Games Programming (with Foundation Year) BSc (Hons)

Focusing on computer games, animation and film, you gain an introductory level of understanding in the context of your chosen field of study. As well as looking at the historical and context of these, you observe how we interpret these types of media historically and materially. Choose a text within your area of interest, undertaking an analytical review in the form of a case study.

This is a 30-credit module.

Working in small teams, you design, develop and demonstrate a software solution that relates to an agreed specification following an agile development methodology.

This is a 30-credit module.

You create a small game, which involves writing a proposal document and completing a demo using a contemporary game engine.

This is a 30-credit module.

Gain an introduction to programming if you have little or no experience of it. You use tools that are easily available, easy to use and familiar to anyone who's used a computer. Learn how programming language constructs are applied to increasing complex problems.

This is a 30-credit module.

Learn about the maths, algorithms and data structures that are essential for computer science and computer games – putting first principles into an applied context.

This module is closely linked to our programming modules and prepares you with essential, transferable problem-solving skills.

This is a 30-credit module.

Gain the skills you need for game creation using a contemporary game engine. Understand the fundamentals of modern game development, including scripting, asset creation and level design.

This is a 30-credit module.

Learn how to write computer programs with a focus on games-related applications. You consider common programming constructs that apply to multiple object-oriented programming languages such C++, Java, C#. You then focus on the games industry-standard C++ language.

This is a 30-credit module.

Develop your programming and software engineering skills, knowledge and professionalism. Learn about advanced areas of C++ programming, along with standard analysis and design approaches.

This is a 30-credit module.

You investigate the architectural requirements of a game engine and the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches. Create some of the identified systems such as graphics and simulation, demonstrating their effectiveness through a small game demo.

This is a 30-credit module.

You work with students from across all the games courses to develop a game slice in a team. Experience working in a production environment, and focus on specific skills in your own field of study while gaining valuable teamwork skills.

This is a 30-credit module.

Expand your knowledge and skills in games programming, computer architecture and software development. Focus on developing restricted mobile hardware and multiplayer aspects.

This is a 30-credit module.

You focus on the low-level scripting available in modern game engines. Create your own custom functionality by programming algorithms, functions and classes at an engine level.

This is a 30-credit module.

You have the option to spend one year in industry learning and developing your skills. We encourage and support you with applying for a placement, job hunting and networking.

You gain experience favoured by graduate recruiters and develop your technical skillset. You also obtain the transferable skills required in any professional environment, including communication, negotiation, teamwork, leadership, organisation, confidence, self-reliance, problem-solving, being able to work under pressure, and commercial awareness.

Many employers view a placement as a year-long interview, therefore placements are increasingly becoming an essential part of an organisation's pre-selection strategy in their graduate recruitment process. Benefits include:

· improved job prospects
· enhanced employment skills and improved career progression opportunities
· a higher starting salary than your full-time counterparts
· a better degree classification
· a richer CV
· a year's salary before completing your degree
· experience of workplace culture
· the opportunity to design and base your final-year project within a working environment.

If you are unable to secure a work placement with an employer, then you simply continue on a course without the work placement.

The use of 3D graphics in computer games has become increasingly realistic, and is one of the most important methods in conveying the game state to the player. You investigate 3D graphics techniques and apply a selection of them to create a portfolio. Research modern 3D programming techniques and libraries, and become familiar with creating code to run on both the central and graphics processing units.

This is a 30-credit module.

Gain an integrated view of artificial intelligence (AI) and its application in computer games, exploring up-to-date and advanced AI techniques.

This is a 30-credit module.

You undertake a large-scale project guided by a member of staff, where you produce a substantial piece of work related to your course alongside a written report. You also present and discuss your project.

This is a 60-credit module.