Open to first-year students in the University of Bedfordshire’s Computer Science and Technology (CST) Department, Matthew Kaye (pictured) was awarded the British Computer Society (BCS) Prize for achieving the best grades out of an eligible 268 students.

Accrediting a number of Bedfordshire’s CST courses, BCS is the Chartered Institute for IT, looking after the interests of individuals worldwide in the computing profession.

“I was absolutely delighted when I was told the news, and quite surprised,” said Matthew, who collected a £150 cheque and free BCS membership for his efforts.

“I have been at the University of Bedfordshire for less than a year so to win such an award already is amazing, and has given me a lot of confidence for the remaining two years of my Degree.”

In addition to his personal success, Matthew was also part of a Bedfordshire team that finished runners-up in the Mobile category at the annual game jam competition, which formed part of the Brains Eden (BE) Gaming Festival at Anglia Ruskin University.

Comprising 26 student teams from countries ranging from Canada to Spain, the game jam tournament required participants to have a finished game ready to present to a judging panel in 48 hours.

Bedfordshire’s team, which consisted of Matthew and four other Computer Games Development students, claimed second thanks to a gaming app designed for Android tablets, with discussions underway to put the design into production.

The app would challenge gamers to safely balance army troops in the middle of an island on a castle, with balance becoming increasingly harder as they move up the levels.

Rob Manton, Senior Lecturer in Computing and Information Systems at Bedfordshire, added: “Matthew has an excellent attitude – not just in completing his work, but embracing all of the extra-curricular opportunities that are available, as shown by the team’s recent game jam success. They all did the University proud.”