Coventry University uses the force to launch Master’s with Star Wars developers

Coventry University is collaborating with the creators of Star Wars game titles to launch its new Games Studio Development Master’s course. 

Developed in partnership with the Utopian Game Labs Academy (UGLA), the program will equip aspiring developers with the skills and experience needed to thrive in the gaming industry.

Leveraging industry expertise

UGLA, part of Utopian Game Labs, brings a wealth of experience to the collaboration. Its founders have worked on major gaming titles, including Time Raiders, Star Wars, Peppa Pig, and Doctor Who: Return to Earth. 

Dr. Bianca Wright, Curriculum Lead for Creative Technologies at Coventry University, highlighted the significance of the partnership:

"We are excited to work with UGLA on this innovative approach to developing talent for the games industry. Not only has this course been co-developed with them, but we will be working together to deliver the course to our students.

"Because of its location near Leamington Spa, which is a hub of activity for the industry, Coventry University is well-positioned to work with the games industry—and with this collaboration, our students will benefit from real-world industry engagement and collaboration from the get-go."

Bridging the gap between academia and industry

The Games Studio Development Master’s course is designed to attract students from diverse disciplines, including design, engineering, writing, marketing, and business. By aligning academic learning with industry demands, the program offers students the chance to collaborate on real-world game development projects alongside UGLA.

Coventry University’s proximity to Leamington Spa, often referred to as "Silicon Spa" due to its concentration of gaming studios, adds another layer of opportunity for students. The location positions the university as a hub for gaming talent, offering students direct access to industry professionals.

The program’s emphasis on real-world experience reflects the industry’s need for practical knowledge. Luke Richards, Lead Designer at UGLA, explained the challenges faced by aspiring developers:

"Aspiring developers face a big hurdle in the intricacies of production. It's easy to misstep at various stages of a long, iterative process in ways that make a game a nightmare to complete, and we in the industry have done a disservice in not sharing our knowledge to help aspiring developers accomplish their goals.

"We are proud to contribute to positive change for the benefit of industry and aspirants alike. We look forward to working with every student on the course and fulfilling the industry's needs together."