Computer game buffs will now be able to turn their love of Tomb Raider's Lara Croft into a professional qualification.

From September this year, students will be able to analyse the cultural impact of computer games as part of a one-year MA in Video Games Studies, believed to be the only course of its kind in the country, run by Northumbria University.

Graeme Kirkpatrick, course leader, said the degree would give "intellectual credibility" to an activity which attracted millions of young people.

"Computer games have been of enormous importance to the information revolution, having introduced two generations of workers to IT and research shows that a significant number of people under the age of 35 play games regularly," he said.

"The global computer game industry generates more than $7bn per year and to date, there has been little theoretical examination of the social and cultural impact of games.

"We expect there to be a considerable level of interest in this unique course."

As part of the course students will analyse the social, historical and ethical significance of playing games such as Tomb Raider, Sonic the Hedgehog and Grand Theft Auto.

The degree will consider the history of games and technology as well as analysing genres and narratives. Students will investigate the politics surrounding gaming, including the extent to which worldwide social factors are an influence on the style of games, the attraction to male and female audiences and examining whether characters such as Lara Croft can emphasise the notion of 'interactivity' between the game and the player.

Students will also look at the marketing of games and whether their content can have an educational value or promote violent behaviour.

For more information contact Graeme Kirkpatrick on 0191-227-3413 or email ar.admissions@northumbria.ac.uk.