Degree type: BSc (Hons)
UCAS Code: G450 BSc/CGAD
Duration: 4 years (full-time)
How to Apply
Why choose this course?
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.
There is freedom within the course to take optional modules in game associated areas such as 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 game programming, media, and architecture, and the mathematics necessary for computer games development. This is the 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 the course.
At the end of third year, you will be eligible to graduate with a BSc degree. This year you will develop 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, as well as again having the opportunity to study various optional modules.
The fourth (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.
How you learn and are assessed
You will spend around 12-15 hours per week in lectures, tutorials and computing-based laboratories. Lectures are used to present the key concepts, theories and techniques. 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. You will also be required to actively participate in group project work, discussion groups, and private study. There is a mixed assessment strategy. The majority of modules are assessed through coursework – which may include project work and student led presentation. Some modules use a mixture of coursework and formal examination.
Minimum Entrance Requirements
Higher AABB; A Level BBC; ILC (H) BBBBB
Essential subjects: Mathematics at Standard Grade Credit Level/GCSE or equivalent.
Advanced entry (year 2)
A Level: AAB (to include Computer Science at A level and grade A in both AS level Mathematics and AS level Physics)
Overseas/EU
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language and the University's minimum requirements are listed here
Your future
As the computer games and associated industries mature, the roles of developers 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 course was created in response to industry requirements and is designed to meet Skillset guidelines.
The University works closely with leading game developers such as 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.
| Fee Category | September 2012 Fees |
Scholarships & Bursaries |
| Scottish and other EU students |
£1820 per year. Apply to the Student Awards Agency |
Other forms of support |
| English, Welsh and Northern Irish students |
£7000 per year (max. amount payable You can apply for financial assistance, |
Bursaries & Scholarships |
| Overseas (non EU) students |
£9975 per year. Fees may be subject to annual increase. |
Overseas Scholarships |
Fees shown are payable annually, and may be subject to increase each year.
