Course overview
You learn by doing, under the guidance of professionals and industry-experienced tutors, alongside fellow students all passionate about this field. Networking opportunities include Animex, our annual high-profile international animation and games festival.
This course is ideal if you want to experience the benefits of university-level education before committing to study a full games programming degree. We support you all the way – maybe you've been out of education for a while, didn't get the grades first time round or want to retrain in a new field.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 64 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 welcome applications from mature students without conventional entry requirements. We take into account any alternative qualifications or other experience you may have.
International applicants
This course is not available for international applicants as we are not accepting applications from applicants requiring a student visa.
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.