B.I.C. Systems' project supports game course at NWIFHE

B.I.C. Systems, a leading technology solutions provider in Ireland and the UK, has completed a significant technology solutions project to support a new computer games technology course at the North West Institute of Further & Higher Education (NWIFHE).

The new course - the Higher National Certificate in Interactive Computer Entertainment - is one of the first gaming technology courses to be offered in Ireland.

B.I.C. Systems provided and configured high-end workstations for students, assisted in the design of the laboratory where the course is to be taught and worked closely with the NWIFHE to provide what is being described as “a unique educational experience for students of gaming technology”.

The other partner in the development of the course - Donegal-based software company Torc Interactive - provided the gaming software used for student tuition. B.I.C. Systems will continue to provide technical support for the course management.

Robbie Hegarty, course director, said: “The new course is aimed at those wishing to work in the computer games industry. Working closely with B.I.C. Systems, we feel we are now in a position to offer a world class education facility for students looking to work in the sector”.

“The gaming technology sector looks set to grow exponentially over the coming years. Already, the sector has a faster rate of growth in the UK than the music or film industries and we are looking to tap into that growth,” said Mr Hegarty.

The course provides students with tuition in a range of games production techniques. Key modules in the course include 3D game programming, 3D computer graphics for games, mathematics for game programming and computer music production.

“It is in the interests of the indigenous technology industry and, indeed, the wider local economy that we can provide well trained graduates to support the development of this sector here in Ireland. We are extremely grateful to B.I.C. Systems for having worked with us to provide the necessary infrastructure for the course,” said Gerry McGuckin, Deputy Director for Technology Development at NWIFHE.

Ed Vernon, Group Managing Director, B.I.C. Systems, said: “We are delighted to have been able to support this unique new course, which is an exciting new development in the digital media sector in Ireland."

He added that the company were "strongly committed" to supporting initiatives that help nurture growth in this sector.

B.I.C. Systems, www.bicsystems.com

(SP)