Aurelia Brzezowska
Computer Science Student, University of Staffordshire
Callum Roberts
Associate Lecturer, University of Staffordshire Games Institute
Professor Chris Headleand
Staffordshire Games Institute, University of Staffordshire
UK university produces industry-ready graduates through hands-on training, innovative projects and inclusive outreach programmes, with a first-of-its-kind virtual campus transforming education.
Callum Roberts, PhD candidate, is part of the team behind StaffsVerse, a virtual recreation of the University of Staffordshire campus built entirely in Fortnite. His research focuses on recreating physical locations within virtual worlds to design immersive and engaging user experiences.
Gamified virtual learning environments
“StaffsVerse is Fortnite’s first virtual university campus. We’ve recreated the environment down to the smallest details, with mini-games to engage users in new and exciting ways,” he explains.
This project reflects how virtual environments are transforming modern-day education, and Roberts is passionate about the role they play in leading that change. “There’s so much on offer, and that helps you to stand out from other applicants when you graduate.”
There’s so much on offer, and that
helps you to stand out from other
applicants when you graduate.
UK’s best games institution
With over 2,000 students enrolled in games-related courses ranging from foundation to PhD levels, University of Staffordshire is home to the UK’s largest games department, a hub of emerging talent recognised by both students and industry leaders. Professor Christopher Headleand, Head of the Staffordshire Games Institute, explains: “What makes us different is that we’re a dedicated games department, and that focus gives our students a clear edge.”
Recipient of the TIGA Education Institution of the Year 2024 award, and one of the only universities in Europe to be an Unreal Authorised Training Centre, the University is creating industry-ready graduates through a mixture of practical skills, cutting-edge programmes and collaboration with industry experts.
“We maintain a diverse industry panel that meets regularly throughout the year to ensure our courses remain relevant. But we don’t just respond to the industry, we are contributing to it,” adds Prof Headleand. “Through world-leading research in areas like player behaviour and virtual reality, we’re proud to be disruptors helping support the future of games and immersive tech.”
They also support students through employment. On the 1UP placement scheme, the university employs students for six weeks to run their in-house games development studio, where they get hands-on experience creating publishable titles. “They get paid, gain commercial experience and, in some cases, win national awards,” Prof Headleand says. “We’re incredibly proud of that.”
Young STEAM Personality of the Year
Extremely passionate and driven, Aurelia Brzezowska, Computer Science student at the university, is a proud role model for the next generation. “I was the only girl in my computing class, but that pushed me to keep going, and now I get to be a role model for others,” she says.
Aurelia has not only won Young STEAM Personality of the Year; she also co-founded the Women in STEM Society, joined the UK Cyber Security Council as a Youth Advisory Member and leads the Computing Society at the University, organising career events and connecting students with industry leaders. Representing the University at high-profile events like Women in Tech and Bright Network’s Illuminate, she champions inclusion and opportunity in tech.
“Staffordshire’s hands-on approach and supportive community have helped me to thrive,” she explains. “It’s not about textbooks; it’s about doing. There are so many opportunities, from hackathons to career talks with industry experts and clubs or societies, which all help to keep you motivated.”
Future-proofing graduates
Exceptional talent is nurtured through a clear pipeline that supports graduates and future entrepreneurs, supporting students to turn their ideas into industry-ready ventures. “Game development is one of the few industries where you can get your start with a dream and a computer. Our MSc in Entrepreneurship gives graduates the business tools to turn their dreams into a real studio,” says Prof Headleand.
Through inclusion, opportunity and innovation, University of Staffordshire is not just educating students, but empowering them to shape the future of game design and technology.
Discover University of Staffordshire’s courses: www.staffs.ac.uk
