Computer Games Development BSc (Hons)

The course follows a hands-on practical approach where you will work on a number of games and related creative technology projects over the duration.

The creation and production of computer games has grown to become a huge industry. According to the Entertainment Researchers Association UK consumers spent over £4.2 million on games in 2020 far more than was spent on video (including streaming services) and more than double that spent on music. As a result there is a growing need for talented individuals to fill technical and creative positions in the sector.

The course is part of the Creative Technologies cluster in the School of Computer Science and Technology and is closely related to the degree course BSc (Hons) Computer Animation and Visual Effects which shares some of the teaching and technology.

In addition to the £40 million STEM building you will also have the chance to work in our specialist creative technologies and game development labs and use a range of cutting edge technologies such as motion capture green screen VR and XR to develop your practice and build a professional portfolio.

In the first year you will learn a variety of relevant techniques including programming or 2d graphics for games and learn to research the market and generate ideas for original games you will also be involved in making games from the start and will develop your game ideas into playable demos.

From the second year onwards youll select an area of specialism from Games Programming Games Design or Games Graphics

Programming specialism

• Learn a variety of Industry standard programming techniques and languages including C# and C++ enabling you to develop the ability to take designed gameplay and realise it into a playable form.
• Work with existing game engines as well as programming the underlying systems required to develop game engines tailored to the emerging needs of projects.
• Learn to manage a game development project individually and part of an interdisciplinary team including use of source control programs.
• Develop game code for a variety of platforms (e.g. PC console mobile web) and to experiment with emerging technologies to enhance your skills and employability in working on the cutting edge of games programming.
• Produce proof of concept prototypes that will develop into full-fledged games applying games specific software testing methods to evaluate and iterate to produce high quality outputs.

Games Design specialism

• Design immersive player experiences and game environments levels mechanics and game systems.
• Learn how to create in-game challenges and obstacles to be overcome and enjoyed without excessively frustrating players.
• Follow a typical game development lifecycle from a designers perspective from initial concept development through to pitching pre-production prototyping and release phases.
• Learn to playtest games and use game-specific techniques such as expert heuristic evaluation for playability focus groups and data analytics to iteratively refine and improve your designs for better gaming experiences.
• Learn to professionally document game designs and express ideas and designs clearly to team members.
• Learn to apply theory and practice from computer science psychology affective computing studies Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) User Experience (UX) design ludology (“the study of games and play”) and visual design principles to develop innovative and deeply engaging and enjoyable gameplay experiences.

Graphics specialism

• Learn to create artwork models and animations that are tailored for use in games using the latest graphics techniques in game engines.
• Learn concept development skills and sketching in 2D graphics programs 3D modelling rigging and animation of assets such as props scenery characters or whole environment or level designs.
• Work with a wide range of software packages used by games industry professionals to develop your own unique range of creative and representational skills.
• Develop shaders and other procedural assets and learn to extend the functionality of the software packages and games engines used.
• Learn professional drawing techniques and carry them through from sketches to 2d and 3d game assets.
• Learn to create stunning levels and game environments with cameras and lighting effects

To apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) you need to have completed your high school education (12 years) and have a pass equivalent to two UK A level passes and have the required English language qualification.

When you submit an application form you must remember to include photocopies of the following supporting documents. We do not need to see your original qualifications and certificates.

• A completed application form signed by you (an electronic signature is fine)
• Copies of your official academic qualifications and certificates including proof of your level of English Language (where relevant)
• A one-page personal statement. This should tell us why you want to study your chosen course.
• A copy of your current valid passport details
• Please submit copies of any UK Visa that you have held and any documentation relating to previous visa refusals from any country