Program Overview

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Introduction to the BSc (Hons) Computer Games Program

The BSc (Hons) Computer Games is a three-year degree program, extendable to four years with an optional year in placement or abroad. This program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the mechanics, concepts, and techniques of computer games, as well as core computer science theory.

Overview of the Program

The program aims to equip students with the skills and industry-standard techniques necessary to design and implement their own computer games, virtual reality training, and gamification. Students will learn from active computer scientists and engineers whose work and teaching are driven by creativity, imagination, and technical excellence.

Why Choose This Course?

This course offers students the opportunity to develop a broad range of skills, including programming, game design, and project management. By adding a placement year or studying abroad, students can gain professional experience, expand their perspective, and build confidence in professional or international settings.

Who Should Apply

This program is suitable for:

• Future game developers and programmers
• Students eager to develop their own digital worlds
• Those considering a career that benefits from a broad understanding of how computers and digital systems work
• Computational thinkers with a great grasp of pattern recognition and algorithms

What You Will Learn

The program covers a range of topics, including:

• Computer games: Explore game design, programming, and development
• Programming: Learn to program with multiple programming languages
• Web: Secure the principles and technology behind web apps and websites
• Digital systems: Grasp the software and hardware underpinning digital computer systems
• Specialise: Tailor your degree through your choice of optional modules

Your Learning Experience

• Optional study abroad year: Spend a year at one of our partner universities and experience another culture
• Optional placement year: Gain professional experience in a business or organisation with university support
• Expert teaching: Learn from leading researchers revolutionising industries
• Specialist facilities: Access 24/7 computing labs with a range of programming software and specialist facilities

Careers and Outcomes

A BSc (Hons) Computer Games degree prepares you for diverse careers in:

• Computer games: Development, programming, intelligence
• IT: Computer and information research, computer network architecture, database systems administration
• Healthcare: Health information and technology, clinical data and systems administration
• Business and finance: Financial analysis, data analysis, risk management
• Energy: Energy generation and distribution systems, data analysis, technological improvement

Employers of Graduates

Graduates from this course have progressed to roles in national and international organisations, including Playtech and Sky.

Professional Accreditation

The program is accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional and Incorporated Engineer.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• GCSE: Mathematics C/4
• Plus one of the level 3 qualifications below:
  • A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points
  • BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points
  • Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points
  • IB: 30 - 29 points in the IB Diploma
  • QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 120-112 UCAS tariff points
  • T-levels: 120-112 UCAS tariff points

International & EU Entry Requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Please contact us for more information.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test
• Details of English language requirements can be found on our website

Structure

The program consists of several components and modules, including:

• Team Project Challenge
• Mathematics for Computing
• Introduction to Programming
• Object-Oriented Programming
• Introduction to Databases
• Web Development
• Data Structures and Algorithms I
• Fundamentals of Digital Systems
• Application Programming
• Data Structures and Algorithms
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Game Design
• Computer Game Programming
• C++ Programming
• Individual Capstone Project Challenge
• Physics-Based Games
• High-Level Games Development

Placement

On a placement year, you gain relevant work experience within an external business or organisation, giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market.

Year Abroad

On your year abroad, you have the opportunity to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden your degree socially and academically.

Teaching

• Undergraduate students typically attend a two-hour lecture and a two-hour lab for each 15-credit module
• A significant amount of practical lab work will need to be undertaken for written assignments and as part of your learning

Assessment

• You are assessed through a combination of written examinations and coursework
• All our modules include a significant coursework element
• You receive regular feedback on your progress through in-term tests

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

• Ł9,535 per year

International Fee

• Ł25,050 per year
• Fees will increase for each academic year of study
• Scholarships and financial support may be available to help with the cost of this course

What's Next

• Open Days: Our events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex
• Applying: Applications for our full-time undergraduate courses should be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)