[game_edu] MSc Computer Games Technology - Press Release

[Glyn Heatley]

Apologies if this has been cross posted to you in another list. No spam
intended.

Glyn



First Masters Level Degree in Computer Games Technology in Canada &
First Master of Science Degree In This Field Offered At Algoma U

Aspiring computer games designers in North America are being offered the
chance to study for one of the world's most prestigious degrees in the
subject.

Algoma University College, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, is set to
become the exclusive host in North America for the MSc Computer Games
Technology offered by the University of Abertay Dundee, Scotland.

This is the first Masters level degree in computer games technology to
be offered in Canada, as well as the first MSc in this field in North
America. Students in the program will be located on the Algoma U campus
in Sault Ste. Marie, and receive instruction from the University of
Abertay Dundee's highly experienced and authoritative faculty in Dundee
via state of the art video-conferencing technology.

The program achieved a key milestone today when Mr. Chris Bentley,
Ontario Minister of Training, College and Universities, declared his
intent to approve the program.  Ontario Ministerial endorsement will
allow Abertay to complete its own internal procedures, with the first
students expected to begin their studies in the Fall

In contrast with other Masters level degrees in this field, this program
runs for three semesters over 12 months. This includes 2 semesters of
lectures and laboratories, followed by one semester of team-based
project work involving the design and test of a prototype game, and
concluding with a Masters dissertation. The first graduates from the
course are expected in summer of 2007.

During the first two semesters the students will have the unique
opportunity to meet with visiting experts from the game development and
publishing industry from across North America.

The University of Abertay Dundee's MSc was the world's first degree in
computer games technology when it was launched in 1997, since then
several dozen high quality graduates have gone on great success in the
rapidly-growing computer games industry worldwide

Abertay has also developed the unique 'Dare To be Digital' annual
international computer games competition for student teams looking to
design and develop quasi-commercial computer games and digital products.
Several graduates from the MSc and related degrees have passed through
Dare To Be Digital and gone on to great professional and personal
success. Algoma U's Futureplay conference and its North American
computer games competition builds on this expertise.

Professor Lachlan MacKinnon, Head of the School of Computing and
Creative Technologies at Abertay, said "Ministerial approval for this
course will be a very welcome and important achievement which allows us
to move ahead with our quality assurance processes - vital for
maintaining the high standing of our MSc within the industry." 

"The MSc Computer Games Technology offers an international experience,
opening a window to European and North American enterprise. I am
delighted that the program will provide students with an exceptional
opportunity to work up a personal portfolio to showcase their knowledge
and skills in the computer game arena, " states Dr. Celia Ross,
President, Algoma University College. "We know the industry is hungry
for these graduates and I look forward to watching their successes in
the future." she said.

"The prospect of the development of computer games companies that might
contribute to the local economy, as has been the case in Abertay Dundee
is very exciting and the partnership between Algoma U and the Innovation
Centre's  IT Business Incubator will accelerate the process. Moreover,
this new program puts Sault Ste. Marie on the map as a Centre of
Excellence for advanced study in computer games," explains, Dr. Arthur
Perlini, Academic Dean, Algoma U.

"Consistent placement in both Canada's Top 100 Employers and the
Deloitte Canadian Technology Fast 50 emphasizes BioWare's core values of
quality in our products and quality in our workplace," says Dr. Greg
Zeschuk, Joint CEO of BioWare Corp. He added, "The announcement that
Algoma U will be the first Canadian University to offer the Master of
Science in Computer Games Technology is thrilling for us as we look
forward to recruiting from that pool of top talent."

The program is intended to begin in September 2006 pending the Ontario
Ministerial approval and approval from UK Quality Assurance, which are
expected in February 2006.

For further information on the degree, please visit
www.mastersdegreeingaming.com

regards,

Glyn Heatley
CGT Promotions Manager
Algoma University College 

1520 Queen Street East
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, P6A 2G4
Tel: (705) 949-2301 Ext. 4113
Fax: (705) 949-6583
Email: heatley at algomau.ca

Earn an MSc Computer Games Technology in 12 months.
http://www.mastersdegreeingaming.com
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