Computer Games Programming (with a placement year)

Aimed at aspiring programmers, our Computer Games Programming degree will show you how to create exciting games with professional hardware and software tools.

On our Computer Games Programming course, you'll explore a wide range of topics that enable you to become an exceptional computer scientist, with a strong focus on real-time applications. You'll be prepared for exciting roles in the games industry, from engine development and AI to real-time graphics, tools, and gameplay. The skills you'll gain are highly transferable, opening doors to careers across the wider tech and computer science sectors.

You'll have the opportunity to master C++ or C# across a range of platforms, from native code on Windows, Linux and consoles, to powerful game engines like Unity and Unreal. You'll get hands-on experience with professional-grade hardware and software, developing for PlayStation 5, mobile devices, tablets and PCs in our games programming labs.

As a TIGA-accredited course, we meet the highest industry standards, and our lecturers bring real-world experience from the games industry, backed by active research that keeps your learning fresh and relevant.

You'll also connect with our award-winning industry partners through guest lectures, sponsored game jams, portfolio reviews, mock interviews and much more, giving you the edge when it comes to launching your career.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming

Course Modules

Year One: Core Programming Concepts for Games; Fundamentals Of Game Artificial Intelligence; Game Engine Programming; Platform Development

Year Two Core: Game Production Studio; Networked Multiplayer Systems; Real-Time Simulation
Year Two Optional: Tools Programming; Agent-Based Decision Making; Audio Programming

Year Three Core: Placement Year

Year Four Core: Cross-Platform Development and a choice of one of the following: Final Year Project: Collaborative Project; Final Year Project: Dissertation; Final Year Project: Technical Artefact
Year Four Optional: Advanced Graphics Programming; Game AI Architectures

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.