Computer Games Development

The creation and production of computer games has grown to become a huge, rapidly evolving industry with a growing need for talented technical and creative. This course’s hands-on approach to games development prepares you for the workplace, turning game ideas into playable demos right from the start. It also allows you to specialise in one of three areas in your second year: games programming; games design; or games graphics.

Facilities and Specialist Equipment

• Specialist animation and graphics labs with VR technology, high-spec computers, and motion-capture and green-screen studios.

• Cutting-edge software, from Autodesk 3ds Max and Maya to Unreal Engine and Blender, means you become familiar with the tools used in industry right from the start.

• Study alongside like-minded people in our vibrant, purpose-built STEM building with modern computing labs, group study hubs and bespoke teaching spaces.

Partnerships and Collaborations

• We are members of Ukie, which offers you benefits such as attending game conferences; applying for internships and mentorships; joining games-related events such as game jams; and receiving portfolio help and advice.

Your Student Experience

• Share teaching with students from our BSc (Hons) Computer Animation & Visual Effects course and benefit from the exchange of ideas and understanding.

• Learn to tackle complex problems through practical projects designed to meet the needs of players, industry and society.

• From your second year, select one of three areas in which to specialise:

  games programming - learn industry-standard programming techniques and languages including C# and C++ so you can turn designed gameplay into a
  playable form
  games design - design immersive player experiences and game environments, levels, mechanics and game systems
  games graphics - create artwork models and animations tailored for use in games using the latest graphics techniques in game engines.

• Benefit from regular practical sessions, studio sessions and, during your final year, supervisory meetings that support continuous learner-teacher interaction and help you reflect on your progress.

• Thrive under the guidance of our dedicated academic success tutors, there to support you through your studies.

• Our staff’s real-world expertise feeds directly into their teaching, keeping you up to date within this rapidly progressing industry.

Areas of study include:

• Fundamentals of Creative Technologies
• Games and Digital Asset Design
• Prototyping and Visual Programming
• 2D Graphics and Digital Art
• Principles of Games Programming
• Professional Industry Portfolio
• Studio Development Project
• 3D Graphics and Animation
• Applied Games Design
• Applied Games Programming
• Compositing for Visual Effects
• Desktop Applications Development and Software Engineering
• Mobile Application Development
• User Experience Design
• Web Technologies and Platforms
• Disruptive Technologies
• Undergraduate Project for Creative Technologies
• Advanced Games Design
• Advanced Games Programming
• Advanced Graphics for Games
  Every effort is made to ensure this information is accurate at the point of publication on the UCAS website. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to our website.

From the second year onwards, you will select an area of specialism from Games Programming, Games Design or Games Graphics

Games Programming Specialism

• Learn a variety of Industry standard programming techniques and languages including C# and C++ enabling you to develop the ability to take designed gameplay and realise it into a playable form.
• Work with existing game engines as well as programming the underlying systems required to develop game engines tailored to the emerging needs of projects.
• Learn to manage a game development project individually and part of an interdisciplinary team, including use of source control programs.
• Develop game code for a variety of platforms (e.g. PC, console, mobile, web…) and experiment with emerging technologies to enhance your skills and employability in working on the cutting edge of games programming.
• Produce proof of concept prototypes that will develop into full-fledged games, applying games specific software testing methods to evaluate and iterate to produce high quality outputs.

Games Design Specialism

• Design immersive player experiences and game environments, levels, mechanics and game systems.
• Learn how to create in-game challenges and obstacles to be overcome and enjoyed without excessively frustrating players.
• Follow a typical game development lifecycle from a designer’s perspective, from initial concept development through to pitching, pre-production, prototyping and release phases.
• Learn to playtest games and use game-specific techniques such as expert heuristic evaluation for playability, focus groups and data analytics to iteratively refine and improve your designs for better gaming experiences.
• Learn to professionally document game designs and express ideas and designs clearly to team members.
• Learn to apply theory and practice from computer science, psychology, affective computing studies, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), User Experience (UX) design, ludology (“the study of games and play”) and visual design principles to develop innovative and deeply engaging and enjoyable gameplay experiences.

Games Graphics Specialism

• Learn to create artwork, models and animations that are tailored for use in games using the latest graphics techniques in game engines.
• Learn concept development skills and sketching in 2D graphics programs, 3D modelling, rigging and animation of assets such as props, scenery, characters or whole environment or level designs.
• Work with a wide range of software packages used by games industry professionals to develop your own unique range of creative and representational skills.
• Develop shaders and other procedural assets and learn to extend the functionality of the software packages and games engines used.
• Learn professional drawing techniques and carry them through from sketches to 2D and 3D game assets.
• Learn to create stunning levels and game environments with cameras and lighting effects.