recognition highlights BCU’s success in preparing students for real-world careers in games, technology and the wider creative industries.
BCU games students benefit from industry-informed teaching shaped by an active Industry Advisory Board, alongside opportunities to take part in events such as Global Game Jam, Innovation Fest and Digital Horizons.
Courses are designed to develop T-shaped graduates, combining specialist technical or creative expertise with transferable skills valued by employers.
Graduate outcomes underline the impact of this approach:
- 85% of BSc (Hons) Game Programming graduates and 80% of BSc (Hons) Game Technology graduates were in employment 15 months after graduating, with many securing roles in the games industry or applying their skills in related sectors.
Students study within BCU’s Games Academy, working collaboratively across disciplines and gaining hands-on experience through studio-based projects, including developing games for consoles using official development kits.
Access to industry-standard facilities and regular guest lectures further ensures graduates are ready for professional practice.
Mathew Randall, Games Lead at BCU, said: “This accreditation recognises the real impact our courses have on student outcomes. We’re focused on ensuring graduates leave BCU with the skills, experience and confidence to build successful careers in games and beyond.”