BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development

Essential Information

If you love gaming, you will know how fast the industry is developing and expanding, with thousands of people all over the world waiting to get their hands on new releases. As a result, the computer games industry is a rapidly-expanding area that offers many opportunities. On the BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development course, you can turn your love of gaming into your dream career.

This BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development degree will prepare you for a career in software engineering, with a particular emphasis on programming for computer games development. So, rather than playing games all day, you will discover how to create them. You will learn essential programming skills, such as coding from a brief, team working and understanding computer hardware. You will get to improve on your favourite games, as well as design and build your own.

We have installed brand-new facilities, including a lab with five Microsoft Xbox 360s, surround sound 40 inch LCD TVs and cutting-edge gaming PCs, so you can develop games and test them out on the big screen. You can also be part of our active Computer Games Society and enjoy company visits and guest lectures from industry professionals, including Microsoft. What’s more, Univeristy of South Wales’s BSc Computer Games Development has BCS to Chartered Information Technology Practitioner (CITP) level.

Click here to find out what the BSc qualification means.

What you will study

The BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development degree focuses on the technical aspects of game development, specifically programming, rather than the artistic side. In the first year you will study C / C++ programming (the industry standard language) along with maths, game design and game modding. In game modding you will have experience of 3D modelling in 3DS Max. In the second year you will do Computer Graphics, further programming, AI and Games Development Workshop. In terms of graphics we cover both OpenGL and Direct3D. These subjects continue into the final year where you do real-time rendering, more advanced AI, advanced object oriented and component oriented software design and a project.

Course content:

Should you progress to the MComp, you would study for a further year:

The above information is a sample module description for illustrative purposes. Modules and module content may change from time to time.

Learning, Teaching and Assessment for BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development

Learning and Teaching methods

You will spend 16 hours each week in lectures, tutorials and practical sessions. You will also spend four hours per week, per module, on coursework, general reading and other preparation.

Assessment methods

Assessment includes examinations, coursework and problem-based exercises taught using real-life scenarios. We strongly recommend you spend up to a year working in industry at one of a variety of organisations in the UK or abroad. Not only will this improve your CV and your employability, but it can also often lead to career opportunities with your placement employer.