Computer Games Programming BSc (Hons)

About the course

This innovative course is dedicated to games and entertainment computing. It is designed for anyone who wants to learn the industry standard programming skills required to pursue a technical career in the creative games and entertainment industry.

Reasons to study Computer Games Programming at DMU:

• Study the latest techniques and resources for developing stand alone, web based and mobile games, featuring exciting graphics and animation
• Become familiar with the basic architecture and design elements of computer games and programming languages and paradigms relevant to games development
  
• In addition to specialist experience relevant to the games industry, the course provides a solid background in computer science expertise and is accredited by the BCS – the Chartered Institute for IT.
  

Games development is driven by teams which combine the skills of creative content staff and software engineers who have the technical skills to implement designs. There is a high demand for skilled specialist programmers who are comfortable working in development teams and you will be well placed to fulfil these roles when you graduate.

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Key facts

UCAS course code: G624

Duration: Three years full-time, four years with placement

Institution code: D26

Entry and admission criteria

Entry requirements for 2014

• Normally 260 UCAS Points from at least two A Levels or equivalent
• Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including Maths and English
• BTEC requirements: Distinction Merit Merit (DMM) at National Diploma Level.
• Additional qualifications can contribute towards the points score such as a third A Level or AS Levels
• International Baccalaureate: 28+ points.

If you are unsure about the amount of UCAS points your qualifications may attract you can use our UCAS Tariff Chart|.

We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications and recognise all other equivalent and international qualifications.

If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent when you start the course is essential. English language tuition| is available at DMU both before and during the course if required.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching is through a combination of lectures, tutorials and practical laboratory work. Continuous evaluation forms the major part of the assessment process and there are many opportunities for practical development.

You will normally attend around 12–16 hours of timetabled taught sessions each week and are expected to undertake at least 14–16 further hours of directed independent study and assignments as required.

Course modules

First year

• Programming in C++
• Elements of Computing
• Games Architecture, Design and Development
• Mathematics for Scientific Computing
• HTML and Java Script

Second year

• Artificial Intelligence and Modelling for Games
• C++ for Games Programmers
• Introduction to Computer Graphics and Interactive 3D Modelling
• Database Design and Implementation

Third year core modules

• Computing Project
• Advanced Games Programming

Industry links and professional accreditation

The course is accredited by the BCS. Once you have graduated and begun to work as an IT professional you can apply to become a full member of the BCS and, as your career develops, gain the status of Chartered IT Professional.

Work experience and placements

You can improve your CV, become highly employable and put the skills you learn on your course into practice by taking a work placement as part of your studies.

Technology's dedicated Placement Unit| provides support to all of our students looking to integrate a placement within their university career on both undergraduate degrees and postgraduate masters programmes. The placement unit will help you search for placement opportunities, create and refine your CV and interview approach, and offer any advice you need to find a great placement. Our placement students have worked for a range of organisations from small business through to multinational companies across the world including Microsoft Ltd, IBM, GSK (GlaxoSmithKline) and PepsiCo International.

Placements can enhance your career prospects and give you the chance to use theory from the classroom in a real-world scenario before you have graduated.

Graduate careers

The computer games and leisure software industry has grown dramatically in recent years and now matches the fi lm industry in terms of fi nancial output. Many of the worlds most famous and respected names are based in the UK, including Rockstar North, Rare, Codemasters and Lionhead, creating exciting possibilities for careers in this fast moving and creatively stimulating environment.

Graduates can pursue careers as; lead games programmers, games programmers, artificial intelligence programmers, graphics programmers, 3D modellers and web systems developers. The course also equips you with core computing skills so that you can pursue more traditional computing careers outside of the games industry.

Recent graduates are now working as programmers both in and out of the games industry and also as Mobile Phone Application Developers. 84.5 per cent of Technology graduates are in work or further study just six months after graduation, earning an average of £19,349*.

*DLHE survey 2010/11

Fees and funding

UK/EU Full-time £9,000 Placement year £650 Part-time (Where available) 4 year course £5,925 per year 6 year course £3,950 per year Per module £988 per 15 credits International
Full-time £11,250 Placement year £750

For more information please take a look at our Fees and Funding| section.

Scholarships

Scholarships and bursaries are available to home undergraduate students studying on a full time basis. To see if you are eligible, take a look at the Fees and Funding| section of the website.

Facilities

The Game Development Studios bring together the most up to date technology created for playing and developing games on a range of platforms.

The studios are equipped with Alienware and Dell XPS machines and also house the latest in console hardware. We have Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, Playstation 3 consoles and Xbox’s with game developer software. The studios are constantly updated to ensure we stay in-line with emerging technologies and games.

The University has invested into a Valve Café software license which enables us to use classic Valve games such as Half –Life, Counter Strike and Unreal Tournament and also a range of game development tools such as the Valve Hammer editor. It is important for students to play and evaluate games in order to stimulate ideas and identify good practice for their own games development.

The labs include high Specification Gaming PC's from Acer, Alienware, XPS.

The Game Development Studios also feature:

• Multi Core Processors (quad to deca core)
• 4 - 8Gb RAM
• Multiple Graphics Cards in SLi
• Gaming Keyboards
• Gaming Mice
• 23.4" 3D Ready - 30" Screens

Facility tour

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