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Games Programming (London)

Games Programming BSc (Hons)

Study this specialist games programming degree and become a talented software engineer – technically skilled and an excellent problem solver with industry specific knowledge and experience.

 

I61P BSc/GP

Course routes:

 
  • This course is closed for September 2024 entry for UK applicants. Apply now for November or January entry.
 

Course overview

Here, you learn to apply software engineering and problem-solving skills to develop small 2D games through to polished 3D games with large cross-discipline development teams.

Games programmers build games from the creative vision of designers and artists. This course gives you the essential industry skills to do this. You produce a game demo – either a personal project using middleware, in a programmer team working to a game design document or in a multidisciplinary team of artists, animators and designers.

You’re taught by experienced developers and internationally recognised researchers. And you develop the technical expertise you need for a variety of careers in the games industry and mainstream computing.

You study these key programming themes:

  • programming and agile software engineering practices
  • gameplay programming, multimodal user interfaces and artificial intelligence
  • networked multiplayer games – from social gaming to huge multiplayer games – graphics, animation, physics and simulation programming.
  • Industry links: take part in Animex, our annual international animation and games festival featuring experts from Rockstar, Pixar, Disney and Sony.
  • Real-world experience: enter GameJam events, take part in industry competitions and Beta test upcoming games before they’re released.
  • Career-ready: our ExpoSeries allows you to showcase your skills to industry professionals who are looking to recruit new and rising talent.
  • Start-up business support: we support you to develop your own business in games through our Power UP Indie Games Accelerator

 

Course details

Course structure

Year 1 core modules

Algorithms and Data Structures

You study a variety of algorithmic techniques and learn about the use and importance of data structures. Consider their properties to understand which representations are appropriate under different circumstances. You are introduced to the basic mathematical skills required in algorithmic design and its interaction with data structure.

Game Prototyping

You are introduced to prototyping computer games in a contemporary game engine. Focus on the principles of design and developing interactive content. Learn how to design and implement functionality and create demonstrate gameplay.

Games Programming

You focus on C++ programming, developing and applying algorithms and data structures in computer games. You also learn the basics of class-based and object-oriented programming using C++ language.

Develop your conceptual understanding and practical competence of programming by designing and implementing solutions to programming problems. Learn how to use the standard C++ and 2D graphics libraries in games and graphics programming. Demonstrate your understanding of professional practices and appropriate codes of conduct.

Visual Scripting for Games

Develop your skills in visual scripting, considering variables, functions and operators along with more advanced aspects such as player controllers and game modes. Use these concepts to implement gameplay functionality and interaction using a contemporary game machine.

 

Year 2 core modules

Enterprise Challenge

You develop a product or service as part of an enterprise project for a real client – they set the brief based on their organisation’s strategic needs. Working in small teams, you determine the project aims, objectives, roles, tasks, deliverables, schedules and documentation. You then pitch your project to the client.

Game Construction

Learn to create game systems without using games engine technologies. Investigate the core systems that every game requires, then design and implement a demo to show the system’s effectiveness.

You cover graphics, simulation, AI and user input, common games programming patterns as well as optimisation techniques, expanding your games programming skills as required by industry.

Game Development

Focus on an area of expertise or experiment across a variety of development disciplines to create a small-scale, tactile demo prototype. Gain confidence in communicating your ideas engagingly to a professional audience.

Low-Level Scripting

Develop your knowledge by creating gameplay features in a contemporary game engine through low-level scripting and programming.

Programme algorithms, functions and classes to create custom functionality that can be used at higher-level or as a visual script, replicating industry standard practice.

 

Final-year core modules

Beta Release

Work as part of a games development team that is as close to industrial practice as possible. Simulate the working criteria and mix of development skills needed to produce a polished prototype of a computer game concept which would be suitable for publication.

Emerging Issues (Game Systems)

Expand your knowledge and skills of games programming, computer architecture and software development to include advanced systems including artificial intelligence, native development on mobile or gaming hardware, networking and multiplayer.

Build on your existing programming skills in C/C++ and knowledge of computing architecture. Expand your games software programming skills, focusing on developing, analysing and optimising code for limited gaming devices, exploring technologies and techniques.

Final Project

Design, research and complete your own project to develop the current practice, products or service of a client or your own organisation.

Carry out research to validate your hypotheses, test solutions, build prototypes, and make conclusions. Your area of research and practice is defined by the client or organisation. You must ensure that what you’re doing adds value and delivers against the brief. You work independently with support from a supervisor.

 

Modules offered may vary.

 

How you learn

You learn in group sessions that focus on practical skills supported by the academic concepts and theories. Which means you can discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in smaller groups.

Your learning experiences are strengthened by sessions delivered by industry practitioners who share their valuable industry insights with you.

You also develop your teamworking skills, working with games designers in a simulated game studio experience, outsourcing various essentials such as assets and animation to specialist teams. You work on games using the latest technologies, such as Unreal 5 and Unity, as used in industry.

Subject (or modules) are delivered in six-week blocks. You study one at a time, supported by online learning materials.

How you are assessed

It’s essential that you learn by doing. Which means that most of your assessed work is based around practical projects that you work on throughout. You get valuable tutor feedback to guide your work and your overall development.

As you progress through the course, you develop a portfolio of work - this is an important industry requirement. Our tutors can give you advice and guidance on which work to include.

And your final project allows you the freedom to set your own brief based on your skills, interests and career aspirations.


Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Find out more about our disability services

Find out more about financial support
Find out more about our course related costs

 

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

A typical offer is 96-112 tariff points and either maths GCSE grade 4, Level 2 Key Skills (Application of Number) or Level 2 Functional Skills. Find out how many points your qualifications are worth using the UCAS tariff calculator.

We also welcome applications from mature students without conventional entry requirements. We take into account any alternative qualifications or other experience you may have.

International applicants

International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country

What you need

To access the on-campus facilities you need a HTML5-capable web browser on a computer such as a Windows, Mac, Chromebook, or Linux computer. HTML5-capable web browsers that can be used include the following:

  • Google Chrome
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • Safari
  • Microsoft Edge

For some sessions you can also access sessions on the following browsers and devices:

  • Chrome or Safari on an iPad (iOS 11 or later)
  • Android (Android 8 or later)
  • Microsoft Surface Pro (Windows 10) tablet

Don't have your own device yet?

Don't worry - we have a bank of devices available for you to loan whenever you are on campus.

Our Digital Access Fund could also help with a £400 John Smith's Student Store voucher to buy a laptop or digital device, and access to Adobe Creative Cloud - a suite of 20+ world-class, industry-standard creative apps including Photoshop and InDesign. Subject to eligibility criteria. Terms and conditions apply.
TU London Digital Access Fund Scheme Terms and Conditions 2023-24

 

Employability

Career opportunities

You are prepped to work in the games development industry as well as other similar creative industries. You can work as a gameplay programmer, tools programmer, middleware developer and mobile application programmer. And, because this course gives you a strong foundation in computer programming, you can also work in mainstream software development.

Teesside University graduates have gone on to work for AAA studios nationally and internationally including Accenture, HMRC, Zerolight, Ubisoft, Creative Assembly, Double 11, Microsoft, Traveller's Tales and so many more.

 

Information for international applicants

Qualifications

International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.

Select your country:
  
 

Useful information

Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.

 
 

Full-time

Entry to 2024/25 academic year

Fee for UK applicants
£9,250 a year

More details about our fees

Fee for international applicants
£17,000 a year

More details about our fees for international applicants


What is included in your tuition fee?

  • Length: 3 years
  • UCAS code: I61P BSc/GP
  • Start date: September, November and January
  • Study dates
  • Typical offer: 96-112 tariff points

Apply online (full-time) through UCAS

 

Part-time

  • Not available part-time
 

Why Teesside University London

Study a current subject taught by expert staff and industry partners with the latest thinking.

Usually two days a week for six weeks at a time - so that you can fit life in between.

Study at a vibrant, creative, local campus with academics, professionals, entrepreneurs and other students around.

Study at Europe's first Adobe Creative Campus and develop your creative and digital skills.

ExpoTees 2021 animation, visual effects and computer games showreel

Our ExpoSeries of events allow you to showcase your skills to industry professionals who are seeking to recruit new and rising talent.

 

Get in touch

UK students

Email: TULadmissions@tees.ac.uk

Telephone: 01642 738801


Online chat

International students

Email: internationalenquiries@tees.ac.uk

Telephone: +44 (0) 1642 738900

 

Open days and events

 
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