Program Overview

Course description

Whether you are interested in developing games for entertainment or for serious applications, our BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming will take you to the next level with your career plans.

• Join a course with an outstanding reputation within the gaming industry
• Gain both the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills you need to develop first-rate games
• Choose to take an optional industrial placement year which will add substance to your CV and broaden your professional networks
• Become a member of the Microsoft Developer Network Academic Alliance, allowing you to use Microsoft products at home.

This dynamic course equips you with both the theoretical grounding and the practical skills you need to develop compelling computer games.

An impressive portfolio of skills

Our BSc (Hons) degree delivers 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. Your studies will be carefully structured:

• In Year One, you will discover the foundations of computer science and software development, learning about computer programming and vital mathematics.
• In Year Two, you will explore the core topics of computer science that are particularly relevant to games development such as software engineering practices and principles; databases and large-scale data management; algorithms and data structures; and computer graphics. You will also develop employability skills, especially useful if you need to find a work placement after your second year.
• In Year Three, you can take an optional work placement which gives you valuable real-world experience and will help to inform your final year of study.
• In the Final Year, you can concentrate on advanced topics including systems level programming, code optimisation and low-level development; modern AI techniques and implementations; applying physics to games and simulations; and integrating art and artists into the development process.