BBC Worldwide has confirmed a partnership with the National Film and Television School for a scholarship programme supporting students taking the new MA course in Game Design and Development. Their support includes both financial assistance, and placement opportunities within the BBC for course graduates. The course, which was launched in January 2012, teaches students the basics of game design, art, programming, and scripting.

“I’m truly excited and honoured that we have been given the opportunity to support and work with the games development and design stars of tomorrow,” said Robert Nashak of BBC Worldwide. “This is the first time [we’ve] supported such an initiative but given the NFTS alumni reads like a who’s-who of all that’s good and great about the British and global entertainment business, we feel very confident we’ll uncover some hidden treasure.”

Jon Weinbren, Head of Games at the NFTS, added: “We are very excited that BBC Worldwide has chosen to back the new Games Design and Development course at the NFTS with these scholarships and placement opportunities […] Engagement with an organisation as content-rich and innovation-friendly as BBC Worldwide offers a unique set of opportunities and will undoubtedly give rise to some extraordinary outputs.”

According to a report by Games Catalyst, BBC Worldwide have agreed to provide four students with scholarships, and then take on two students for placement opportunities. As the company’s focus on the games industry grows, this number may continue to expand; with the UK playing host to universities like Abertay the with prestigious games courses, we’re like to hear of more similar sponsorship programmes before long.