Bournemouth & Bath universities in the UK today announced the Centre for Digital Entertainment (CDE) is a new and unique collaboration between the University of Bath, Bournemouth University and a host of industry partners across the computer animation, games and visual effects industries.

The CDE has been awarded £6.3 Million initial funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to fund 50 doctoral studentships in digital entertainment beginning in October 2009 and spread over eight years.

The CDE’s purpose is to train the next generation of leaders in the computer animation, games and digital effects industries by offering a unique doctoral program that places researchers directly in companies to work on real projects. Under academic supervision students’ work will form the basis of an Engineering or Professional Doctorate.

David Walsh, Managing Director of Frontier said, "This is an excellent programme which will benefit our industry significantly. The Centre will allow us to increase the number of highly skilled people we can bring to bear on the exciting technical challenges we are addressing by blending the best of academia with top quality commercial organizations in an effective, focused way."

Andy Lomas, Head of Computer Graphics at Framestore CFC added, "I believe that in the UK we are missing out in the type of close connections between academic research and the animation and visual effects industry that happens in North America. The proposed Doctoral Centre could have very significant impact in addressing this gap."

Prof Phil Willis, Head of the Computer Science Department at the University of Bath said, "This high-level of EPSRC investment offers a wonderful opportunity to put leading-edge researchers into our national and world-class companies in the digital media sector. This is exactly the right time to put skills investment in place, ready for the economic recovery. The complementary skills of Bournemouth University and the University of Bath, and the demonstrated willingness of both universities to work closely with industrial partners, maximise the value we can deliver to our partner companies."

The program lasts 4 years with 75% of student’s time being based in a company working on real projects with support by access to options from a suite of Master’s programs from both universities. The taught program will be negotiated by the student, academic supervisors and the host company allowing bespoke tailoring to particular research needs.

Bournemouth University is recognised worldwide as providing one of the best digital arts degree courses with alumni obtaining prestigious posts at Frontier, DreamWorks and may other world leading companies.

Doctoral studentships are fully funded providing fees, a tax free stipend and dedicated funding for international conferences.

For more details see information for applicants or information for companies please visit: http://www.digital-entertainment.org/