Students will learn about video game technology

The one-year postgraduate course in interactive entertainment technology is starting at Trinity College in October.

It has been designed in collaboration with some of the world's top gaming companies.

Module subjects include graphics, artificial intelligence and real-time animation.

Students will get to operate technology used by professional game development companies.

Course director Dr Steven Collins said it was a fantastic opportunity.

"Interactive entertainment is one of the fastest growing and most exciting areas of global industry right now," he said.

"If we can continue to grow the skills and knowledge available in Ireland in key areas, building on our research strengths, we have the ability to make Ireland a specialised hub for this business."

The growth of online technology means that the skills students will learn on the course will be relevant and in demand

Orla Sheridan, Microsoft

The closing date for applications is 31 July and Dr Collins said it was proving very popular.

"We're attracting local and international students and, with only a month left before applications close, time is running out," he said.

The course is open to 25 students, each of whom must have at least a 2:1 undergraduate degree in computer sciences or a related subject.

During the second half of the year students put theory into practice, including a group project which could involve developing a game.

The course is supported by Microsoft and the company's Orla Sheridan said: "There is a huge demand for skills in this technology, both from established global players and also from smaller companies based here and abroad.

"The growth of online technology means that the skills students will learn on the course will be relevant and in demand."