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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 16,900
Per year
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
4 years
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Bachelors
Major
Computer Programming | Game Design | Software Development
Area of study
Information and Communication Technologies
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 16,900
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-09-01-
About Program

Program Overview


Computer Games Programming with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

Why study Computer Games Programming at Derby?

  • Spend the first year learning the fundamentals of computer science and finding out what your passions are and where your talents lie
  • Learn in our state-of-the-art facilities including our XR (cross-reality) lab
  • 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
  • Benefit from the flexibility of transferring to another course in our Computing portfolio after your first year
  • You won’t have any written exams as all assessment is through coursework

Foundation Year - helping you to achieve more

  • Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life
  • The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree
  • It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change and want to get to grips with aspects of subjects which are new to you
  • Our degrees with a foundation year are continuous, meaning that you won’t need to apply again once you have successfully completed the first year

An impressive portfolio of skills

  • On our dynamic BSc (Hons) degree you’ll be equipped with both the theoretical grounding and the practical skills you need to develop compelling computer games
  • You’ll gain 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

Pursue your personal interests

  • Through the Independent Studies module, we give you the chance to tailor your studies to match your professional interests and career ambitions
  • You will develop a large-scale project or conduct a research study into an area of your choice
  • Previous topics explored by our students include point based rendering, procedural generation of realistic game levels and multi-level AI for elastic difficulty scaling

Benefit from flexibility

  • You’ll gain fundamental knowledge in year one studying modules alongside students on our other Computing and Mathematics degrees
  • At the end of your year one, you’ll then have the option to transfer to one of the following courses:
    • BSc (Hons) Computer Science
    • BSc (Hons) Cyber Security
    • BSc (Hons) Information Technology
    • BSc (Hons) Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (subject to Mathematics prerequisites)

Facilities

  • You’ll get to use cutting-edge software development tools in our industry-standard laboratories
  • Facilities include:
    • Computer Games Labs: home to our specialist hardware facilities and software including Unreal Engine, Unity Lab, Visual Studio and Steam
    • XR Lab (cross-reality): a dedicated space for mixed-course games development as well as providing a flexible space for visualisation and other projects
    • CAVE Lab: provides data visualisation hardware containing a 270-degree 3D projection set up
    • Makerspace: get ready to turn your ideas into prototypes

Linking up with business

  • We’re proud of our connections with local and international industries
  • Our course has been designed in close collaboration with them and professional bodies to ensure it meets the needs of employers
  • Undertaking a placement year will give you substantial experience to understand the possible careers open to you
  • Plus you’ll build your confidence and improve success and progression in jobs or in starting a business

What you will study

  • Foundation Year
  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Optional Placement Year
  • Year 3

Core modules

  • Preliminary Mathematics
  • Scholarship for Technologists
  • Technology Project
  • Introduction to Computational Mathematics
  • Programming Fundamentals

Careers

  • Skilled games programmers will discover a wide variety of career opportunities everywhere from small start-up companies to major multinational organisations
  • This course represents the ideal preparation for roles such as gameplay programmer, tools developer and AI programmer
  • You might even want to start your own company after graduating
  • Because the BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming has such a solid computing and software engineering focus, it also opens up excellent prospects for our graduates across all software development roles in the computing industry
  • Potential career paths include:
    • Software Engineer
    • Project Manager
    • Technical Architect
    • Chief Technology Officer
    • Product Manager
    • Games Developer

Entry requirements

  • UCAS points: 72
  • A Level: DDD
  • T Level: Pass
  • BTEC: MMP
  • GCSE: Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
  • Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 0, Merit: 24, Pass: 21
  • English language requirements: IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

Fees and funding

  • UK: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
  • International: £16,900 per year (2025/26)

How to apply

  • UK students: Apply through UCAS or directly to the University
  • International students: Apply through our online application portal or through one of our trusted local representatives

Additional information about your studies

  • Teaching hours: Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm
  • Course updates: The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible

Discover Uni

  • 67% of students say staff value students' views and opinions about the course
  • 87% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well
  • 95% of students are in work or doing further study 15 months after the course
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University of Derby Summary


Overview:

The University of Derby is a public university located in Derby, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and research degrees. The university is known for its commitment to teaching excellence and its focus on applied research.


Services Offered:

The University of Derby provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

    Academic Support:

    Student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and study skills workshops.

    Campus and Facilities:

    Modern facilities, including libraries, computer labs, and sports facilities.

    Fees and Finance:

    Information on tuition fees, scholarships, and financial aid options.

    International Students:

    Dedicated support for international students, including visa guidance and cultural integration programs.

    Employability:

    Career development services, including job search assistance, internship opportunities, and employer networking events.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

The University of Derby offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities, including:

    Accommodation:

    On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.

    Clubs and Societies:

    A wide variety of clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.

    Sport at Derby:

    Opportunities to participate in a range of sports, both competitive and recreational.

    Union of Students:

    A student-led organization that represents student interests and provides support services.

Key Reasons to Study There:

    Teaching Excellence:

    The university has been awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), recognizing its commitment to high-quality teaching and learning.

    Applied Research:

    The university is known for its applied research, which has a real-world impact on society and industry.

    Student Satisfaction:

    The university consistently ranks highly in student satisfaction surveys.

    Vibrant Campus Life:

    The university offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities.

    Strong Employability:

    The university has a strong track record of helping students find employment after graduation.

Academic Programs:

The University of Derby offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

    Undergraduate Programs:

    BA, BSc, FdA, FdSc degrees in various disciplines.

    Postgraduate Programs:

    MA, MSc, PhD degrees in various disciplines.

    Short Courses:

    A range of short courses for professional development and personal enrichment.

Other:

The university is committed to its civic mission and plays an active role in the local community. It has a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility.

    Campus and Facilities:

    While the context mentions facilities, it does not provide a detailed description.

    Fees and Finance:

    The context mentions fees and finance but does not provide specific details.

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