Creative Computing (Gaming)

Program Overview

Creative Computing (Gaming)

BSc (Hons)

Overview

Shape playable worlds that inform, persuade and entertain. Learn the essentials of games design and development as part of your Creative Computing course. Create unique and surprising indie games that deploy industry-standard tools, techniques and publication routes. Explore the role of game engines outside of games, and the emerging world of ‘serious games’.

Top 25 in the UK

for Teaching Quality in Computer Science (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)

Course Structure

• Year one: Develop core skills. Start your journey through Creative Computing by mastering the basics of computing and digital creativity. You'll learn how to code through modules that uncover the fundamentals of programming and web development. Specific modules on creative problem solving, experience design and coding for the visual arts enrich your understanding of how creativity and technology collide. Weekly workshops introduce essential tools and software for building digital experiences and asset creation. You'll also explore how to create engaging narratives for digital platforms.
• Year two: Begin to specialise. We teach you principles of effective games design and assembly using a selection of retro and current titles, interactive tools and game engines. You’ll encounter the practical aspects of 2D / 3D asset creation, level construction and rule making, while considering the creative strategies and marketing decisions that underpin today’s games industry. Your games specific learning is enhanced by modules that advance your understanding of programming to include object-oriented techniques and working with real time data. You'll also experiment with emerging technologies and collaborate with industry partners on live briefs.
• Year three: Kickstart your career. You’ll enhance your specialist gaming knowledge, while setting yourself up for success in the tech / creative industries. Two thirds of your time is spent developing significant digital artefacts. These works become the showcase pieces of a compelling, industry-focused creative portfolio. Optional modules give space for creating original, playful ideas within the areas of Creative AI or web games.

Assessment

Creative Computing is entirely coursework-assessed. You'll deliver a varied and balanced collection of projects including prototype software, websites, apps, games and VR experiences.

Teaching

You’ll be taught through practical workshops and project-based learning. These sessions are supported by individual and team tutorials throughout your Creative Computing course. The practical nature of the course offers you the time and freedom to try new ideas, develop new skills and take a deep dive into topics of interest.

A network of visiting speakers and mentors keeps you in touch with the tech and creative sectors, while our technical demonstrators support you in developing new skills.

Facilities and Resources

• Commons building: You're taught within the cutting-edge Commons building, situated at the heart of our stunning Newton Park campus.
• High-end computing spaces: Populated with dedicated PCs and access to 3D printers, VR kit and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
• Virtual Learning Environment
• Newton Park library
• Free access to software, creative, design and business skills courses via LinkedIn Learning
• Support from the ASk (Academic Skills) team
• If English is not your first language, the English Language Unit can support with your English language skills

Fees

2025 entry

• UK full time: £9,535
• UK part time: £4,768
• International full time: £17,670

Professional Placement Year

During the placement year, the fee is reduced to 20% of the full time fee.

• UK: £1,905
• International: £3,534

Entry Requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed below. Applicants are considered on an individual basis also taking into account any relevant skills and experience that may not be reflected in your qualifications. The most important consideration is for applicants to have the qualities and potential to succeed in the exciting new area of study.

• A Level: grades BBB-BCC preferred.
• BTEC: Extended Diploma grades from Distinction Distinction Merit (DDM) to Distinction Merit Merit (DMM) accepted in any subject.
• T Levels: grade Merit preferred.
• International Baccalaureate: a minimum of 32 points are required.
• Access to HE courses: typical offers for applicants with Access to HE will be the Access to HE Diploma or Access to HE Certificate (60 credits, 45 of which must be Level 3, at Merit or higher).

English Language Requirements for International and EU Applicants

IELTS 6.0 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in each element.

Related Courses

• Computing
• Creative Computing
• Creative Computing (Web Technologies)
• Cyber Security

Key Facts

• Award: BSc (Hons) Creative Computing (Gaming)
• School/s: Bath School of Design
• Campus or location: Newton Park
• Course length: Three years full time, or four years full time with professional placement year. Part time available.
• UCAS codes: Institution Code: B20, Course Code: 6T3D or RTFG, Campus Code: A,BSU

Program Outline

Creative Computing (Gaming) BSc (Hons) - Bath Spa University

Degree Overview:

This program focuses on the essentials of games design and development, equipping students with the skills to create unique and engaging indie games. It goes beyond traditional game development, exploring the use of game engines in other fields and the emerging world of "serious games." The program aims to develop a strong understanding of coding, interactive design, and digital creativity, while fostering skills in game making. Graduates will possess a diverse skillset, making them highly employable in the creative and tech industries.

Outline:

Year 1 (Level 4):

• CodeLab I: Introduces the fundamentals of programming.
• Web Dev I: Covers the basics of web development.
• Ideation and UX Design: Explores creative problem-solving and user experience design.
• Digital Storytelling: Focuses on creating engaging narratives for digital platforms.
• Creative Coding: Explores the intersection of creativity and technology.
• Digital Visual Design: Develops skills in visual design for digital media.

Year 2 (Level 5):

• CodeLab II: Advances programming skills, including object-oriented techniques and real-time data handling.
• Alternative and Emerging Technologies: Explores cutting-edge technologies in the field.
• Creative Industry Challenge: Provides real-world experience through industry collaborations.
• Computer 3D Modelling and Visualisation: Develops skills in 3D modeling and visualization.
• Indie Game Design: Covers the principles of effective games design and assembly using various tools and engines.
• Extended Realities: Explores virtual and augmented reality technologies.
• Smartphone Apps: Focuses on developing mobile applications.
• Web Dev II: Advances web development skills.
• Image, Sound and Code: Explores the integration of visual and audio elements in digital projects.
• Physical Computing: Introduces the use of physical computing devices.
• Data Visualisation: Develops skills in data visualization.
• Playful Media: Explores the creative potential of playful media.
• Professional Placement Year: (Optional) Provides an opportunity for students to gain professional experience in the industry.

Year 3 (Level 6):

• Creative Project: Students develop significant digital artifacts for their portfolio.
• Creative Incubator: Provides a space for students to develop original and playful ideas.
• Cyber Security: Covers the principles of cybersecurity.
• Serious Games: Explores the use of games for educational and social purposes.
• Commercial Games: Focuses on the development of commercial-grade games.
• Creative Web: Explores creative applications of web technologies.
• Web Games: Focuses on the development of web-based games.
• Creative AI: Explores the use of artificial intelligence in creative projects.
• Industry Ready: Prepares students for the job market with industry-specific skills.

Assessment:

The program is entirely coursework-assessed. Students will deliver a variety of projects, including prototype software, websites, apps, games, and VR experiences.

Teaching:

Students are taught through practical workshops and project-based learning, supported by individual and team tutorials. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, allowing students to experiment with new ideas and develop their skills. Technical demonstrators offer support in developing new skills.

Careers:

The program prepares students for a wide range of careers in the creative and tech industries. Potential roles include:

• Creative Technologist
• Games Developer
• Web Developer
• Software Developer
• Digital 3D Design
• UX Designer
• Creative Producer
• Creative Tech Research and Development Associate
Graduates may also pursue further study or teacher training with a PGCE.

Other:

• The program is one of only three Adobe Creative Campuses in the UK, providing students with access to the full Adobe Creative Suite.
• Students have the opportunity to study abroad at one of Bath Spa's partner universities.
• The program has strong industry links, with students having produced work for companies such as IBM Innovation Lab, Aardman, Complete Control, Opposable VR, and Boomtown Festival.
• Recent graduates have secured positions at companies like Rockstar Games, Codemasters, Complete Control, Dyson, Rocketmakers, Aerian, and Network N.
• Students can apply for the Certificate in Global Citizenship, which provides an international dimension to their student experience.
• The program is highly ranked in the UK for teaching quality and student satisfaction in Computer Science.

UK full time: £9,250 UK part time: £4,625 International full time: £16,905 Professional Placement Year During the placement year, the fee is reduced to 20% of the full-time fee. This applies to UK and EU/International students. UK: £1,850 International: £3,381