BSc (Hons) in Computer Games (Software Development)

Accredited by: BCS

GCU's Computer Games programmes aim to produce graduates with the right mix of practical skills and technical knowledge to enter the computer games industry.

We have excellent studio facilities including HD Video Production Suite, Art Studio, Digital Audio Recording Studio, Game Design Studio featuring 3D Laser Scanning tools, Motion Capture tools and a Rapid Prototyping machine. There is a User Experience lab where games can be tested and evaluated and a Virtual Reality lab containing a full-featured Driving Simulator and other VR equipment such as Oculus Rifts. In Years 1, 2 and 3 students in all programmes take part in an Integrated Project, an opportunity for students from the different disciplines to make games together. You'll also enjoy guest lectures by industry experts.

Computer Games Software Development concentrates on technical programming requirements, including the mathematics and implementation of physical mechanics. Your studies will include the creation of 2D and 3D graphics, the use of 3D animation in games, the creation of 'thinking' creatures, new product development and professional issues involved in the development of software and the core elements of Game Design. The Design and Software Development programmes are accredited by the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS).

Your career

Graduates have gone on to work at Rockstar, Electronic Arts, Sony and Guerrilla Games.

International student start dates

For new international students, orientation events start on 14 September 2018. This extra time is specifically designed to assist new international students in settling into the UK and GCU prior to the start of general student induction and teaching.

There will be a whole host of fun and informative activities taking place during this period, including campus and city tours, as well as welcome events where you can meet other international students.

Work placement

The programme offers an optional placement year between 3rd and 4th year.

Professional accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS).

HM Forces

In partnership with HM Forces, GCU has identified this programme is being particularly suited to military and ex-military men and women. Visit the HM Forces Careers Zone for more information on the services we provide.

Assessment methods

Assessment methods used to demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes include examinations, coursework, class tests, presentations, computer-based exercises and written reports. In each of their initial three years, our students take part in innovative group projects leading to an individual project in their final year, which improves their academic, practical and employability skills. Each project incorporates two strands of learning, the first is the essential technical skills needed to undertake a complete product design and this is developed further to allow our students to show their innovative and enterprising abilities. The second strand furnishes our students with the ‘soft’ skills related to the team working, business operations, the project design process and ethical practices. This work helps students to develop a growing appreciation of the practicalities and realities of the application of software processes in the real world. Assessment is by the presentation, delivery of design report and, most importantly, demonstration of product prototypes.

Teaching methods

We aim to be flexible and like to extend our laboratory work so that students can access hardware and software tools for use outside lab hours, allowing students to gain additional, highly valuable experience in developing software systems. These enhanced practical skills are highly prized by employers and can be the difference when competing for high-quality employment opportunities for industrial placement upon graduation. After successfully completing their Level Three studies, our students have the option to participate in an industrial placement for one year which is recognized on the degree certificate on graduation. International exchange opportunities are also available, allowing students to spend a semester abroad through the Erasmus Programme or an overseas summer placement through the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) through the British Council. Finally, the school provides summer placement opportunities to highly motivated students to work on novel applications of electronic and software technologies. Game Jam is an international game design challenge which takes place within GCU every year. It pitches aspiring programmers and designers against the world’s rising stars in the industry in a race to develop the best new title with over a 100 of our students and enthusiasts working round the clock to create and programme new video games from scratch in just one weekend.

What you will study

Year 1

Mathematics for Computer Games, Introduction to Games Design, Introduction to Games Programming, Fundamentals of Computing, Fundamentals of 3D Graphics.

Year 2

Games Programming 1, Game Design 1, 3D Maths for Simulation & Visualisation, Working with Games Engines, Human-Computer Interaction.

Year 3

Games Programming 2, Game Artificial Intelligence, Games Preproduction Workshop, Graphics Programming, Research Skills and Professional Issues, Integrated Project 3.

Year 4

Mobile Game Development 1, Game Programming 3, Artificial Intelligence, Mobile Game Development 2, Honours Project.