Degree type: BSc (Hons)
UCAS Code: G450 BSc/CGAD
Duration: 4 years (full-time)
The course will provide the skills necessary to enter the computer games industry as an applications programmer. The course is academically challenging and will develop your skills in real-time interactive graphics programming using industry standard game engines and application programming interfaces.
In addition to the specialist core studies, there is freedom within the course to take optional modules to develop interests in game associated areas such as Japanese studies, agile development techniques and audio.
You will leave us with the confidence and skills necessary to work in one of the most demanding industries in the world, and at a distinct advantage over other computing graduates intending a career in the computer games industry.
During first year, you are introduced to the fundamentals of computer programming, media for computer games, console game architecture and game design techniques. You will also study the mathematics necessary for computer games development. This is the course year where academic practices and attitudes to study are established.
Second year focuses on the technical skills necessary for game development. You will study console game development, graphics programming and game development using an industry standard game engine. Additional mathematics will be studied and there will be the opportunity to study various optional modules in areas appropriate to Computer Game Applications Development.
At the end of third year, you will be eligible to graduate with a BSc degree. This year prepares you for employment through developing high-level skills across theory, practice and communications by working on an interdisciplinary game development group project. In addition you will study modules on mobile and internet game development and industry standard Application Programming Interfaces such as Microsoft DirectX. There will be the opportunity to study various optional modules in areas appropriate to Computer Game Applications Development.
The fourth or Honours year gives you the opportunity to undertake a significant and sustained individual development project. In addition you will study modules on the structure of the games industry, network programming for games and advanced game development techniques. By the end of this year you will have demonstrated the range of individual and interpersonal skills necessary for employment in the computer games industry.
How you learn
You will spend initially around 12-15 hours per week in lectures, tutorials and computing-based laboratories. Lectures are used to present the key concepts, theories and techniques throughout the course. Tutorials and laboratory-based activities increase your understanding of the subject and allow you to develop your competence and confidence in technological and theoretical work.
During the course you will also be required to actively participate in group project work, discussion groups, seminars, and private study.
How you are assessed
There is a mixed assessment strategy used on the course. The majority of modules are assessed through coursework – which may be continuous and may include project work and student led presentation. Some modules use a mixture of coursework and formal examination.
Higher AABB; A Level BBC; ILC (H) BBBBB; UCAS Tariff 264 points*
*See UCAS Tariff Guidance below
Essential subjects: Mathematics at Standard Grade Credit Level/GCSE or equivalent.
UCAS Tariff Guidance
Although there is no limit to the number of points that you can accumulate, for entry to Abertay you must have qualifications at an appropriate level (SCQF 6/NQF 3); you cannot count the same or similar qualifications twice; Standard Grades, Intermediate 2s, GCSEs and key/core skills cannot be counted; and D grades at SQA Higher and Advanced Higher are not counted.
Applicants who have taken either SQA Highers or A Levels must offer at least three Highers or two A Levels for degree entry (or two Highers or one A Level for DipHE entry). If you have studied a subject at two different levels, the most advanced will be taken into consideration; e.g. if you studied both Higher Biology and Advanced Higher Biology, then only the Advanced Higher will be counted.
Overseas
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language. The University's minimum requirements are IELTS 6.0 (with no band lower than 5.0), TOEFL CBT 223, TOEFL 563, TOEFL IBT 85 or a suitable equivalent qualification.
Career
As the computer games and associated industries mature, the roles of developers within these industries are becoming well defined. There is now a worldwide shortage of game programmers and a constant demand for first-rate computer programmers with knowledge of developing applications with middleware such as game engines.
On graduating, you will possess a games-orientated programming degree which is directly relevant to the needs of industry. The BSc (Hons) Computer Game Applications Development was created in response to industry requirements and is designed to meet the requirements outlined by Skillset.
The University works closely with leading game developers such as Realtime Worlds, Electronic Arts, Sony Computers Entertainment Europe, Codemasters and Denki, making graduates from the course highly employable within these industries.
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, as meeting the educational requirement for CITP and partially meeting the educational requirement for CEng/CSci registration subject to Committee approval in early 2010 and confirmation once the first cohort has graduated.
BSc (Hons) Computer Game Applications Development - Further Information
