Isle of Man are to launch a new postgraduate qualification in e-gaming.

The qualification, which is believed to be a world first, will be available from January 2013 through a work based higher education framework, with an undergraduate level version planned in due course.

The accredited course came about as a result of collaboration between the public and private sectors, including the island’s Department of Economic Development and College of Further and Higher Education, and has been validated through the University of Chester.

Alex Downie, political member for e-gaming at the Department of Economic Development said: “The development of this qualification is supportive of the e-gaming strategy by helping to ensure that companies operating in the sector have access to a good pool of appropriately skilled labour.”

Isle of Man head of e-gaming and technology Tim Craine added: “The industry has made it clear that there is a need for formal qualifications in e-gaming and the courses can only help drive further success in the sector.“