Undergraduate study
     

Animation, Games & Computer Graphics

BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming

  • Length: 3/4 years
  • UCAS code: GGK6 BSc/CGP
  • Typical offer: 260-320 tariff points
 

The development of computer games requires highly skilled and highly creative individuals with a passion for their work. This comprehensive course builds on your existing passion for computer games and teaches you the technical skills along with the academic rigour required in their development.

You will be taught by lecturers who have worked in the games industry as well as those with strong research activities in the area. The strong set of games courses at the University creates a great atmosphere and allows you to develop your skills working alongside artists and designers.

This course is well established and enjoys a good reputation in the games development industry, and we have many graduates now working for the top game development companies in the world.

How you learn

You will be taught by a combination of lectures and practical sessions per module. Lectures concentrate on teaching the principles while practical sessions allow you to put these principles into practice.

How you are assessed

Modules are assessed either by an examination or an in-course assessment which normally requires you to develop and document applications to demonstrate your skills and understanding of the topics being taught.

Professional placement

You may apply to take a year-long supervised work placement between your second and final years. Placements provide an opportunity for you to improve your employment prospects by developing new skills and deepening your understanding of the subject.

The placement year is assessed and contributes to your final degree award. Currently students are placed in games companies, such as Rare, Blitz Games and Reflections, and animation companies, such as Triffic Films. Some choose a more science/research placement such as Cern (Switzerland), Schlumberger and IBM. Students are selected by employers and are normally paid by the host organisation during the placement.

Professional accreditation

Skillset Approved The Skillset accreditation scheme has been created with the games and animation industry to signpost courses which fulfil professional criteria and prepare students for the world of work.

Career opportunities

You can choose from games programming or computer simulation and computer graphics applications. Due to the advanced nature of games development you will also have strong transferable skills allowing for a career in mainstream computing.

Graduates from our programming degrees have gone on to enjoy careers with a wide range of companies including Blitz, Electronic Arts, Kuju Entertainment, Quantic Dream, Radical Entertainment, Sega, Sony Computer Entertainment, Traveller's Tales, Typhoon Mobile, Ubisoft and many more.

Entry requirements

A typical offer will be 260-320 tariff points which must include at least two A levels or equivalent in technical, science or numerate subjects, such as computing, physics or mathematics. GCSE mathematics at grade C or equivalent is essential. Key Skills Level 2 in Application of Number will not be accepted as an equivalent.

Normally you will be expected to attend an interview.

If you apply for a course for which your educational background is inappropriate, you may receive an offer in a related but more suitable area.

For additional information please see the standard University entry requirements.

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Modules

Animation, Games & Computer Graphics

Year 1 core modules

Year 2 core modules

and three option modules

Final-year core modules

and three optional modules

Modules offered may vary.