Program Overview
This Creative Computing (Gaming) BSc (Hons) at Bath Spa University empowers students with the skills to create unique games and other digital artifacts through a blend of programming, design, and creativity. The program prepares graduates for employment in the tech and creative industries, with a focus on indie game development, serious games, and emerging technologies. Through hands-on projects and industry collaborations, students develop a diverse skillset that makes them highly employable in various roles, including games developer, web developer, and creative technologist.
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
