Computer Games (Software Development)

UK & EU Students

Course Details

UCAS Code:W280

Classification:BSc/BSc (Hons)

Course Duration:4 Years

Course Start Date:10 September 2012

Course Mode:Full Time

Subject Area:Computing

Course Fees

Year Fee Description/Notes
2012/13 £7000 Annual fee. Refer to www.saas.gov.uk to apply for support. Find out more about bursaries and scholarships at http://www.gcu.ac.uk/study/scholarships/undergraduate/.

Minimum Entry Requirements

HigherBBB (one sitting); BBBC (two sittings)
A-LevelCC
ILCBBB at Higher grade
UCAS Tariff200 UCAS points
Essential SubjectsMaths (H)
Summer SchoolIf required, Summer School is available for Mathematics.

Programme Description

Study the creation of computer games software in state-of-the-art facilities. You will utilise the most up-do-date tools of the industry to learn the many different skills involved in the creation of cutting edge games software.

Why Choose This Programme?

The BSc/BSc (Hons) Computer Games (Software Development) programme stream will emphasis the technical programming requirements (including the mathematics and implementation of physical mechanics), but would also share an appreciation of the core elements of Game Design. Your studies will include the creation of 2D and 3D graphics, the incorporation of 3D animation in games, the creation of ‘thinking’ creatures, new product development and professional issues involved in the development of software.
This learning is underpinned by the teaching of the basic concepts required to master the design process of computer games.
Students will develop games for the current game industry platforms such as Xbox 360, Playstation and Nintendo.

What You'll Learn

Year 1: Computer Systems Development, Database Development, Games Design, Web Development, Programming, Media Content Creation, Integrated Project 1, Computer Systems and Network Technology, Mathematics for Computer Games 1.
Year 2: Games Design 1,
Object Oriented Software Development, Software Modelling, Analysis and
Design 1, Games Programming 1, Interaction Design, Integrated Project 2.
Year 3: Mathematics for Computer Games 2, Console Programming, Software Processes and Practices, Games Programming 2, Game Artificial Intelligence, Integrated Project 3.
Year 4: Honours Project and Research Methods, Games Programming 3, Honours Project, Reflective Practice for Personal Development, Rich Internet Applications.
Note: All Year 1 students on the suite of computing based programmes (BSc Computer Games, BSc Computing, BSc Information Technology Management for Business and BSc Networking and Systems Support) follow a common first year. This provides a taster in a variety of subject areas to help students confirm their choice of specialist programme for Year 2 onwards.

Work Placement

An optional feature of this programme is the one-year sandwich placement. This can be undertaken after completing the BSc third year. The placement consists of a year of practical paid work experience in a suitable company position. The different types of posts undertaken can be of quite a diverse range but will always relate to your area of study. Recently students have been placed with companies such as IBM, Dell Corporation, National Australia Group, The Royal Bank of Scotland and Strathclyde Police among others. Undertaking the placement can provide valuable experience to enhance your career prospects following your graduation.

Assessment

Assessment methods used to demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes include examinations, coursework, class tests, presentations, computer-based exercises and written reports.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will enjoy excellent employment opportunities as the Computer Games Industry continues to grow and can expect to find work as both Game Designers and Programmers. The Games and Creative Media Industries are areas of significant growth within the Scottish economy. The industry has identified the role of game designers as a pivotal one and their recruitment and educational background as an ongoing problem for the industry. Thus, the aim of the BSc/BSc (Hons) Computer Games (Design), is to meet the employer led requirements for the job role of game design.

Fees and Funding

For international students: Scholarships of 1000 GBP may be available

GCUSA Student Led Teaching Awards

Alan McNicol, Lecturer in Media Content Creation was nominated for the award of Effective teaching that: Makes best use of technology to support learning in the GCUSA Student Led Teaching Awards 2009-10.

Alan was teaching the module "Media Content Creation". We had this module for only 6 weeks, but we had to work with 3 different software pieces. The time we were given was not great, but we had mainly labs during these six weeks. Alan McNicol was great with teaching us how to use the different software and helping us through it. I did have knowledge one of the software we used, but now I find myself familiar with the others as well as working easily with all of them.
Nominated by Emilia Todorova

Non UK/EU Students

Course Details

UCAS Code:W280

Classification:BSc/BSc (Hons)

Course Duration:4 Years

Course Start Date:10 September 2012

Course Mode:Full Time

Subject Area:Computing

Course Fees

Year Fee Description/Notes
Contact us

Programme Description

Study the creation of computer games software in state-of-the-art facilities. You will utilise the most up-do-date tools of the industry to learn the many different skills involved in the creation of cutting edge games software.

Why Choose This Programme?

The BSc/BSc (Hons) Computer Games (Software Development) programme stream will emphasis the technical programming requirements (including the mathematics and implementation of physical mechanics), but would also share an appreciation of the core elements of Game Design. Your studies will include the creation of 2D and 3D graphics, the incorporation of 3D animation in games, the creation of ‘thinking’ creatures, new product development and professional issues involved in the development of software.
This learning is underpinned by the teaching of the basic concepts required to master the design process of computer games.
Students will develop games for the current game industry platforms such as Xbox 360, Playstation and Nintendo.

What You'll Learn

Year 1: Computer Systems Development, Database Development, Games Design, Web Development, Programming, Media Content Creation, Integrated Project 1, Computer Systems and Network Technology, Mathematics for Computer Games 1.
Year 2: Games Design 1,
Object Oriented Software Development, Software Modelling, Analysis and
Design 1, Games Programming 1, Interaction Design, Integrated Project 2.
Year 3: Mathematics for Computer Games 2, Console Programming, Software Processes and Practices, Games Programming 2, Game Artificial Intelligence, Integrated Project 3.
Year 4: Honours Project and Research Methods, Games Programming 3, Honours Project, Reflective Practice for Personal Development, Rich Internet Applications.
Note: All Year 1 students on the suite of computing based programmes (BSc Computer Games, BSc Computing, BSc Information Technology Management for Business and BSc Networking and Systems Support) follow a common first year. This provides a taster in a variety of subject areas to help students confirm their choice of specialist programme for Year 2 onwards.

Work Placement

An optional feature of this programme is the one-year sandwich placement. This can be undertaken after completing the BSc third year. The placement consists of a year of practical paid work experience in a suitable company position. The different types of posts undertaken can be of quite a diverse range but will always relate to your area of study. Recently students have been placed with companies such as IBM, Dell Corporation, National Australia Group, The Royal Bank of Scotland and Strathclyde Police among others. Undertaking the placement can provide valuable experience to enhance your career prospects following your graduation.

Assessment

Assessment methods used to demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes include examinations, coursework, class tests, presentations, computer-based exercises and written reports.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will enjoy excellent employment opportunities as the Computer Games Industry continues to grow and can expect to find work as both Game Designers and Programmers. The Games and Creative Media Industries are areas of significant growth within the Scottish economy. The industry has identified the role of game designers as a pivotal one and their recruitment and educational background as an ongoing problem for the industry. Thus, the aim of the BSc/BSc (Hons) Computer Games (Design), is to meet the employer led requirements for the job role of game design.

Fees and Funding

For international students: Scholarships of 1000 GBP may be available

GCUSA Student Led Teaching Awards

Alan McNicol, Lecturer in Media Content Creation was nominated for the award of Effective teaching that: Makes best use of technology to support learning in the GCUSA Student Led Teaching Awards 2009-10.

Alan was teaching the module "Media Content Creation". We had this module for only 6 weeks, but we had to work with 3 different software pieces. The time we were given was not great, but we had mainly labs during these six weeks. Alan McNicol was great with teaching us how to use the different software and helping us through it. I did have knowledge one of the software we used, but now I find myself familiar with the others as well as working easily with all of them.
Nominated by Emilia Todorova

Further Education Students

Course Details

UCAS Code:W280

Classification:BSc/BSc (Hons)

Course Duration:4 Years

Course Start Date:10 September 2012

Course Mode:Full Time

Subject Area:Computing

Course Fees

Year Fee Description/Notes
Contact us

Minimum Entry Requirements

For entry requirementsContact us for a copy of our FE Supplement.

Programme Description

Study the creation of computer games software in state-of-the-art facilities. You will utilise the most up-do-date tools of the industry to learn the many different skills involved in the creation of cutting edge games software.

Why Choose This Programme?

The BSc/BSc (Hons) Computer Games (Software Development) programme stream will emphasis the technical programming requirements (including the mathematics and implementation of physical mechanics), but would also share an appreciation of the core elements of Game Design. Your studies will include the creation of 2D and 3D graphics, the incorporation of 3D animation in games, the creation of ‘thinking’ creatures, new product development and professional issues involved in the development of software.
This learning is underpinned by the teaching of the basic concepts required to master the design process of computer games.
Students will develop games for the current game industry platforms such as Xbox 360, Playstation and Nintendo.

What You'll Learn

Year 1: Computer Systems Development, Database Development, Games Design, Web Development, Programming, Media Content Creation, Integrated Project 1, Computer Systems and Network Technology, Mathematics for Computer Games 1.
Year 2: Games Design 1,
Object Oriented Software Development, Software Modelling, Analysis and
Design 1, Games Programming 1, Interaction Design, Integrated Project 2.
Year 3: Mathematics for Computer Games 2, Console Programming, Software Processes and Practices, Games Programming 2, Game Artificial Intelligence, Integrated Project 3.
Year 4: Honours Project and Research Methods, Games Programming 3, Honours Project, Reflective Practice for Personal Development, Rich Internet Applications.
Note: All Year 1 students on the suite of computing based programmes (BSc Computer Games, BSc Computing, BSc Information Technology Management for Business and BSc Networking and Systems Support) follow a common first year. This provides a taster in a variety of subject areas to help students confirm their choice of specialist programme for Year 2 onwards.

Work Placement

An optional feature of this programme is the one-year sandwich placement. This can be undertaken after completing the BSc third year. The placement consists of a year of practical paid work experience in a suitable company position. The different types of posts undertaken can be of quite a diverse range but will always relate to your area of study. Recently students have been placed with companies such as IBM, Dell Corporation, National Australia Group, The Royal Bank of Scotland and Strathclyde Police among others. Undertaking the placement can provide valuable experience to enhance your career prospects following your graduation.

Assessment

Assessment methods used to demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes include examinations, coursework, class tests, presentations, computer-based exercises and written reports.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will enjoy excellent employment opportunities as the Computer Games Industry continues to grow and can expect to find work as both Game Designers and Programmers. The Games and Creative Media Industries are areas of significant growth within the Scottish economy. The industry has identified the role of game designers as a pivotal one and their recruitment and educational background as an ongoing problem for the industry. Thus, the aim of the BSc/BSc (Hons) Computer Games (Design), is to meet the employer led requirements for the job role of game design.

Fees and Funding

For international students: Scholarships of 1000 GBP may be available

GCUSA Student Led Teaching Awards

Alan McNicol, Lecturer in Media Content Creation was nominated for the award of Effective teaching that: Makes best use of technology to support learning in the GCUSA Student Led Teaching Awards 2009-10.

Alan was teaching the module "Media Content Creation". We had this module for only 6 weeks, but we had to work with 3 different software pieces. The time we were given was not great, but we had mainly labs during these six weeks. Alan McNicol was great with teaching us how to use the different software and helping us through it. I did have knowledge one of the software we used, but now I find myself familiar with the others as well as working easily with all of them.
Nominated by Emilia Todorova
video_thumbnail.jpg/media/gcalwebv2/gcal-site/fla/courseVideoPlayer.swf
How to Apply.

Questions about applying

Undergraduate Team:

Tel: +44 (0)141 331 3334

Fax: +44(0)141 331 8676

Email: undergraduate@gcu.ac.uk