BSc (Hons) Games Computing

Chris Rowe graduated from the University of Lincoln in 2007 with a first class degree in Games Computing. He has since gone on to work for a number of different game development studios in the UK, including Pivotal Games, Midway Games and Ninja Theory. He is currently working as a creative Producer for Capcom Vancouver – the studio behind Dead Rising 2.

When asked about his role, Chris said, “My role as a Producer is to provide studio wide direction and support, pushing the team and quality bar in an effort to ensure we deliver a memorable gaming experience to the consumer, and a great overall product to the publisher. I am responsible for developing the vision of the game alongside the directors, and ensure that our development decisions stay true to that vision across all areas of the product. My day to day activities involve working with the designers to brainstorm and document game designs, as well as collaborating with the art and tech teams in order to bring those designs to life – a great opportunity to find all the problems!.”

Level One

Introductory Games Studies
Computer gaming now cuts through many social dimensions of life and is continually evolving in its sophistication. This unit introduces you to the fundamental principles which underpin computer gaming. Broad aspects considerations of the contemporary computer game industry are explored, including an overview of the game development process as a whole, the societal view of gaming and its cultural implications are discussed. In addition, fundamental skills are developed via the investigation of introductory mathematical principles relating to computer games development, and the development of simple visual game design and development skills.

Computer Systems
This module introduces the student to computer hardware, the history of computer, data representation and manipulation at the byte level, basic machine instructions, the operation of the fetch-execute cycle, the characteristics of main and cache memory, I/O control and the inner working of disk storage. This module also presents the most popular hardware architectures and provides a basic introduction to microcontrollers.

Operating Systems
This module continues the foundations in computer science and investigates both the theoretical design concepts which underpin all operating systems and, through case-studies, the practical implementation techniques of current operating systems. Special attention will be given to shell programming languages and examples to practically implement concepts and techniques at the basis of the various operating systems.

Software Development
The Software Development module introduces the concepts and practice of computer programming, with attention paid to quality and testing issues. Following on from this fundamental base, the module extends students' knowledge of computer programming enabling them to create systems consisting of multiple classes and objects. Fundamental principles of discrete mathematics are explored and developed.

Data, Networks and the Web
This module provides students with an introduction to the techniques for representing data. It also considers issues in the structure and usage of computer networks by exploring their basics structure, operation and application. Students are also provided with an introduction to the development and application of web technologies from first principles.

Level Two

Games Computing Group Project
As the development of teamworking and project management skills are essential for any aspiring games developer, this module aims to provide students with the experience of working as part of a team on a development project. Students will produce a set of deliverables including a finished product or artefact. Groups are expected to manage their own processes, and to hold regular meetings both with and without their supervisor.

Computer Graphics and Games Programming
This module introduces the fundamentals, theory, principles, methods, and techniques of 2D and 3D computer graphics. The specialised mathematical underpinnings are explored along with their practical application in algorithms. The development of skills in implementing and developing computer graphic applications with C/C++ and standard graphics libraries (such as OpenGL) encourages the student to develop their programming skills while observing the theory of 3D graphics in practice. Game programming is developed with particular attention to memory management, game states and loops as well as other relevant factors.

Game Design
This key module explores the process by which a game concept is first germinated and its subsequent development via a process of design and documentation to a prototype stage. Concepts such as design patterns, gameplay, game mechanics, storyline, narrative, game architecture and game balance are all studied, using examples of card games, board games and computer games from both contemporary and traditional sources. The module will be broadly split between game design theory and game design practice. Theories of game design and design patterns are studied using hands-on exercises such as paper prototyping and board game mock-ups as examples. Practical analysis deconstruction of existing games encourage debate and comparisons of design styles principles. Students are encouraged to critique both their own designs and others. Frequent constructive group critiques will give students feedback on their design and ideas.

Optional Modules
Optional modules available at level 2 include:

3D Modelling,
Artificial Intelligence
Business Processes
Database Systems
Human-Computer Interaction
Networks and Network Systems
Software Engineering and Advanced Programming
Web and Server Technologies

Placement Year (Optional)
The BSc (Hons) Games Computing degree is optionally available in a sandwich mode variant. If you take the sandwich mode degree, you take a year out in industry between levels two and three, gaining invaluable industrial experience. Sandwich students, in general, tend to do well in the final year, and may find they have enhanced job prospects. You must apply specifically for the sandwich variant; if you join via the standard route we may not allow a transfer to the sandwich variant, as places are limited.

Level Three

Game Engines
Game engines are the core software components of computer games. They provide the underlying technologies upon which a game can be developed. The architecture and component design of a game engine dictates its core functionality and hence the features of the game which can be built from it. This module investigates the architecture of game engines and the functionality of typical engine components, such as a renderer, a physics or collision management component and a scene graph. In addition the practical use of existing game engines and development of engine components are explored.

Project Preparation
This module provides students with the skills necessary to conduct an independent study project. The output of this module will form the foundation for the Project module. At the conclusion of this project the student should have formed a clear understanding of the aims and objectives of their final year project.

Project
The project module provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to work independently on an in-depth project with an implementation element that builds on their established knowledge, understanding and skills. Students are normally be expected to demonstrate their ability to apply practical and analytical skills, innovation and/or creativity, and to be able to synthesise information, ideas and practices to provide a problem solution. Self-management is a key concept here, as is the ability to engage in critical self-evaluation.

Professional Practice
The module develops an understanding of the basic cultural, social, legal, and ethical issues inherent in the discipline of computing; and promotes personal professionalism in the workplace.

Optional Modules
Optional modules available at Level 3 include:

Mobile and Social Computing
Content Creation and Management
Computer Vision and Robotics
Business Intelligence

Full-time or part-time study available.

Students have access to specialised development laboratory provision providing access to industry standard software development environments, 3D modelling software and game distribution platforms, such as the Steam Café. In addition, console development environments are provided such as Xbox 360 systems and PlayStation 2 Linux development kits. A motion capture research system is available for project work. Overseas study visits have been a feature of our programmes in recent years. Visits to locations within the United States provide students with a unique insight into games development issues in overseas territories.

The programme is assessed through a variety of means, including in-class tests, coursework and examinations, although the majority of assessments are coursework based.

BSc (Hons) Games Computing specifically aims to develop professional and transferable skills in the selection and deployment of a range of methods, techniques and practices appropriate for a games computing professional. The course is distinctive in that it provides strong conceptual and methodological groundings in game software design and development, as well as the contemporary approaches to more general software development. In particular, the Games Computing curriculum gives students exposure to, and the opportunity to develop skills in, core areas of game development. Students are encouraged to develop their own creativity and advanced computing skills, and to recognize that software engineering methodologies and principles are as important as creative design in the success of a computer game product. Mathematics and programming activities give a firm base on which to develop these principles. Opportunities to develop software within computer games console environments, such as the Xbox 360 as well as within desktop and mobile environments, are designed to encourage students to further demonstrate their skills.

This award is designed to prepare students for employment in the games industry, as a game developer, or more widely in the computing industry. The games industry is extremely competitive, with a high demand for available jobs, and the project elements of the programme gives you an opportunity to develop your portfolio to demonstrate to potential employers. This programme also gives you a strong foundation in software design and development, and wider computing skills. An excellent grounding in problem-solving, oral presentation, time-management, career planning and management, business awareness, team cooperation and presentation skills; will prepare you for whichever career you choose.

For further information and funding your study please see our Fees & Funding pages.

Fees and Funding