February 25, 2016 3.20 pm This story is over 97 months old

New Lincoln UTC course to train the next generation of game designers

First in the county: Lincoln UTC is gearing up to launch the county’s first computer gaming course.

Lincoln UTC Principal Rona Mackenzie being taught how to play Minecraft. Photo: Year 13 student Ben Clark

The next prodigy in the computer gaming industry could be trained in Lincoln as the city’s University Technical College gears up to launch the county’s first games computing course.

Lincoln UTC is expanding its Science and Engineering curricular through a new Level 3 computer science option from September 2016.

The Games Computing course will develop students’ skills in game design from visual concept, design and programming all the way through to launching their very own computer game.

The qualification will examine business requirements in marketing, managing and running a games development studio.

Alongside theoretical knowledge and skills, the students will work with industry professionals and games experts to complete work placements and explore the practical application of their studies.

Mr Sean Oxspring, a successful games designer, businessman, BAFTA nominated gaming mentor and teacher at the UTC, will lead the course.

Sean said: “Research suggests that educationalists teaching the next generation of young people should be encouraging the practical use of both mathematics and art.

“Video games design is the perfect marriage of these amazing subjects as skills in both these areas are required to be successful in the gaming industry.

“I am thoroughly excited to be launching such a unique course in Lincolnshire. This is the first game development pathway being delivered in our county and a fantastic opportunity to inspire creativity, problem solving and strengthen a growing, profitable industry.”

The UTC are recruiting now for the first cohort. Those interested in post-16 studies through the course can find out more information here.