BSc (Hons) in Computer Games Design

Program Overview

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The Computer Games Design program at Staffordshire University equips students with the skills and knowledge to develop, produce, and publish games. Through industry-aligned curriculum, close collaboration with industry partners, and hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies, graduates are prepared for successful careers as 3D artists, animators, or games designers. The program emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and real-world project experience, ensuring students are ready to make an impact in the dynamic games industry.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Computer Games Design

is a BSc (Hons) program designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge to develop, produce, and publish games titles. This industry-recognized degree draws upon industry game body TIGA accreditation, offering close collaboration with industry partners to provide cutting-edge curriculum and excellent networking opportunities within the games industry.

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Objectives:

• Equip students with the necessary skills to become 3D artists, animators, or games designers.
• Offer an industry-aligned curriculum with TIGA accreditation, ensuring relevance and practicality.
• Foster close ties with industry partners, allowing students to network and build connections within the games industry.
• Equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to launch successful careers in game development.

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Program Description:

This program offers a comprehensive and engaging approach to game development, covering various aspects of the field:

• Design: Students learn the fundamental principles of game design, including mechanics development, level design, and user experience design.
• Development: Students gain hands-on experience with the latest game development tools and technologies, such as industry-standard software and hardware like Autodesk Creative Suite and Unreal and Unity game engines.
• Production: Students develop the skills needed to manage and oversee game development projects, including project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and team leadership.
• Publishing: Students learn about the process of bringing finished games to market, including marketing, distribution, and legal considerations.

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Outline:

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Program Structure:

The program is a three-year full-time course with a possibility for a foundation year, offering additional support and preparation for those requiring it. The curriculum is divided into modules, each focusing on specific areas of game development.

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Course Schedule:

The course schedule is structured to ensure a comprehensive and balanced learning experience, encompassing theoretical knowledge, practical application, and project work. Students engage in:

• Lectures: Interactive sessions delivering theoretical knowledge and foundational concepts.
• Tutorials: Smaller group sessions focused on applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
• Seminars: Interactive discussions and debates on critical topics and current trends in game development.
• Workshops: Hands-on sessions for acquiring skills in specific areas like 3D modeling, game engine programming, and level design.
• Project Work: Individual and collaborative projects allow students to apply their skills to real-world game development scenarios, building a robust portfolio for future career prospects.

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Individual Modules:

The program comprises various modules covering diverse areas of game development:

• Introduction to Game Design
• Mechanics Prototyping
• Project Management for Games Design
• Level Development Pipelines
• Games Mechanics Design and Implementation
• 3D Game Props: Pipeline and Production
• Introduction to Asset Creation
• Introduction to Games Animation
• C# for Games Designers
• Systems Design for Games
• Senior Collaborative Games Development
• Junior Collaborative Games Development
• Advanced Realtime Technologies
• Arcade Games Development
• User Interface Design and Implementation
• The Art of Lighting
• Emerging Games Technologies
• Experimental Level Design
• Tool Development for Technical Designers

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Assessment:

Assessment methods employed in the program are designed to evaluate student learning outcomes comprehensively and effectively:

• Coursework: Individual assignments and projects assessing students' understanding of theoretical concepts and their ability to apply these concepts in practical scenarios.
• Examinations: Written examinations test students' theoretical knowledge and understanding of key concepts.
• Presentations: Students present their work, demonstrating their grasp of concepts, research skills, and communication abilities.
• Portfolio Development: Students build a comprehensive portfolio showcasing their skills, projects, and accomplishments throughout the program, serving as a valuable asset for future career prospects.

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Teaching:

The Computer Games Design program is delivered by a dedicated team of experienced academics and industry professionals, ensuring students receive high-quality instruction and guidance:

• Experienced Lecturers: Faculty members possess extensive knowledge in their respective areas of expertise and are passionate about sharing their insights and guiding students.
• Industry Professionals: Guest lecturers and industry experts bring real-world experiences and perspectives, enriching students' learning.
• Individual Tutorials: Personalized support is offered through regular tutorials, providing students with tailored feedback and guidance.
• Open Door Policy: Faculty members encourage open communication, fostering a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable seeking assistance and clarification.
• Project Supervision: Individual and group projects benefit from close supervision, ensuring students receive guidance and support throughout the development process.
• Collaborative Learning: Emphasis is placed on teamwork and collaboration, enabling students to develop essential communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

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Careers:

Upon successful completion of the Computer Games Design program, graduates are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue various careers in the games industry:

• 3D Artist: Creating 3D models, textures, and animations for game characters, environments, and objects.
• Animator: Bringing characters and objects to life through animation techniques like keyframing, motion capture, and procedural animation.
• Games Designer: Shaping the overall gameplay experience, including designing game mechanics, levels, and user interface.
• Technical Designer: Implementing game mechanics and systems using scripting and programming languages.
• Level Designer: Creating immersive and engaging game levels, including environment design, puzzle creation, and narrative pacing.
• Games Tester: Ensuring game quality by identifying bugs, glitches, and usability issues, contributing to a polished final product.
• Producer: Overseeing the development process, managing budgets, schedules, and resources to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Games Programmer: Developing the core logic and functionality of game engines and systems using programming languages like C# and C++.

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Other:

• Global Games Jam: The program hosts the UK's largest Global Games Jam site, fostering innovation, experimentation, and collaboration among students and industry professionals.
• Epic Games Lab: This state-of-the-art laboratory provides access to industry-leading game development software and technologies.
• Motion Capture Studio: Cutting-edge facility for capturing realistic human movements, enriching character animation and storytelling capabilities.
• VR, AR and Mixed Reality Lab: Equipped with VR headsets, this lab enables students to create and experience immersive games and simulations.
• Industry Partnerships: Collaboration with leading game development companies, including Ubisoft and Rockstar North, provides students with opportunities for placements, internships, and valuable networking experiences.

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Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time Study option UK / Channel Islands International Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 per year of study Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time Study option UK / Channel Islands International Full-time £9,250 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate £16,750 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time Study option UK / Channel Islands International Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 per year of study Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time Study option UK / Channel Islands Part-time £4,620 per year of study UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year.

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But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX.

Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year.

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But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX.

Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. no repeat years or breaks in study). For students starting their studies from 2019/20 onwards, a discounted fee of no more than 20% of the normal tuition fee will be payable to Staffordshire University for your placement year. UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year.

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But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX.

Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. no repeat years or breaks in study). When studied part time, the duration of the course and the amount of fees you’ll pay each year depends on the speed at which you wish to progress through it. This is called the ‘intensity of study’. The usual study pattern on this programme enables you to complete modules totalling 60 credits in your first year of study. If you follow this pattern of study you will complete the course in six years. You will pay the pro rata (equivalent) fee shown for your first year of study. This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX . Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any increase as early as possible.

• RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.