Games Programming BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

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Games Programming BSc (Hons)

Overview

This degree is one of the UK’s leading games programming courses and is well respected by the industry. You have the opportunity to study on this specialist course taught by experienced developers and internationally recognised researchers.

Course Structure

Year 1 Core Modules

• Algorithmic Problem Solving
  • Learn about the maths, algorithms and data structures that are essential for computer science and computer games – putting first principles into an applied context.
• Game Creation
  • Gain the skills you need for game creation using a contemporary game engine. Understand the fundamentals of modern game development, including scripting, asset creation and level design.
• Game Programming Fundamentals
  • Learn how to write computer programs with a focus on games-related applications. You consider common programming constructs that apply to multiple object-oriented programming languages such C++, Java, C#. You then focus on the games industry-standard C++ language.
• Game Software Engineering
  • Develop your programming and software engineering skills, knowledge and professionalism. Learn about advanced areas of C++ programming, along with standard analysis and design approaches.

Year 2 Core Modules

• Games Engine Construction
  • You investigate the architectural requirements of a game engine and the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches. Create some of the identified systems such as graphics and simulation, demonstrating their effectiveness through a small game demo.
• Journeyman
  • You work with students from across all the games courses to develop a game slice in a team. Experience working in a production environment, and focus on specific skills in your own field of study while gaining valuable teamwork skills.
• Mobile and Multiplayer
  • Expand your knowledge and skills in games programming, computer architecture and software development. Focus on developing restricted mobile hardware and multiplayer aspects.
• Programming for Game Engines
  • You focus on the low-level scripting available in modern game engines. Create your own custom functionality by programming algorithms, functions and classes at an engine level.

Optional Work Placement Year

• Work Placement
  • You have the option to spend one year in industry learning and developing your skills. We encourage and support you with applying for a placement, job hunting and networking.

Final-Year Core Modules

• 3D Graphics
  • The use of 3D graphics in computer games has become increasingly realistic, and is one of the most important methods in conveying the game state to the player. You investigate 3D graphics techniques and apply a selection of them to create a portfolio. Research modern 3D programming techniques and libraries, and become familiar with creating code to run on both the central and graphics processing units.
• AI for Games
  • Gain an integrated view of artificial intelligence (AI) and its application in computer games, exploring up-to-date and advanced AI techniques.
• Games Project
  • You undertake a large-scale project guided by a member of staff, where you produce a substantial piece of work related to your course alongside a written report. You also present and discuss your project.

Entry Requirements

• 96-112 points and either maths GCSE grade 4, Level 2 Key Skills (Application of Number) or Level 2 Functional Skills.
• We also accept alternative equivalent or higher level qualifications.

Employability

• You are ideally suited for employment in the games development industry and similar creative industries. A variety of programming roles exist within these industries such as gameplay programmer, tools programmer, middleware developer and mobile application programmer. The course gives you a strong foundation in computer programming, also allowing for a career in mainstream software development.

Professional Accreditation

• This degree is accredited by British Computer Society (BCS), The Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

Tuition Fees

• Full-time: £9,535 a year (UK applicants), £17,000 a year (international applicants)
• Part-time: £4,635 (120 credits) (UK applicants)

Duration

• Full-time: 3 years (4 with work placement)
• Part-time: 6 years

Start Date

• September

UCAS Code

• GGK6 BSc/GP

Campus

• Middlesbrough

Attendance

• Full-time: Timetable dependent
• Part-time: One to three days a week, timetable dependent

Qualifications

• International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Objective:

The Games Programming BSc (Hons) program at Teesside University aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become proficient games programmers.

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Description:

This program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering core areas within the games industry, including:

• Programming and agile software engineering practices
• Gaming hardware and platforms (mobile devices and consoles)
• Gameplay programming and user interfaces (multimodal interfaces)
• Artificial intelligence
• Networked multiplayer games
• Graphics, animation, physics, and simulation programming

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Key Points:

• This program is recognized and respected within the games industry.
• Students are taught by experienced developers and internationally recognized researchers.
• The program offers opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities, such as game jams, hackathons, and networking events.
• Graduates are well-prepared for careers in the games industry, bringing their innovative ideas and technical expertise to the forefront of interactive entertainment.

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British Computer Society (BCS) Academic Membership:

Students in this program receive free BCS membership, granting access to career resources such as CV builder tools, e-learning courses, mentorships, job boards, and volunteering opportunities.

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Industry Links:

The program features involvement in Animex, an annual international animation and games festival featuring experts from leading companies like Rockstar, Pixar, Disney, and Sony.

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Career-Ready Focus:

ExpoSeries events allow students to showcase their skills to industry professionals seeking new talent.

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Start-up Business Support:

Teesside University provides support for students developing their own games through the Power UP Indie Games Accelerator.

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Outline:

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Structure:

• Full-time program (3 years) with optional work placement year
• Foundation year option available for additional preparation
• Coursework combines lectures, computer lab sessions, and controlled studio environments

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Core Modules:

• Year 1: Algorithmic Problem Solving, Game Creation, Game Programming Fundamentals, Game Software Engineering
• Year 2: Games Engine Construction, Journeyman, Mobile and Multiplayer, Programming for Game Engines
• Final Year: 3D Graphics, AI for Games, Games Project (large-scale project with written report and presentation)

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Optional Work Placement:

Students have the opportunity to gain industry experience through a one-year work placement.

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Modules Offered May Vary:

Course offerings may be subject to change.

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Assessment:

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Focus on Application of Knowledge:

Most modules involve designing and developing software to demonstrate acquired skills.

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Assignments:

Assignments are set by tutors and receive ongoing feedback throughout the academic year.

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Teaching:

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Hands-on Learning:

Students gain experience through a combination of lectures, computer lab sessions, and controlled studio environments.

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Industry-Standard Facilities:

The program utilizes industry-standard facilities including games development labs, a virtual reality lab, and state-of-the-art Vicon motion capture facilities.

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Unique Journeyman Module:

In the second year, students participate in a unique "Journeyman" module, simulating a real-world game studio experience where they work on games in Unreal and Unity.

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Experienced Faculty:

The program is taught by experienced developers and internationally recognized researchers.

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Careers:

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Career Opportunities:

Graduates are well-suited for employment in the games development and creative industries, with various programming roles available, such as gameplay programmer, tools programmer, middleware developer, and mobile application programmer.

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Strong Software Development Foundation:

The program also provides a strong foundation for a career in mainstream software development.

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Highly Sought-After Graduates:

Teesside graduates secure roles in AAA studios across the country and globe, including Accenture, HMRC, Zerolight, Ubisoft, Creative Assembly, Double 11, Microsoft, Traveller's Tales, and many more.

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Other:

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Disability Services:

The university provides an inclusive learning environment with specialist staff to support students with disabilities.

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Financial Support:

Information on financial support and course-related costs is available.

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International Applicants:

Dedicated pages provide information on qualifications and other details for international students.

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Accommodation:

Affordable on-campus accommodation is available from £85 a week.

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iPad Program:

Eligible students may receive an iPad, keyboard, and up to £300 credit for learning resources.

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Student Success Stories:

The program features testimonials from successful graduates like Opal Cadman and Tom Craven.

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News & Events:

Updates on relevant news and events are provided, such as the ExpoTees 2021 animation, visual effects, and computer games showreel. This response aims to provide an exceptionally detailed and comprehensive extraction of the provided information, covering all relevant sections and maintaining a high level of detail.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• Full-time
• Entry to 2024/25 academic year
• Fee for UK applicants
• £9,250 a year
• Fee for international applicants
• £17,000 a year