University offers degree in Pokemon

Students are being allowed to play mobile phone game Pokemon Go as part of their degree course.

Salford University in UK says the game, in which players seek out virtual animated characters in real-world locations, will make its business information technology course more 'accessible'.

But critics claim the move is indicative of the dumbing down of degrees – a charge Salford lecturer David Kreps denies.

He said: "We want new students to feel that our subject is accessible and easy to grasp.

"Pokemon Go fits perfectly with that. It uses various information systems that are accessed over the internet, a digital camera and a GPS location sensor.

"While we will be asking students to play Pokemon Go, it will get a little more complicated."

But Chris McGovern, of the Campaign for Real Education, said the idea was 'farcical' and that it encouraged students to rack up huge debts on courses that opened up few job prospects, reports Mail Online.

The University of Idaho in US is offering a for-credit "Pop Culture Games" course, in which Pokemon Go will be a focus.

The course is set to open next fall under the university's Department of Movement Science, and will count toward students' physical education requirement, reports Fox News.

It is designed to teach students about living active lifestyles, teamwork and exploring their communities, according to instructor Steven Bird.

"This app does more than let you shoot a Pokeball. You get to adventure around, seeing different things, being active, seeing the sun. It allows you to move in large groups and a team. You get not only physical activity, but you also get team-building and leadership," Bird said in a statement.