Accreditation is by the Institution of Analysts and Programmers

 

The School is a member of BIMA (the British Interactive Multimedia Association), and a partner of IGDA (the International Game Developers Association)

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International Applicants:

For international students who need additional preparation before they can access this degree, we offer the Foundation Diploma/Diploma in Computer Science. These are respectively 4 and 3 terms preparation programmes which will allow you to progress directly to the second year of this degree.

Click here for further information about international foundation programmes...

Introduction

BSc (Hons) Games Computing is one of the Department of Computing and Informatics’ portfolio of Computing and Media Technology programmes.

It combines core elements that are in common with other programmes in the suite, specialised elements in Games Computing, and optional elements that can be taken from the wide range of other programmes. As such, it combines a firm grounding in the wider subject area with specialised study, and the ability to sample some other aspects of the subject in greater detail. The programme is also available in a four year sandwich variant with a year’s industrial placement between levels two and three; and in a four year MComp (Master of Computing) integrated Masters programme, featuring more advanced research and industrially focused activity in the fourth year.

BSc (Hons) Games Computing emphasises the analysis, design and implementation of Computer Games and graduates from this programme are prepared for employment as games developers. However, the programme also includes a broad foundation in system analysis, design and programming, thus opening out wider opportunities in software development and computing in general.

Course Content

Level 1

• Introductory Games Studies
• Computer Systems
• Operating Systems
• Software Development
• Data, Networks and the Web

Level 2

• Games Computing Group Project
• Computer Graphics and Games Programming
• Game Design
• Optional Modules
• Placement Year (Optional)

Level 3

• Game Engines
• Project Preparation
• Project
• Professional Practice
• Optional Modules

Careers

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.

Case study
Chris Rowe graduated in 2007, and is employed as an Associate Producer with Pivotal Games in Bath. When asked about working in this role, Chris said, “Working in the games industry as an Associate Producer is fantastic and everything I pretty much expected it to be. I am involved in managing the game development team throughout the course of the project. Meeting deadlines and hitting milestones is extremely important in the games industry so the majority of my time is spent working with the Senior Producer creating and updating schedules for the staff, whilst also sorting out any problems that occur during the production of the game. I liaise with the different departments (Design, Art, Code etc), monitor staff progress, flag any risks or issues that can affect production and generally facilitate the needs of the team to get the work done on time and to the high quality expected.”

BSc (Hons) Games Computing Fees

Fees for 10/11 entry only and subject to change

Page last updated: 10/11/2009