After levelling up from gamer to graduate Rowan Simpson is starting a new quest in teaching
Staffs encourages you to not just sit and write essays – they want you to take the theory and actually make games. I’ve been able to transfer that into real life and into my next job.
Rowan has had a fascination with animation since he was a child and pursued this passion on the BSc (Hons) Games Design with Animation course at University of Staffordshire.
The 24-year-old from Coventry reflected: “I remember specifically watching Jason the Argonauts with my dad, and thinking “this is awesome – how do I do that?”. And now I can look back at that moment and be proud to say that I can do that.”
University of Staffordshire is home to the largest games department in the UK, with strong links to industry and opportunities for students to put their skills into practice through collaborative projects and placement schemes.
Students also have access to industry-standard facilities, including a high-tech Vicon motion capture studio and a specialist games centre featuring the Unreal games engine. Plus a VR and mixed reality lab, with green screens and wall projections.
“There is something different around every corner of the Staffs experience,” Rowan explained. “I was encouraged by my friends and lecturers to go beyond where I thought I could go. And I was encouraged to be me and to explore my creativity in my own way.
“During my time here, I have used motion capture to transform my friend’s sister into a giant fire breathing lizard monster. I have created a deep delve into 14th century medieval sword fighting and I’ve voiced acted a cockney dragon in a fantasy game!”
Alongside his studies, Rowan had a part-time role as a student demonstrator and helped to showcase games courses at the University to school and college pupils.
This experience inspired a love of teaching in Rowan and, after graduating with a first class degree, he has secured a job as a games design lecturer at his local college.
“My experience in my student demonstrator role really impacted that. It allowed me to be introduced to the world of games education. I want to thank my lecturers Ben and Amir who really guided me through that and inspired me to want to be a lecturer.
“Staffs encourages you to not just sit and write essays – they want you to take the theory and actually make games. I’ve been able to transfer that into real life and into my next job.”
Rowan added: “For anyone interested in studying Games, Animation, 3D Art, I would 100% recommend University of Staffordshire. I’ve loved my time here!”
Discover University of Staffordshire’s range of future-ready courses – apply through Clearing and get an instant decision online.