The one-year course in interactive entertainment technology will kick-off in October at Trinity College Dublin and has been designed in collaboration with some of the world's top gaming companies.

Supported by Microsoft, it is the first time an Irish post-graduate course will focus on the science and technology behind video games and is intended to prepare students for a career in the growing gaming and entertainment sector.

The course marks a new era for TCD, Ireland's oldest university and one of the country's most historic locations, with literary giants Jonathan Swift and Oscar Wilde among its illustrious former students.

``Interactive entertainment is one of the fastest growing and most exciting areas of global industry right now,'' course director Dr Steven Collins said.

``It presents a fantastic opportunity, not just for students and individuals, but for the country.

``If we can continue to grow the skills and knowledge available in Ireland in key areas, building on our research strengths, we have the ability to make Ireland a specialised hub for this business.

``The quality of this course, coupled with the support of industry leaders such as Microsoft, Demonware and Radical Entertainment, provides students with access to the very latest thinking, techniques and technology.

``We're attracting local and international students and, with only a month left before applications close, time is running out,'' he said.

The course will be open to 25 students annually, each of whom must attain at least a 2:1 under-graduate degree in computer sciences or a related subject.

Those who meet the criteria will then have to go through an interview with course representatives.

The course will feature modules delivered by world-class researchers taken from Trinity research groups.

The second half of the course will focus on individual research on a chosen dissertation topic along with contribution to a group project, which could involve the development of a game.

Students will also be encouraged to build a portfolio of work and enter international competitions such as Microsoft's Imagine Cup.