Computer Game Development

Computer game development is not only one of the fastest growing industries in the digital technology sector, it is also extremely diverse in terms of potential career paths. If you have an interest in computer games and would like to be involved with the design and production of game titles and technologies in the future, then this course is an ideal choice for you. You will build strong design and development skills and learn to engage with actual game industry practises and methodologies.

You will develop strong skills in gaming narrative and character development, including the design and production of 3D assets such as character and environmental models. You will make use of industry standard game engines and audio technologies to bring your game ideas to life, and devise multiplayer scenarios and mobile applications.

In addition, you will also learn how to apply your skills to producing a range of digital products outside of the gaming industry giving you transferable skills for working in other areas of creative and digital media as well as the skills and knowledge required to pursue a career in the games industry.

The course has been designed with employability in mind. To that end, you will be taught to develop an extensive portfolio of personal work that we will help you tailor to best suit the career you have in mind.

Key facts

• Based within our specialist computer game development studio dedicated to the design and production of digital media and game development applications
• Access to Glyndŵr University's new state-of-the-art Creative Industries Building and its fully integrated creative media, television production studios and Apple accredited facilities
• Extensive PC and networked computer facilities and internet access throughout the campus
• Access to our professional audio post-production suite and radio station
• You will have the use of various hardware and software technologies relating to human-computer interaction where you can develop intelligent interfaces for games with particular emphasis on products for people with physical disabilities or learning difficulties
• This course is designed to give you the skills and knowledge needed for employment in the digital media and game development industries
• Personal Development Planning is integrated throughout the course to develop the skills framework necessary for effective personal, academic and career management

Course content

BSc (Hons) Computer Game Development

At the heart of this course are the principles of design and technical development. In your first year you will be introduced to the fundamentals of computer programming, digital audio, graphical rendering and the workings of cutting edge gaming hardware and software technology. In addition, there is a strong element of creative design and production where you will engage with industry standard software and hardware to develop ideas and concepts as a member of a team and as an individual.

Later in the course, you will have the opportunity to work with industry standard tools to develop your own game narratives, characters and scenarios. As the course progresses you will expand your programming knowledge and look to work with multiple platforms such as smart phones and mobile devices. In addition, you will cover key areas such as multiplayer game development, AI systems design and advanced 3D modelling and animation for games.

You will develop a number of practical skills which are useful in any field of business or working environment such as self-motivation, time management, problem solving and the application of management methodologies, personal development and critical reflection. In addition, other critical skills including research, analysis and presentation will be developed as you expand your knowledge of specialised software relevant to computer game development.

Typical course content:

• 3D modelling and animation
• game narratives and characterisation
• audio technology for games
• mobile game development
• multiplayer game design and development

See information on BSc (Hons) Computer Game Development modules

View a slideshow of images from the BSc (Hons) Computer Game Development course

Career opportunities

Game programmer, level designer, producer, audio engineer, games technical artist/animator, consultant. This course will also equip you for careers in many mainstream computing areas such as IT support and consultancy and internet and e-commerce applications as well as other areas of digital media.

Assessment

Assessment is designed with personal portfolio development in mind, and takes the form of individual and team coursework together with the demonstration of competence in the delivery of practical work and projects.

Course duration

Full-time
Three years
Part-time
Five years

Entry requirements and applying

The general requirement for the honours degree is 240 UCAS points at A level or equivalent. In addition applicants must have five GCSE passes at grades A, B or C including mathematics and English.

General entry requirements

UCAS code: G451
Part time applicants should apply direct.

From 2012 our general academic requirement for an honours degree will be 240 UCAS points, and for a foundation degree 120 UCAS points. If you do not have the points required your application will still be considered. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and with a range of experiences.

From 2012 our general academic requirement for an honours degree will be 240 UCAS points, and for a foundation degree 120 UCAS points. If you do not have the points required your application will still be considered. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and with a range of experiences.