Computer Science (Games Technology), BSc (Hons)
Starting dates and places
Description
This degree emphasises the programming techniques that form a fundamental part of modern games technology. You will acquire the advanced skills and knowledge needed for game programming roles in the games industry. These include designing and implementing computer systems involving graphics, artificial intelligence and games technology.At the heart of this course is a focus on the knowledge and techniques for video game programming. You will also acquire a strong skill set in computer applications, information systems/databases and systems infrastructure, which will ensure your employability across a range of industry roles.
Why choose this course?- This co…
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At the heart of this course is a focus on the knowledge and techniques for video game programming. You will also acquire a strong skill set in computer applications, information systems/databases and systems infrastructure, which will ensure your employability across a range of industry roles.
Why choose this course?- This course is accredited by the bcs, The Chartered Institute for IT to Chartered Engineer (CEng) and IT Professional (CITP) status.
- You will have an opportunity for a year-long paid work placement with prestigious companies such as GE Consumer Finance and IBM.
- You will have access to contact and share ideas with other computer games students throughout the country through our own Computer Society.
- This course shares a common first year with BSc (Hons) Computer Science and BSc (Hons) Software Engineering, allowing you the flexibility to review your pathway once you've started studying.
- You will have access to superior facilities, equipment and software such as the Source Engine - the technology behind the Half-Life two game and the Unreal 3 Engine - the technology behind the Gears of War franchise.
- You will develop and design software for our XBox 360s and PS3s and use computer animation.
- Our student work can be groundbreaking, innovative and consistently attracts industry attention.
"My greatest achievement at NTU was forming the company NerfGames LTD. This was accomplished by splitting my final year over two years and completing my placement at the same time. We now have three complete titles and as a result guaranteed ourselves a strong avenue into the games industry."
Steven Batchelor-Manning, Year four, BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Games Technology)
Questions? Just ask NTU
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 4200
There are approximately 80 places available across the Computer Science cluster of courses. You will learn the core skills concerning the production of computer programmes and applications. You will also develop specialist knowledge in areas such as:
- games development
- artificial intelligence
- analysis and design.
Year One
- Foundations of Computing and Technology
- Computer Science Programming
- Computer Technology with Mathematics
- Systems Analysis and Design with Professional Development
Year Two
- Applied Mathematics and Graphics
- Games Programming
- Practical Project Management
- Software Design and Implementation
- Systems Software
- 3D Design for Games
Year Three
Optional work placement
Final Year
- Project
- Graphics for Games and Dynamic Modelling
- Interaction Design and Project Management
- Virtual Reality
You will also choose from the following optional modules:
- Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing
- Serious Games
- Advanced Software Engineering
- Mobile Platform Development
- Communicating Science and Technology
- Professional Practice.
For further information, download the module descriptions document
How will I be assessed?You will be assessed on a variety components including the following.
Coursework and Practical 65%
- Assignments
- Dissertation
- Group projects
- Oral presentations
- Reports
Written 35%
- Exams
- Written tests
Scheduled contact time in lectures and seminars is around 12 hours per week and these will be held on Clifton campus. Lectures are spread across various buildings on campus, including Erasmus Darwin, George Eliot and the Computing and Informatics Building. Clifton campus maps and travel information.
What's included in the course fees?Your course fees cover all the facilities and support you need to succeed. This includes the following.
- You will have access to extensive computing facilities, some available twenty-four hours a day and including technician support
- You will have dedicated online storage to support backup of work.
- We offer free or discounted personal copies of all software used on the course except Adobe.
- You will have access to Microsoft Academic Alliance membership which gives you free copies of all Microsoft developer software including operating systems, Visio and Project.
- Students are given a free personal copy of 3D Studio Max.
- Extensive equipment is available to loan for coursework and project work. For example, you can borrow cameras, phones and games consoles.
- We offer extensive free training software including tutorials on 3D Studio Max, Flash, Photoshop, TCP/IP Packet analysis, Java, Javascript, HTML5, Oracle.
Most major software is available across the campus machines, including Adobe Master Collection Suite (only exception is 3D studio Max which is housed in our specialist Games labs).
Who will teach me?Computing and Technology comprises 35 full time academic teaching staff. We and our students have excellent support from our four dedicated technicians.
We have a rich mix of knowledge ranging from software development for different types of system through to hardware aspects such as networking. This involves many uses of computing and considers all aspects including security and management. Our knowledge is built up and maintained through our wealth of industrial experience, our industrial links and our research activity. These are the ingredients for ensuring the relevance and vitality of your course.
Much of our research is internationally recognised, particularly in the areas of Games for Learning and in Security. For example, Professor David Brown leads several projects, funded by the European Union, in games and assistive technology while Professor Paul Evans' innovative developments in security are supported by USA Dept of Homeland Security.
We engage fully in our subject area and this engagement feeds directly and indirectly into our teaching. Other examples of our activity are:
- developing patents (for example, in voice signal processing)
- involvement in the GameCity Festival
- organising conferences on Interactive Technology and Games and on Intelligent Environments
- working with local companies on funded projects e.g. enhancing the capability of the press association to search their image database
- publishing novel findings in research publications on for example financial prediction, mobile communications, detection of human behaviour patterns.
For information on International student support or to see our academic terms times please visit our International student pages.
View the full course specificationPlease note that course specifications may be subject to change
The School of Science and Technology is a stimulating and creative environment which equips students with the knowledge and transferable skills to put them ahead of the graduate crowd.
We provide facilities that enhance the quality of our education and push the boundaries of our research. Students have access to specialist centres including:
- games console laboratories
- networking and security laboratories
- human-interactive technology
- stereo-projection.
Students also enjoy working with the latest software, including:
- EnCase
- 3D StudioMax
- XNA Xbox development suite
- The Adobe Creative Suite (Flash, After Effects, Photoshop)
- the Unreal and Half-life Games Engines.
Across NTU, we have a range of first-class facilities that you would expect from a university with high quality teaching and world-leading research, including:
- a British Olympic Association-approved environmental chamber
- a crime scene training facility
- a host of sporting clubs and societies to get involved in.
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