The largest UK games developer is offering a scholarship programme for Teesside University’s Computer Game Design degree course for the second year in a row.

Last year Creative Assembly and Teesside University launched a scholarship which supports under-represented and disadvantaged students to make their mark in the Games industry.

This Creative Assembly Legacy Scholarship provides financial support and expert mentorship throughout the successful students’ time at Teesside University. The scholarship is specifically open to underrepresented or disadvantaged individuals to address existing cultural and socio-economical barriers which may limit their chances of success.

Applicants must enrol on Teesside University’s Game Design BA (Hons) and meet at least one of the following criteria: demonstrate clear financial need in their application, identify as female, identify as being from a minority ethnic background. Two scholarships are available for £9,000 each. 

Emma Smith, Head of Talent at Creative Assembly said;
“We want to contribute to long-lasting change in the games industry; to bring more diverse voices into development teams and boardrooms. Our award-winning education work benefits students across the lifespan of their studies and this scholarship represents the next step at giving potentially disadvantaged students a real chance to fulfil their potential.

“Social mobility and diversity are so interwoven that we need to look at a range of factors that act as barriers to higher education, and therefore potential industry careers. We believe that careers in the games industry should be accessible to everyone no matter socio-economic status, gender or ethnicity.” 
 

Teesside University enjoys an excellent reputation in the field of computer games with courses covering all aspects of games development, ranging from the highly creative area of concept art to the technical discipline of games programming. Last year the University signed an official Memorandum of Understanding with Creative Assembly as part of a joint venture to engage in partnership working and provide additional opportunities to students and graduates.
 
Siobhan Fenton, Associate Dean (Enterprise and Business Engagement) in Teesside University’s School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies, said:

“Creative Assembly has been involved with several modules on our computer games degrees this year providing feedback sessions and specialist industry talks which have been greatly received by our students.

“One of our joint aims was to explore ways to encourage more under-represented groups into the games industry and to have this scholarship available is a fantastic endorsement of our commitment to widening participation. There should be no barriers to a career in the games industry and we are looking forward to helping students from under-represented groups reach their ambitions.” 

Creative Assembly has already awarded scholarships to two students who are now in their 2nd year at Teesside University. These recipients have benefitted from contact with Creative Assembly developers during their studies and they will continue to be supported throughout their programme of study.

Creative Assembly won the GamesIndustry.biz Award for Best Education Programme for the third time in 2022 for their work to break down existing educational barriers within the games industry. This scholarship programme represents an extension of that work.