Best educational institution for games – again!

University of Staffordshire has won ‘Best Educational Institution’ at the TIGA Games Industry Awards – for the second year running

Dr Jennifer Challenor, Professor Chris Headleand and Dr Kieran Hicks with the TIGA trophy

It is the second year running that University of Staffordshire has won 'Best Educational Institution'

We’re incredibly proud to be named ‘Best Educational Institution’ for the second year in a row. I couldn't be more proud of the Staffordshire Games Institute, proving time and time again that they are the absolute best in the business.

Professor Chris Headleand, Head of Staffordshire Games Institute

The annual event is organised by TIGA, a national trade association representing the UK video games industry.

The awards celebrate creative, technical and business excellence in the UK games sector, highlighting the achievements of studios, publishers, educational institutions, and service providers across a wide range of categories.

University of Staffordshire is home to the largest games department in the UK and defended its title against nine other institutions.

The back-to-back win of this prestigious accolade comes just days after the University was named no.1 in the UK for games development in The Rookies 2025 Rankings.

Professor Chris Headleand, Head of Staffordshire Games Institute, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be named ‘Best Educational Institution’ for the second year in a row. I couldn't be more proud of the Staffordshire Games Institute, proving time and time again that they are the absolute best in the business. A big thank you to the team for consistently delivering an exceptional student experience, and having such a massive impact on the sector.

“A huge congratulations to all the award winners, and everyone shortlisted for an award, our colleagues and friends in the games industry and education sector. The UK games industry is something incredibly special, and it is wonderful to see this showcased at events like this.”

TIGA CEO, Dr Richard Wilson OBE, said: “The TIGA Games Industry Awards 2025 showcase the best of the best, from creative brilliance and technical innovation to commitment to education, diversity, and sustainability. Congratulations to all our winners and finalists, who together make the UK games industry one of the most dynamic and inspiring in the world.”

Discover more about Staffordshire Games Institute at www.staffs.ac.uk/go/games

Latest news


FS 2026 web

University racing team celebrates Formula Student triumph

University of Staffordshire's racing team has finished fourth overall at the UK's biggest student motorsport competition

Hayden and Chelsea web

Forensic field school inspires friendships and future careers

A hands-on overseas research trip has helped two forensic graduates prepare for careers beyond the classroom

Olly North Tweats web

Second chance inspires graduate's counselling career

A graduate who rebuilt his life after overcoming alcohol dependency is preparing to support others as a qualified counsellor

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025

TIGA Best Games Institution 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021