Course description

An impressive portfolio of skills

On this dynamic course you’ll be equipped with both the theoretical grounding and the practical skills you need to develop compelling computer games. You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of computer science, the theoretical field that underpins all software development. This knowledge prepares you for long-term employability and success as a computer programmer of any kind but applies in particular to the breadth and complexity of computer games development.

You will study computer science with a strong emphasis on the practical programming skills needed for games development.  

In your final year, you'll get to work with students on the?BA (Hons) Computer Games Modelling and Animation?degree to create a game. The games are then exhibited as part of our Games Expo where there public will get to try out your creation. You’ll also meet and hear from industry professionals. Previous attendees have included Sumo Digital, Mediatonic and Bloc Digital.

Pursue your personal interests

Through the Independent Studies module, we give you the chance to tailor your studies to match your professional interests and career ambitions. You will develop a large-scale project or conduct a research study into an area of your choice. Previous topics explored by our students include point based rendering, procedural generation of realistic game levels and multi-level AI for elastic difficulty scaling.

Benefit from flexibility

You’ll gain fundamental knowledge in your first year studying modules alongside students on our other Computing and Mathematics degrees. At the end of your first year, you’ll then have the option to transfer to one of the following courses:

• BSc (Hons) Computer Science
• BSc (Hons) Cyber Security
• BSc (Hons) Information Technology
• BSc (Hons) Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (subject to Mathematics prerequisites)

You’ll go on to study more specialist modules in your second year with further options to tailor your studies to an area of your interest in your final year.

Facilities

You’ll get to use cutting-edge software development tools in our industry-standard laboratories. Facilities include:

• Computer Games Labs: These spaces are home to our specialist software access and hardware facilities. Software includes Unreal Engine, Unity Lab, Visual Studio and Steam
• XR Lab (cross-reality): a dedicated space?for mixed-course?games development as well as providing a flexible space for visualisation and other projects.?Hardware includes Vive Pro Eye headsets, Rifts and Wacom drawing tablets
• CAVE Lab: provides data visualisation hardware containing a 270-degree 3D projection set up. Workstations?with Tesla graphics cards for data processing and AI projects?are also available
• Makerspace: Get ready to turn?your ideas into prototypes! The space includes a whole host of equipment, including 3D printers, CNC machines, and a laser cutter to bring your product to life. It's also a great space to collaborate with students from across the University

Linking up with businesses

We’re proud of our connections with local and international industries. Our course has been designed in close collaboration with them and professional bodies to ensure it meets the needs of employers.

Undertaking a placement year will give you substantial experience to understand the possible careers open to you. Plus you’ll build your confidence and improve success and progression in jobs or in starting a business. Our students have enjoyed placements at companies such as Kuju, Frontier Developments and Sumo Digital.

How you will learn

Your lectures will be intentionally interactive, incorporating questions and answers and simulation. Seminars and tutorials will give you the opportunity to develop understanding and its application in both familiar and unfamiliar circumstances. Practical sessions will give you the chance to develop your skills in both equipment use and the evaluation of experimental procedures and data. In your third year you’ll take an Individual Project module where you’ll be encouraged to use and apply research and innovation tools and approached in a practical context. Team working will also allow you to develop interpersonal and communication skills – an important skill for the workplace.

How you will be assessed

A variety of assessment methods are used. Some modules are assessed through coursework only, others by a combination of coursework, portfolios, assignments, case studies, oral and graphic presentations, collaborative and interdisciplinary teamwork projects, computer testing and examinations, so providing a flexible and effective means of assessing your progress.