Somerset College is based near the centre of Taunton and has a history reaching back as far as 1856, when it was known as the School Of Art And Science. It currently offers a two-year foundation degree in Computer Games Technology that can be topped up to a BSc (Hons) by staying on for a third year. The course covers a broad range of disciplines including 3D modelling, animation and character rigging, audio production and design. As a Peter Jones Enterprise Academy, Somerset College can provide expert help for students looking to set up their own businesses. Curriculum area manager Sam Batten talks up the importance of self-promotion.
How can graduates stand out from the competition today?
We support our students in the development of their entrepreneurial skills, portfolio presentation and networking skills. With 25 per cent of the games workforce [being employed] on a freelance basis, it’s key that students know how to promote themselves, showcase their skills and use social media to promote themselves, as well as develop and maintain contacts within the industry.
Why did you decide to split your degree into foundation and top-up years?
Flexibility. You might want to take up employment or undertake an internship at the end of your foundation studies, and this way you can. And it’s worth mentioning that students also have the option of achieving their degree on a part-time basis.
Your course covers a great many areas of study – is that a challenge?
With our programmes, we aim to develop both the technical and artistic skills of our students. And with such major growth occurring in the industry, particularly in the mobile, indie and small studio pathways, we strive to ensure that our learners have a robust skillset which meets both their career aspirations and the needs of [the] creative media sector. All of our students undertake work placements, which helps enhance their employability, and they create their own games, too – this year our students have been working on a game with the British Red Cross as well as Somerset Wildlife. We also have excellent employer links and a programme of guest speakers.
Other than studying their chosen field, how else should students prepare themselves for the industry?
It’s really important to keep yourself up to date with what’s happening in the industry, which is currently in very exciting times. You need to be aware of what job roles are out there and understand how the industry and the game development process works. To be truly successful, you need to be proactive, seek opportunities and not get disheartened if things don’t go to plan. Every experience that you have provides something to learn from.
From your annual intakes, can you see any evidence of the industry’s gender bias evening out?
We’re pleased to report a year-on-year increase of female game developers, which is fantastic, and a development we are excited to shout about! We have both female and male lecturing staff on our games programmes, too, so we hope that this serves as an attractive [advantage] to potential applicants.
How do you promote the south west of England, whose game dev scene isn’t as high-profile as, say, London’s?
The south west has a great number of small indie games companies as well as being a fantastic location to learn, with excellent transport links to cities such as Bristol, Bath, Exeter and Plymouth. We attract students locally, regionally and nationally and they all enjoy their time at Somerset College and make the most of what the location can offer. We have a real community feel and students feel respected and looked after.
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