Games Computing | BSc (Hons) | University of Lincoln

Course Overview

The BSc (Hons) Games Computing programme at Lincoln aims to develop the skills and attributes required for roles in the competitive computing sector. The course is designed to help students develop as versatile professionals, capable of thriving in a wide range of post-university employment destinations. Students also have the opportunity to develop skills that lend themselves to the ever-growing, multi-billion pound video games industry.

The course aims to develop a skillset that is applicable to the wider spectrum of the digital sector. Beyond learning how to develop software, students can also develop an understanding of the interaction between the computer and its user, and how to design an engaging experience. We aim to produce graduates who can adapt to quickly evolving technology and play key roles within the companies at the forefront of those advances. Beyond how to develop technology, a games computing student can also gain an understanding of how to make it engaging, playful, and fun.

The course explores computer science through the specific use-case of games. Students have the opportunity to develop programming skills, alongside specialist modules in topics including games design, 3D graphics, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence.

Why Choose Lincoln

Access to a range of specialist equipment

Focus on cutting-edge topics

Take part in games workshops and game jams

Optional placement year

Undertake individual projects on a topics of interest

How You Study

The strong conceptual and methodological grounding in both games design and games development gives Lincoln's Games Computing course a distinctive edge. Students are encouraged to recognise that software engineering is as important as creative design in the success of computer game products and software applications. The course will also explore the role of playful systems beyond the games industry, looking at how games have been applied to sectors such as education and fitness.

In the first year of the degree, students have the opportunity to study fundamental areas, including game design, mathematics for computing, programming, and game development. In the second year, there is in-depth study expected in areas of games computing, such as advanced programming, concept development, user experience design, and artificial intelligence.

As well as completing a games development project in the third year, students can choose from a range of specialist optional modules, including Parallel Programming; Autonomous Mobile Robotics; Image Processing; and Virtual and Augmented Reality.

Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Algorithms and Complexity 2024-25CMP1124MLevel 42024-25The module aims to introduce the concepts of Algorithms and Complexity, providing an understanding of the range of applications where algorithmic solutions are required. Students will have the opportunity to be introduced to the analysis of time and space efficiency of algorithms; to the key issues in algorithm design; to the range of techniques used in the design of various types of algorithms. Students can also be introduced to relevant theoretical concepts around algorithms and complexity in the lectures, together with a practical experience of implementing a range of algorithms in the workshops.CoreGame Design 2024-25CGP1008MLevel 42024-25This module explores the theoretical underpinning of the games design process, focusing on how design techniques can be employed to address a design brief or specific problem domain. Students can develop a first-hand understanding of how games concepts can be developed through a process of exploratory ideation. Concepts such as design patterns, gameplay, game mechanics, storyline, narrative, game architecture, randomness, and game balance are all studied, using a range of games examples from both contemporary and traditional sources. Theories of game design are studied through practical work and experimentation using hands-on exercises such as paper prototyping. While the module is focused on the games context, the skills developed apply to a range of interactive software domains.CoreGame Studies 2024-25CGP1009MLevel 42024-25This module is designed to provide grounding and context to the Games Computing programme, encompassing historical, societal, aesthetic, and ethical aspects of games as cultural artefacts, and strongly reflects the international level research contributions into game studies ongoing within the School. This module covers topics of understanding games in an academic context, focusing on a deeper understanding on the experience that players have when engaging with games, and emerging games communities that shape how different groups of players approach playful experiences. This includes methodologies and topics such as games user research, experience design, and understanding games in social, physical, and cultural contexts. This study will be complemented in the form of reflective workshops where analytical techniques will be practised using commercial game examples, and other media artefacts that communicate cultural aspects relating to play.CoreMaths for Computing 2024-25CMP1036MLevel 42024-25This module aims to equip students with mathematical knowledge and skills required to design and develop computer systems and software. Representative topics include sets, relations and functions, logic, algebra, basic statistics, and probability theory. The critical role of mathematics in Computer Science and Games Computing and will be demonstrated with applied examples.CoreObject-Oriented Programming 2024-25CMP1903MLevel 42024-25This module extends the concepts and practice of simple computer programming, with attention paid to the essentials that constitute an object-oriented computer program including layout, structure, and functionality. The module aims to extend students' knowledge of computer programming and introduces them to the object-oriented paradigm and related concepts applied to algorithm and software development. There is also emphasis upon the use of version control and its role in archiving and facilitating software development.CoreProblem Solving 2024-25CMP1032MLevel 42024-25Problems are a natural occurrence in an organisational context and this module aims to introduce students to problem solving from a mixture of theoretical and practical underpinnings. The module examines the principles of abstraction, decomposition, modelling and representation as a means to frame and characterise problem scenarios, and as tools to understand potential solutions. The module concentrates on problem-solving strategies and in particular the vocabulary through which these strategies are articulated. This type of vocabulary is explored as representational device for capturing organisational behaviour and form.CoreProgramming Fundamentals 2024-25CMP1902MLevel 42024-25This module introduces students to software constructs and the development of simple programs using a high-level programming language. Simple design concepts and standard programming practices are presented, and attention is paid to the fundamentals that constitute a complete computer program including layout, structure, and functionality. Additionally, the fundamental computing data structures allowing the representation of data in computer programs are explored and implemented.CoreApplied Programming Paradigms 2025-26CMP2811MLevel 52025-26This module aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the general principles and practices of advanced programming with respect to software development. Notions and techniques of advanced programming are emphasised in the context of analysis, design, and implementation of software and algorithms. Great importance is placed upon the Object-Oriented paradigm and related concepts applied to algorithm and software development using the C++ programming language, however students will also be exposed to the principles and underlying theories pertaining to functional programming.CoreArtificial Intelligence 2025-26CMP2020MLevel 52025-26The module aims to provide a modern introduction to the basic concepts of symbolic artificial intelligence, set in the context of intelligent agents. The module covers the basic concepts such as statespace representations and search, heuristic and adversarial search methods, and simple optimization techniques. The module also covers knowledge representation, AI planning, and some simple, nonstatistical, machine learning methods.CoreConcept Development 2025-26CGP2014MLevel 52025-26This module aims to develop students’ applied design problem- solving and practical implementation skills. The module will be delivered over a semester. The delivery will be divided into two main cycles. The first half will be focused on game theory and paper prototyping. The second half will be about digital prototyping and development. The students will use the remaining workshop time to explore the problem-space and prototype a solution or artefact. Students will be expected to document their ongoing prototyping process as this will form part of their assessment. At the end of each cycle, the students will be given feedback as part of an informal interim assessment. This module provides the students with the opportunity for significant games implementation practice, and the opportunity to develop their portfolio of design concepts.CoreGame Programming 2025-26CGP2015MLevel 52025-26This module introduces second year students to the fundamentals, theories, and techniques of games programming. It is designed to give students a grounding in the development of video games, predominantly targeting PC systems, but with some attention to games consoles, mobile, and web platforms. The module is focused at the lower levels of games programming. It will use C++ to support the understanding and application of computer science components and bring them together appropriately within a games programming context. The module considers games programming algorithms and techniques, whilst ensuring students have the chance to understand and apply the various programming aspects of games development. This includes the player interaction techniques, input devices, data handling (including loading and saving), rendering, and how sound and control interfaces make up a game and a game engine. Students will be encouraged to develop code and solutions that delivers complete gaming experiences.CoreScalable Database Systems 2025-26CMP2806MLevel 52025-26This module explores the fundamental concepts of designing, implementing, and using database technologies and students are expected to develop a conceptual view of database theory and then transform it into a practical design of a database application. Alternate design principles for implementing databases for different uses, for example in social media or gaming contexts are also considered.CoreTeam Software Engineering 2025-26CMP2804MLevel 52025-26This module aims to provide students with experience of working as part of a team within a simulated commercial setting. Students have the chance to go through the key phases of software development from ideation through to development, testing, delivery, and publishing. Throughout the module students can learn how to manage and deliver commercial software development projects. This will include ethical, social and professional issues, project management, communication, time management, and team-working strategies. The module aims to further skills developed in the first year and places them in a simulated commercial setting. The final piece of work produced as part of the software development process should be suitable for inclusion within a professional portfolio.CoreUser Experience Design 2025-26CMP2805MLevel 52025-26This module provides students with the opportunity to develop knowledge of the processes and principles of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and User Experience Design (UXD) starting with a history and overview of the role HCI in furthering the field of computer science. The module will guide students through notions of usability and accessibility, user-centred design and requirements analysis, prototyping, statistical analysis, and qualitative evaluation using state of the art methods and techniques. The professional, ethical, social, and legal issues in designing and studying interactive technology will be considered throughout.CoreStudy Period Abroad: Computer Science 2025-26CMP2079MLevel 52025-26OptionalGraphics 2026-27CGP3018MLevel 62026-27This module introduces the student to the theory, principles, methods, and techniques of 3D computer graphics. The specialised mathematical underpinnings are explored along with their practical application in algorithms commonly used in videogame development. The development of skills in implementing computer graphic applications with modern, standard graphics pipelines encourages students to develop their programming skills while observing the theory of 3D graphics in practice. This is delivered through a hands-on games programming context where students will be encouraged to develop interactive 3D graphics applications using industry standard tools and technologies. This module aims to develop students' awareness and ability to implement and utilise mathematical approaches commonly seen in real-time systems such as videogames. In addition, modern graphical techniques will be explored, with reference to current industry practice, and students will be expected to demonstrate an ability to analyse requirements, systematically appraise existing methods, and employ critical-thinking in the development of their own pieces of work.CorePhysics Simulation 2026-27CGP3012MLevel 62026-27Realistic physics simulation is a key component for many modern technologies including computer games, video animation, medical imaging, robotics, etc. This wide range of applications benefiting from real-time physics simulation is a result of recent advances in developing new efficient simulation techniques and the common availability of powerful hardware. The main application area considered in this module is computer games, but the taught content has much wider relevance and can be applied to other areas of Computer Science.CoreProcedural Content Generation 2026-27CGP3017MLevel 62026-27This module builds and extends previous practical study of games development by exploring algorithmic approaches to the generation of in-game content. The content focuses on practical perspectives on game development and the applications of procedural content in the modern games industry. The theoretical content of the module will discuss a suite of approaches with a focus on critical perspectives regarding their application and implementation. The practical aspect of this module covers the use of these methods in the development of in-game content which could be applied to commercial-level projects. This will include the role that procedural content plays as a tool to the modern games designer.CoreProject 2026-27CMP3753MLevel 62026-27This module offers students the chance to demonstrate their ability to work independently on a significant, in-depth project requiring the coherent and critical application of computer science theory and skills. Students must initially produce a project proposal and related materials to frame the work, specifying clear, specific, academically justified, and appropriately scoped aims and objectives, as well as feasible means for fulfilling those aims and objectives. Students then work independently to fulfil those project goals. Throughout this process students are expected to demonstrate the application of practical development and analytical skills, innovation and/or creativity, and the synthesis of information, ideas and practices to generate a coherent problem solution.CoreAutonomous Mobile Robotics 2026-27CMP3103MLevel 62026-27The module aims to introduce the main concepts of Autonomous Mobile Robotics, providing an understanding of the range of processing components required to build physically embodied robotic systems, from basic control architectures to spatial navigation in real-world environments. Students will have the opportunity to be introduced to relevant theoretical concepts around robotic sensing and control in the lectures, together with a practical “hands on” approach to robot programming in the workshops.OptionalBig Data 2026-27CMP3749MLevel 62026-27The module introduces the fundamentals of data science and big data analytics, an emergent specialised area of computer science that is concerned with knowledge on ‘Big Data’ mining and visualisation, including state-of-the-art database platforms, development toolkits, and industrial and societal application scenarios. Students can be exposed to core Big Data analytics concepts and models, the current technology landscape, and topical application scenarios using a variety of simulation environments and open datasets.OptionalCross-Platform Development 2026-27CMP3035MLevel 62026-27This module aims to provide students with knowledge on an alternative, and increasingly important, ‘platform agnostic’ approach for mobile development. This approach embraces the use of cross-platform methods by developing applications with a single code base that run efficiently across distinct mobile platforms, with maximum code reuse and interoperability. Students will have the opportunity to investigate platform-dependent constraints by critiquing the emergent space of cross-platform tools and frameworks that aim to maximise code sharing between mobile platforms, whilst retaining common like-for-like sensor features such as geolocation, camera, storage and push notification’s without compromising performance or overall user experience. Contemporary cross-platform tools will be adopted throughout the module for the creation of applications that bridge multiple mobile platforms.OptionalCyber Security 2026-27CMP3750MLevel 62026-27This module provides an understanding of the challenges in cyber security faced by society and industry. This includes an examination of the impact of threats and develops an understanding of mechanisms to reduce the risk of attack. The module examines a range of cyber threats and attack types and introduces strategies to mitigate these. It also prompts students to consider the legal, social, and ethical implications of cyber security.OptionalImage Processing 2026-27CMP3108MLevel 62026-27Digital image processing techniques are used in a wide variety of application areas such as computer vision, robotics, remote sensing, industrial inspection, medical imaging, etc. It is the study of any algorithms that take image as an input and returns useful information as output. This module aims to provide a broad introduction to the field of image processing, culminating in a practical understanding of how to apply and combine techniques to various image-related applications. Students will have the opportunity to extract useful data from the raw image and interpret the image data — the techniques will be implemented using the mathematical programming language Matlab or OpenCV.OptionalMachine Learning 2026-27CMP3751MLevel 62026-27The module introduces the fundamentals of machine learning and principled application of machine learning techniques to extract information and insights from data. The module covers supervised and unsupervised learning methods. The primary aim is to provide students with knowledge and applied skills in machine learning tools and techniques which can be used to solve real-world data science problems.OptionalParallel Programming 2026-27CMP3752MLevel 62026-27Parallel Programming is an important modern paradigm in computer science, and a promising direction for keeping up with the expected exponential growth in the discipline. Executing multiple processes at the same time can tremendously increase computational throughput, not only benefiting scientific computations, but also leading to new exciting applications like real-time animated 3D graphics, video processing, and physics simulation. The relevance of parallel computing is especially prominent due to availability of modern, affordable computer hardware utilising multi-core and/or large number of massively parallel units.OptionalVirtual and Augmented Reality 2026-27CMP3754MLevel 62026-27In this module, students can develop their understanding of how to design and develop and applications for Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) platforms. The module will start by introducing students to underpinning theoretical concepts of user experience in VR platforms, such as immersion, presence, fidelity, and embodiment. These will be used as a framework to explore a wide range of applications, primarily training and education, medical applications, therapy, and entertainment. Fundamental design aspects will be introduced, such as interfaces and interactions, interactions with non-human characters, locomotion, and object manipulations. Within the context of training/education, design considerations relating to learning outcomes, knowledge transfer, and retention will be discussed. Students are expected to consider the role of fidelity in relation to safety critical training, such as medical applications, and the advantages of VR over traditional displays will also be considered. Students can also learn how to assess user experience in VR using a variety of tools (primarily self-report measures). Students can also look at limitations such as simulator sickness, and accessibility of movement-based interfaces. The AR section of this module will mirror the VR topics mentioned, and compare and contrast AR platforms with VR, to enable students to make appropriate platform choices. Alongside theoretical aspects, students can engage in parallel practical workshops, during which they will put into practice some of the concepts discussed in lectures. This will involve the use of appropriate development tools and platforms, and consideration of design aspects. Students have the chance to build an application during workshops, and use this as a tool to conduct an evaluation related to user experience.Optional

What You Need to Know

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

How you are assessed

The programme is assessed through a variety of means, including in-class tests, coursework, projects, and examinations. The majority of assessments are coursework-based, reflecting the practical and applied nature of games computing science. The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year. The University of Lincoln aims to ensure that staff return in-course assessments to students promptly.

Special Features

Students have the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community of active researchers and take part in extracurricular activities such as performance and games workshops, game jams, and national competitions.

Students have access to a specialist development laboratory, industry-standard software development environments, 3D modelling software and virtual reality systems. Software development environments such as Unreal Engine 4, Unity Pro, and Visual Studio play a major part in the practical elements of the course.

Placements

There is the opportunity to take a work placement year between the second and third years of study. Students are academically supported throughout their placement, which can be overseas. There may also be opportunities to take shorter work placements and overseas study visits. Students on the placement year and on study visits are required to pay for their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs. There is no tuition fee for the placement year.

Lincoln’s diverse and relevant course content really let me specialise in the programming niches that interested me, providing me with the resources and guidance I needed.

What Can I Do with a Games Computing Degree?

Our Games Computing programmes aim to equip graduates with the skills necessary for a technical career. Graduates can work across the games industry as developers, tools programmers, artificial intelligence programmers, level designers, mission scripters, games testers, and in many other roles in the wider IT industry. Lincoln graduates have gone on to work for computer games industry giants and other specialist companies in the sector. These include Electronic Arts (EA Games), Criterion Games, Rockstar Games, Sumo Digital, BAE Systems, and Team 17.

United Kingdom

112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent qualifications.

A Level: BBC.

International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall

BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit or equivalent.

T Level: Merit

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points.

A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, EPQ, etc.

Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 or above, which must include English and Maths. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.

We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

International

Non UK Qualifications:

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/

EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

For applicants who do not meet our standard entry requirements, our Science Foundation Year can provide an alternative route of entry onto our full degree programmes:

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/course/sfysfyub/

If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk.

Contextual Offers

At Lincoln, we recognise that not everybody has had the same advice and support to help them get to higher education. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education, ensuring that we have fair access for all students regardless of background and personal experiences. For more information, including eligibility criteria, visit our Offer Guide pages.

Fees and Scholarships

Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.

Course Fees

For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

Find out More at an Open Day

The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to join us for one of our Open Days. Visiting us in person is important and will help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.

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BSc (Hons)
Games Computing

Key Information

Duration

Part-time

Typical Offer

Campus

UCAS Code

Academic Year

United Kingdom

International