Computer Games Development with Foundation Year

Program Overview

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BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development with Foundation Year

Why study this course with LJMU?

• LJMU ranked 8th in the UK for animation and game design (The Guardian University Guide 2025)
• Dedicated Gaming lab with VR-Ready Workstations, PlayStation Development Kit, Xbox Development Kit , VR (Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Playstation VR, Gear VR) Development Kit, Microsoft HoloLens, and Motion Capture System
• Incorporating industry standard curriculum - PlayStation First and Unreal Academic Partner into teaching
• Academic society (LJMU IGDA Academic Chapter) and annual student events such as LJMU Game Showcase and LJMU Game Jam
• Opportunity to undertake a year's paid industrial placement thanks to our links with over 450 local, national and international organisations, including SCEE, Lucid Games, Atomicom,Damibu,Setgo Games, Fish in a Bottle, TribePlay in China
• Regular visits by game industry professionals who offer career and technical advice
• Exciting career opportunities with games development companies

About your course

The BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development with Foundation Year at Liverpool John Moores University is the ideal course if you are interested in this subject but lack the necessary qualifications to study it at degree level.

About the Foundation Year

The Foundation Year is ideal if you have the ability to study for a degree but don't have the qualifications to enter directly onto the Computer Games Development honours degree programme. Once you pass the Foundation Year you will progress directly onto the first year of the honours degree. If you are a full-time UK student, you will qualify for student financial support for the full duration of your course (subject to eligibility criteria).

About the BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development degree

Computer games development is a very technically demanding process and developers are required to possess a wide range of technical skills including computer programming, computer graphics and mathematics.

In addition, they are also expected to have strong knowledge of gaming console and PC hardware architecture. This course will prepare you to be a computer game developer ready to work and succeed in this challenging and exciting industry. The topics typically covered in this course include:

• C/C++ computer programming languages
• Applied mathematics for game physics and computer graphics
• Shader-based 3D graphics programming using industry standard API such as OpenGL and DirectX
• Multi-platforms (PC and consoles) gameplay programming, including techniques such as game content pipelining, multi-threading, artificial intelligence, memory management and optimisation
• Game design, level design, game production and digital game content production

Our Games Technology Lab with its Sony PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360 consoles, and industry standard software, together with excellent technical support, mean that you will get plenty of hands-on experience and extensive opportunities to build up a portfolio to show and impress prospective employers.

The School of Computer Science and Mathematics has strong links with many local, national and international games development companies, including SCEE, Atomicom, Lucid Games, Damibu, Setgo Games, Eutechnyx, and Jagex to name but a few. These employers work with us to ensure that the course is current and up-to-date, and that graduates are able to meet the demands of the games industry for skilled developers.

Our strong links also mean that you will have plenty of options when you come to choose your work placement. Students have worked in game development companies in many cities, from Liverpool to Kontich in Belgium as well as Cheng-Du in China.

Course modules

Foundation Year

• Algorithms and Computing (10 credits)
• Foundation Mathematics for Engineering and Technology 1 (20 credits)
• Programming (10 credits)
• Personal, Academic and Skills Development (20 credits)
• Information Systems Development (20 credits)
• Creative Computing (20 credits)
• Applied Computing (20 credits)

Year 1

• Computer Systems (20 credits)
• Professional Practice (10 credits)
• Data Modelling (10 credits)
• Fundamentals of Games Programming (20 credits)
• Maths and Graphics (20 credits)
• Introduction to Web Development (20 credits)
• Introduction to Video Game Studies (20 credits)

Year 2

• Group Project (20 credits)
• Computer Networks (20 credits)
• Data Structures and Algorithms for Games (20 credits)
• 3D Computer Graphics (20 credits)
• Digital Games Content Production (20 credits)
• Software Engineering for Games (20 credits)

Year 3

• Project (40 credits)
• Advanced 3D Games Development (20 credits)
• Advanced Topics in Games Development (20 credits)

Optional modules

• Sandwich Year - Computer Games Development (120 credits)
• Study Year Abroad - Computer Games Development (120 credits)
• Mixed Reality Technologies (20 credits)
• User Experience Design (20 credits)
• Embedded Systems (20 credits)
• Advanced Games Graphics Techniques (20 credits)

Your Learning Experience

• Teaching Support Assessment
• Excellent facilities and learning resources
• Work-related Learning
• Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support

Career paths

• There are many career openings for Computer Games Technology graduates in computer games development, software engineering, multimedia authoring, and interactive TV development.
• Many of our graduates have gone on to work for games development companies like Sony Liverpool, Lucid Games, Bizarre Creations, TT-Games, TT-Fusion, Juice Games, Electronic Arts, Eurocom, Spiral House and many more.

Tuition fees and funding

• Home: £9,535
• International: £18,250
• Placement year: £1,905 (Home), £3,830 (International)

Entry requirements

• Grades/points required: CCD-CCC (88-96)
• GCSEs and equivalents: Grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics/Numeracy
• A levels: CCD-CCC
• BTECs: Extended Diploma: MMM (96)
• Access awards: Pass overall with a minimum of 88 points
• International Baccalaureate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• OCR Cambridge Technical: Extended Diploma: MMM (96)
• Irish awards: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• T levels: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• IELTS: 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of the course start date.

Program Outline

The Foundation Year provides a pathway to the honors degree program, allowing students to progress directly into the first year upon successful completion. The program aims to equip students with the technical skills and knowledge required to become successful computer game developers.

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Outline:

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Foundation Year:

The Foundation Year is designed for students who have the ability to study for a degree but lack the necessary qualifications for direct entry. It covers a range of topics, including:

• Algorithms and Computing
• Programming
• Personal, Academic and Skills Development
• Information Systems Development
• Creative Computing
• Applied Computing

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BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development:

The BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development degree program covers a wide range of topics, including:

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Level 3:

• Algorithms and Computing
• Programming
• Personal, Academic and Skills Development
• Information Systems Development
• Creative Computing
• Applied Computing

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Level 4:

• Computer Systems
• Professional Practice
• Data Modelling
• Fundamentals of Games Programming
• Maths and Graphics
• Introduction to Web Development
• Introduction to Video Game Studies

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Level 5:

• Group Project
• Computer Networks
• 3D Computer Graphics
• Digital Games Content Production
• Software Engineering for Games
• Sandwich Year - Computer Games Development (Optional)
• Study Year Abroad - Computer Games Development (Optional)

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Level 6:

• Project
• Advanced 3D Games Development
• Advanced Topics in Games Development
• Mixed Reality Technologies (Optional)
• Advanced Games Graphics Techniques (Optional)
• User Experience Design (Optional)
• Embedded Systems (Optional)

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Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module but typically include a combination of exams and coursework. Students are also assessed through an independent final year project, which contributes significantly to their final mark. Tutors provide prompt and constructive feedback through Canvas, face-to-face meetings, or written reports.

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Teaching:

The program utilizes a blended learning approach, combining face-to-face and online learning. Students spend between 15 to 18 hours per week in the classroom, with independent study accounting for approximately 70% of their weekly study time. Teaching methods include lectures, lab sessions, online activities, small-group tutorials, and seminars delivered by external speakers and visiting lecturers.

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Careers:

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in computer games development, software engineering, multimedia authoring, and interactive TV development. Many graduates have secured positions at prominent game development companies such as Sony Liverpool, Lucid Games, Bizarre Creations, TT-Games, TT-Fusion, Juice Games, Electronic Arts, Eurocom, Spiral House, and more.

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Other:

• The program is delivered in the Byrom Street complex of LJMU's City Campus, which includes high-quality lecture theaters, meeting and seminar rooms, social spaces, a large café, and the Avril Robarts Library.
• The School of Computer Science and Mathematics has strong links with numerous local, national, and international game development companies, ensuring that the curriculum is up-to-date and relevant to industry demands.
• Students have the opportunity to undertake a 12-month paid work placement after Level 5, providing valuable practical experience and a head start in the graduate job market.
• The program is taught by a team of lecturers with rich industry experience and active research backgrounds.
• The School of Computer Science and Mathematics is recognized internationally for its research in Networked Systems and Security, Computer Entertainment, and Neural Networks.
• LJMU offers a range of support services to students, including dedicated personal tutors, study skills support, and career guidance.
• The program emphasizes the development of professional skills, including teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
• LJMU has a strong commitment to international opportunities, with students able to study abroad, complete work placements, or participate in internship programs.
• The program is designed to provide students with a transformative learning experience, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the competitive computer games industry.

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• Home full-time per year: £9,250
• EU-International full-time per year: £18,250
• Placement year: £1,850
• Placement year international: £3,830
All figures are subject to yearly increases. Tuition fees are subject to parliamentary approval.