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Game Programming

  • BSc (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 14 September 2026
  • Undergraduate
Main Site
More about University of Derby

Course options

2026-2027
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Course summary

If you love games and want to learn how they are built from the ground up, this course will teach you how to design, code and optimise real-time game systems. Derby has a heritage for creating computer games including Tomb Raider. You will work with gameplay, tools and engine programming, focusing on writing fast, efficient code that runs well on modern hardware.

KEY FEATURES OF THE COURSE

BUILD STRONG SKILLS: Join a course that will teach you how to design, code and optimise real-time game systems and work with gameplay, tools and engine programming, focusing on writing fast, efficient code that runs well on modern hardware.

LEARN IN REPLICA WORK SETTINGS: Study in small, agile teams—much like real game studios—working closely with students from Game Art and Game Design.

GRADAUTE CAREER READY: Be prepared for a wide range of game development roles and gain skills you can use in areas like simulation, XR, serious games and other interactive technologies.

On this course you will learn the core skills needed to become a professional game programmer. This includes:

  • programming, algorithms and data structures

  • maths for games and real-time systems

  • engine architecture and tools programming

  • rendering and performance optimisation

  • gameplay programming and technical systems

  • professional software engineering (version control, testing, CI/CD).

HOW YOU WILL LEARN:
By studying this course, you will join our Games@Derby community, as our BSc (Hons) Game Programming is part of the University of Derby’s Game Development suite, alongside BA (Hons) Game Art and BA (Hons) Game Design. This simulates a fast-paced, supportive, creative, and team-focused studios set-up. You will work in specialist studios and computer labs equipped with industry-standard hardware and software. Industry links also give you opportunities for guest talks, live projects, global game jams and mentoring.

YOUR CAREER.
This degree prepares you for a wide range of careers in game development and the wider tech sector. You will graduate with strong programming, maths and problem-solving skills, and experience working in production-style teams.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • BSc (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 14 September 2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
I212
Institution code:
D39
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Derby has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
I212
Institution code:
D39
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff
112 points

A level
BBC

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DMM

Access to HE Diploma
D: 15 credits M: 24 credits P: 6 credits

T Level
M

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

The quoted fee is an indicative fee based on last year’s fees, as the fees for the 2026 term not yet been confirmed.

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