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.

Career-powered links

We are members of Ukie, which offers you benefits such as applying for internships and mentorships.

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.

Course modules

Year 1
Fundamentals of creative technologies – Build essential digital creative skills and understand industry standards and professional expectations. Prototyping and visual programming – Build interactive digital prototypes to showcase your game designs, using industry-standard methods. Games and digital asset design – How digital images, audio and animations are created, stored and edited, with experience producing artwork, animations and audio.

There are also two optional units:
2D graphics and digital art 
Principles of games programming

Year 2
Professional industry portfolio – Create your own portfolio based on research into job roles and practices in your chosen area of creative technologies. Studio development project – Design, plan and produce a professional, interactive piece of work related to your chosen area of career interest.

You also choose from a range of optional units:
Web technologies and platforms 
Compositing for visual effects 
Mobile application development 
Desktop applications development and software engineering 
User experience design 
3D graphics and animation 
Applied games design 
Applied games programming

Year 3
Disruptive technologies – Explore cutting-edge practices and research in disruptive creative technologies like VR, AR, XR and networked gaming. Research methodologies and emerging technologies – Plan our Honours project around current or emerging technologies, using research to back up your proposal. Undergraduate project – Work independently to develop and complete a major project on a topic of your choice.

There are also three optional units:
Advanced games design
Advanced graphics for games
Advanced games programming

We make every effort to ensure the information here is accurate; however, for the most up-to-date information, visit our website.