Games Development BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

The Games Development BSc (Hons) program at UCA Farnham prepares students for a career in the games industry as Technical Artists. The program focuses on technical art, industry connections, and student-centered learning, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the competitive games industry. Graduates will be well-prepared to enter the workforce and contribute to the development of cutting-edge games.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Program Name:

Games Development BSc (Hons)

Program Length:

3 years full-time, 4 years full-time with Professional Practice Year

• This program focuses on preparing students for a career in the games industry as a Technical Artist, a role that bridges the gap between artists, designers, and programmers.
• Students will learn the fundamentals of programming, game engines, and 3D modeling.
• They will also gain skills in technical art, such as creating shaders, materials, and implementing lighting and post-processing effects.
• The program has a strong focus on industry connections, with students having the opportunity to work on live projects with real-world clients.
• Graduates will be well-prepared to enter the competitive games industry and contribute to the development of cutting-edge games.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Fundamentals of Games Development: Learn the basics of programming, game engines, and 3D modeling.
• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: Explore the importance of diversity and inclusion in the games industry.
• Board Game Design: Design and prototype a board game.
• Client Brief: Work on a client-facing brief to gain experience in meeting deadlines and client expectations.
• The Conscious Practitioner: Explore the impact of culture and personal beliefs on artistic practice.
• Environmental Storytelling (Elective): Learn how to use game environments to tell stories.
• Motion Capture Technologies (Elective): Gain experience with motion capture technology.
• Pervasive Game Studio (Elective): Design and develop pervasive games that go beyond traditional gameplay boundaries.

Year 3:

• Advanced Games Programming: Learn advanced programming techniques and practices used in the games industry.
• Final Major Project: Critical and Conceptual Influences: Research and develop a concept for your final major project.
• Professional Practice: Develop your professional skills and create a portfolio of your work.
• Final Major Project: Production: Produce your final major project, demonstrating your skills and knowledge in games development.

Optional Professional Practice Year:

• Gain valuable industry experience by working on a placement within the creative industries.

Assessment:

• Assessment methods will vary depending on the module, but may include:
• Written assignments
• Presentations
• Practical projects
• Portfolios
• Examinations
• Assessment criteria will be based on the learning outcomes of each module.

Teaching:

• The program is taught by a team of experienced academics and industry professionals.
• Teaching methods include:
• Lectures
• Workshops
• Tutorials
• Guest lectures
• Industry visits
• The program also emphasizes a strong focus on student-centered learning, with students encouraged to take ownership of their own learning experience.

Careers:

• Graduates from this program will be well-positioned to pursue careers in the games industry as Technical Artists, Game Programmers, Game Designers, and other related roles.
• The program's strong focus on industry connections will help graduates to secure employment in the games industry.

Other:

• The program offers a number of opportunities for students to get involved in the games industry, including:
• Student-led games clubs
• Games industry competitions
• Guest lectures from industry professionals
• Industry placements
• The program also has a dedicated Careers & Professional Practice team that can help students with career planning and job applications.

Overall:

The Games Development BSc (Hons) program at UCA Farnham is a comprehensive and industry-focused program that will prepare students for a successful career in the games industry. The program's strong focus on technical art, industry connections, and student-centered learning makes it an ideal choice for students who are passionate about games and want to make a career out of their passion.

UK EU International Tuition fees - 2024/25 entry Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250 BSc course: £9,250 If you opt to study the Professional Practice Year, for 2024 you will be required to pay a reduced tuition fee of £1,850. You will also incur additional travel and accommodation costs during your Professional Practice year. Tuition fees - 2024/25 entry Integrated International Foundation Year: £9,250 (see fee discount information) BSc course: £9,250 (see fee discount information) If you opt to study the Professional Practice Year, for 2024 you will be required to pay a reduced tuition fee of £1,850. You will also incur additional travel and accommodation costs during your Professional Practice year. Tuition fees - 2024/25 entry Integrated International Foundation Year: £16,950 BSc course: £17,500 If you opt to study the Professional Practice Year, for 2024 you will be required to pay a reduced tuition fee of £3,390. You will also incur additional travel and accommodation costs during your Professional Practice year.