Multimillion-pound screen school to be launched

A £5m screen school aimed at boosting skills in the digital arts and media industries is to be launched at the University of Wolverhampton.

Courses including computer games design, film and television production, animation, multimedia journalism, and media will be taught in the new Wolverhampton Screen School.

Existing space within the university’s Alan Turing Building at the Wolverhampton City Campus will be transformed to create state-of-the-art teaching facilities and equipment.

Work is due to be completed in time for the next academic year in September 2021.

Vice-chancellor Professor Geoff Layer said: “This is an exciting new development for the university and the Black Country region which aims to boost skills and employability in this sector. By investing £5m in new technology and facilities we are ensuring our students and staff have access to the best teaching and learning opportunities available in a fast-moving field.

“Our aim is to develop and open up a new and diverse talent pipeline required by the screen industry and to engage with creative students in the region so they can make informed choices and provide new career trajectories through screen skills.

“The focus will be on providing a professional, industry-linked environment which will enable students to work with peers from different disciplines, as they would in the real world. The University will work closely with industry to ensure curriculum development is in line with what this dynamic sector needs. By entering an emerging sector in our region, it will enable new voices to enter those industries and build and nurture diversity in the workforce.”