BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development (Full Time)
Designed to prepare you for a career in the computer games sector, this degree will equip you with vital software engineering skills and an in-depth understanding of the industry.
UCAS codes
2013 Entry
- Three years Standard EntryG614
- Four years Foundation YearG616
2012 Entry
- Three years Standard EntryG614
- Four years Foundation YearG616
Entry level
160 points (excluding General Studies and Key Skills) with at least one A Level at Grade D or above in a numerate or technological discipline.
Qualifications equivalent to the above may also be considered – contact the Faculty Office for further information.
Direct entry to Year 2 may be offered to holders of an HND or HNC in an appropriate subject.
Career opportunities
Graduates understand the theory and practice of computing, including the principles of software engineering, and focus on the technical skills and issues linked to the development of computer games. They have related skills in design, animation and narrative.
There are opportunities in games development and artificial intelligence programming while the skills and knowledge acquired can also be used in other careers such as web design, software engineering, programming and mobile software development.
Games development is a competitive career area and opportunities for work experience and networking are valuable.
Career paths include:
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games developer
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artificial intelligence programmer
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web developer
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software engineer
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software developer
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programmer, analyst programmer or a library/middleware programmer.
For facts, figures and further details of graduate employability, view the career destinations PDF| for this course.
Course overview
If you're passionate about computer games and have the talent and commitment to learn about their development, then this dynamic degree is ideal.
The computer games sector is one of the fastest growing sectors in the digital content industry. Sound principles of software engineering need to be applied to ensure that projects meet requirements and deliver robust, reliable software on time.
This course adopts a software engineering approach to games development and combines the study of the technical aspects of games programming, including artificial intelligence, with the principles of project management, quality assurance and organisational management. Other games-specific topics such as creative design, animation and storytelling are also covered.
The degree is aimed at students who are interested in developing games software as an ‘indie’ or working for a games development company but also want a general grounding in software engineering to allow for the possibility of work outside the games industry.
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Industrial focus
Not only does this course offer you an exciting application area it also indicates, to prospective employers, that you're dynamic, forward thinking and a talented software engineer.
Course content
Year 1
Six core units:
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Problem Solving for Programmers
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Developing Object Oriented Programs
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Introduction to Computer Games
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Computer Graphics for Games
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Fundamentals of Computing
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Introduction to Databases
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Group Project.
Year 2
Six core units:
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Object Oriented Application Development
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Mobile Communications
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Computer Games Programming
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Gameplay and Game Design
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Engineering Software Systems
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Graduate Development.
Year 3
Three core units and two option units:
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3D Games Programming
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Video Games Design
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Project (double unit).
Options:
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Software Systems Development
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Mobile Software Applications and Architecture
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Process Analysis and Requirements Engineering
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Applications of Artificial Intelligence
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Curriculum Plus.
Why choose this course?
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A set of labs furnished with the latest computing and networking equipment, as well as specialist games hardware and software.
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Provides a sound underpinning in all aspects of computing and opens doors to a wide range of additional career opportunities.
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The Solent Games Academy undertakes joint projects with students studying game design and animation degrees in the Faculty of the Creative Industries and Society.
Assessment
Software development projects, on-line tests, presentations, seminars, reports and an individual final year project.
Key career skills
IT, design, project management, communication, teamwork, evaluation and problem solving.
Projects/work experience
Students are encouraged to take an optional one-year industrial placement after the second year.