Undergraduate study
     

Computer Games

BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming

  • UCAS code: GGK6 BSc/CGP
  • Length: 3-4 years

2012 entry

 

This degree is one of the UK’s leading games programming courses and is well respected by the industry. You have the opportunity to study on this specialist course taught by experienced developers and internationally recognised researchers.

Games programmers build games from the creative vision of designers and artists. Our course gives you the essential industry skills to do this. Games-specific modules take you beyond traditional software development, providing a head start for your future career. You take part in a multi-disciplinary team developing a working game - it's an important learning experience for all games graduates.

You will become a talented software engineer, technically skilled and an excellent problem solver with game industry specific knowledge and experience. You will have the technical expertise for a variety of careers within the games industry and mainstream computing.

How you learn

It is essential for you to gain experience in being a programmer. Your modules use a combination of lecture sessions to study the theory and computer lab sessions to put that theory into practice. Alongside learning the core skills of programming you develop at least one game each year of your studies.

How you are assessed

Our course focuses on the application of the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired. Most of your modules require you to design and develop software to demonstrate your new abilities. Your assignments are set by your tutor and you work on them throughout the academic year whilst receiving valuable feedback to guide your work.

Professional placement

Placements provide an opportunity for you to improve your employment prospects whilst improving your practical skills. You will have the opportunity to apply for a year-long supervised placement which will take place between your second and final years of study.

A placement year is assessed and contributes to your final degree award. Our students have been placed in games companies such as Rare, Blitz Games, and Ubisoft Reflections as well as science and research-based companies such as CERN, Schlumberger, and IBM. Students are selected by the employer and are normally paid by the host organisation during the placement period.

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

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 will be ideally suited for employment in the games development industry and similar entertainment industries. There exists a variety of programming roles within these industries such as gameplay programmer, tools programmer, middleware developer, and mobile application programmer. The course will give you a strong foundation in computer programming also allowing for a career in mainstream software development.

Entry requirements

A typical offer is 300 tariff points including at least one A level (or equivalent) in a technical, science or numerate subject such as computing, physics or maths. GCSE maths (grade C or equivalent) is essential. Key Skills Level 2 in Application of Number isn't accepted as an equivalent.

You will be invited for an interview, which will also give you an opportunity to visit our facilities and ask questions regarding the course. If it is decided the course is inappropriate for you, you may receive an offer for a related but more suitable course.

More information

Share |