This is a press release posted alongside our usual editorial content.

TIGA, the trade association representing the UK’s video games industry, has revealed the shortlist for the TIGA UK Games Education Awards 2026.  These awards recognise outstanding students, excellent education providers and best practice. The winners of the categories will be announced on Monday October 5^th 2026.

Dr Richard Wilson OBE, TIGA CEO, said: “The finalists for the TIGA Education Awards and Graduates of the Year reflect the exceptional talent, commitment and innovation found across games education. These outstanding students, graduates, lecturers, teams and institutions are equipping our industry with the skills and fresh thinking it needs to thrive. Congratulations to everyone shortlisted. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and announcing this year’s winners on Monday October 5th 2026.”

SHORTLIST: GAMES EDUCATION AWARDS 2026

TIGA Outstanding Graduate of the Year Finalist: Artist

TIGA Outstanding Graduate of the Year Finalist: Audio

TIGA Outstanding Graduate of the Year Finalist:

Computer Games Technology

TIGA Outstanding Graduate of the Year Finalist:

Designer 

TIGA Outstanding Graduate of the Year Finalist:

Programmer  

TIGA Outstanding Graduate of the Year Finalist:

Production / Enterprise 

TIGA Outstanding Post-Graduate of the Year Finalist

TIGA Outstanding TEC Learner of the Year Finalist

Innovative Teaching: Team

Finalists:

• Abertay University
• University of Portsmouth: Computer Game courses
• University of Staffordshire: Game Design, the CoLab Delivery Team

Innovative Teaching: Lecturer, Head of Department or Dean

Finalists:

• Anna Limpens, Principal Lecturer and Course Leader, University of Portsmouth
• Anthony Martin, Senior Lecturer and Course Leader, University of Staffordshire
• Professor Christopher Headleand, Head of Games Design and Technology, University of Staffordshire
• Davin Ward, Course Director, University of Staffordshire
• David Edwards, Course Director, University of Staffordshire
• Peter Blenkham, Lecturer, University of Greenwich
• Nathan Dewell, Senior Lecturer and Course Leader, Birmingham City University

Excellence in University – Industry Collaboration

Finalists:

• Birmingham City University
• University of Greenwich
• University of Portsmouth
• University of Staffordshire

Excellence in Games Research

Finalists:

• Norwich University of the Arts: Dr Dean Bowman – Senior Lecturer in Game Studies
• University of Portsmouth: Jahangir Uddin – Senior Lecturer and Course Leader
• University of Staffordshire: Alex Briggs (Student)
• Staffordshire Games Institute (University of Staffordshire): StaffsVerse
• University of Surrey: Dr Jon Weinel – Programme Leader and Senior Lecturer – Games Desig

Diversity and Inclusion Award

Finalists:

1. Manchester Metropolitan University
2. University of Surrey
3. University of the West of England

Best Student Game

Finalists:

• Abertay University: Loose Juice
• Birmingham City University: Sluggers
• Bournemouth University: Don’t Croak
• Escape Studios: Project Umbrae
• London College of Communication: Gridwalker
• London Metropolitan University: Bunker Bonk
• University of Greenwich: Spectral Evidence
• University of Hertfordshire: Trials of the Past
• University of Portsmouth: Voidloop
• University of Staffordshire: Pelagia
• University of Surrey: Ditsy Bitsy!
• University of the West of England: Pantomime Horse Obstacle Course