Computer Games Programming

A constantly evolving sector, the multibillion-pound computer games industry is now worth more than double its value in 2007. This offers graduates extensive career opportunities in a rapidly expanding field.

This course provides an opportunity to develop your interest in computer games into a set of skills which will help you start a career in this exciting industry.

You will study the latest techniques and resources for developing standalone, web-based and mobile games, featuring exciting graphics and animation, becoming familiar with the basic architecture and design elements of computer games and programming languages relevant to games development.

Key features

Use specialist software such as Unity3D and Unreal engines.

Become part of a vibrant community by joining our Game Society or E-Sports Society. You can build on what you learn on the course by playing games, taking trips to professional gaming events, and competing in tournaments. Our Games Development Society will give you the chance to work alongside Game Art students in games jams.

Explore professional opportunities with a placement year. Recent Computer Games Programming students have spent a year in industry working as Intern Software Engineers and Programmers for companies including immersive tech company, Virtual Arts.

Gain valuable international experience as part of your studies with our DMU Global programme. Students have been able to visit top tech companies in San Francisco and test out their espionage and surveillance skills in New York.

This course has been fully-certified by the British Computer Society (BCS). BCS accreditation is a mark of quality assurance and means our course content and provision has been assessed by academics and employers to ensure it meets the rigorous standards set by the profession.

Benefit from block teaching, where most students study one subject at a time. A simple timetable will allow you to really engage with your learning, receive regular feedback and assessments, get to know your course mates and enjoy a better study-life balance.

First year

Block 1: Game Design & Development
Block 2: Markup Languages & Scripting
Block 3: Maths & Computer Systems
Block 4: C++ Fundamentals

Second Year

Block 1: 3D Modelling & Shader Fundamentals
Block 2: Mobile Games and AI for Simulation
Block 3: Applied Mechanics and Progressive Game Engines
Block 4: Production Level C++

Third Year

Block 1: Advanced Game Engine Application
Block 2: Advanced Shader Programming
Block 3: Performant Rendering with C++
Block 4: Game Development Project

On this course, you will benefit from Education 2030 - DMU’s new way of delivering courses. Through block teaching, you will focus on one subject at a time instead of several at once.

A variety of learning and teaching methods are used, including lectures, tutorials and practical laboratory work. Continuous evaluation forms the major part of the assessment process and there are many opportunities for practical development.

Laboratory tutorials will provide the students with the opportunity to practice and develop skills and techniques under guidance and obtain feedback for each of the defined blocks. The directly interactive sessions will be supplemented by self-study.

You will normally attend around 10 hours of timetabled taught sessions each week, and are expected to undertake at least 30 further hours of directed independent study and assignments as required.

You deserve a positive teaching and learning experience, where you feel part of a supportive and nurturing community. That’s why most students will enjoy an innovative approach to learning using block teaching, where you will study one module at a time. You’ll benefit from regular assessments - rather than lots of exams at the end of the year - and a simple timetable that allows you to engage with your subject and enjoy other aspects of university life such as sports, societies, meeting friends and discovering your new city. By studying with the same peers and tutor for each block, you’ll build friendships and a sense of belonging.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT