Computer Games Development BSc Honours

Program Overview

The Computer Games Development BSc Honours program at the University of Westminster prepares students for careers in the expanding games industry by combining technology and creativity. The program equips students with a solid understanding of game technologies, programming, applied mathematics, and computer graphics. Graduates are well-positioned for roles such as game developers, designers, and mobile app developers, and the program offers opportunities for internships, industry collaborations, and access to state-of-the-art facilities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Computer Games Development BSc Honours program at the University of Westminster is a multidisciplinary course that combines technology and creativity to prepare students for a career in the expanding and challenging games industry. The program aims to equip students with a solid understanding of game technologies, including programming, applied mathematics, computer graphics, and game engines. The program emphasizes the development of a broad range of knowledge and skills, including:

• Mobile and web application development
• 3D modeling and animation
• Human-computer interaction
The program also offers opportunities for students to:
• Attend talks from industry professionals
• Participate in prestigious game competitions and digital fairs
• Secure industrial placements and internships
The primary programming language taught is C++, but students also have the opportunity to learn other languages and software, such as C#, Python, JavaScript, and Swift. For character development, students use Adobe Maya, Photoshop, 3DS Max, and 3D Coat. The course focuses on using Unreal Engine 4 and Blueprints technology, but students can also engage with other commercial engines. The program provides students with a clear perspective on the current nature and practice of games development, equipping them with the technical and creative skills needed for the new era of game developers. Students gain a thorough knowledge of programming, computer graphics, and game project management, along with an appreciation of the industrial environment. The program also includes opportunities to work on group productions, including multidisciplinary game projects that simulate a real game industry environment.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Applied Mathematics: This module introduces fundamental mathematical concepts and their applications in computer games development.
• Introduction to Game Design: This module explores the principles of game design, including game mechanics, narrative, and player experience.
• Introduction to Games Development: This module introduces the core concepts and technologies involved in computer games development.

Year 2:

• Core Modules:
• Game Programming Patterns:
This module explores common programming patterns and techniques used in game development.
• Game Studio (Work-Based Learning): This module provides students with practical experience in a simulated game studio environment.
• Games Engine Architecture: This module delves into the architecture and design of game engines.
• Optional Modules (Choose 2):
• 3D Interactive Media Development:
This module explores the creation and development of interactive 3D media.
• Algorithms: Theory design and implementation: This module covers the design and implementation of algorithms.
• Machine Learning and Data mining: This module introduces the concepts and applications of machine learning and data mining in game development.
• Mobile Gaming Concepts: This module focuses on the development of mobile games.
• XR Multimodal Interaction: This module explores the use of extended reality (XR) technologies in game development.

Placement Year:

• This course gives students the opportunity to take a year in industry (work placement) after completing the second year of their study.
• Students will be offered help and support to find and secure placement opportunities through various workshops and events organized by the Careers and Employability Service and the course team.
• Typically, students will be assigned into roles involving tasks related to various aspects of computer games development.

Year 3:

• Core Modules:
• Computer Games Development Final Project: This module culminates in the development of a major game project.
• Game AI: This module explores the use of artificial intelligence in game development.
• Games Networking and Security: This module covers the principles of game networking and security.
• Optional Modules (Choose 1):
• Interactive 3D Visualisation:
This module explores the creation and development of interactive 3D visualizations.
• Advanced Interactive Media Development: This module delves into advanced techniques for developing interactive media.
• Introduction to Shaders and VFX: This module introduces the concepts and techniques of shaders and visual effects.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Academic and evaluative essays
• Case studies
• Exams
• Multiple-choice tests
• Oral presentations
• Practical projects
• Work portfolios

Teaching:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Laboratories
• Group work
• Discussions
• Seminars
• Private study
The teaching staff includes academics with experience in the games industry, alongside industry advisors who support the course on all work-based learning projects and competitions.

Careers:

Graduates of the Computer Games Development BSc Honours program are well-prepared for a variety of roles in the games industry and related fields, including:

• Game developer
• Game designer
• Game tester
• Mobile app developer
• Multimodal Interactive Applications (VR, AR, XR) developer
• QA consultant
• Software developer (including artificial intelligence gaming, mobile, algorithms, etc.)

Other:

• The program is intended to fulfill the requirements of the British Computer Society (BCS), allowing graduates to gain registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and partial registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
• Students qualify for free British Computer Society (BCS) academic membership for the duration of their studies.
• The program offers a short-term, work-based learning experience that allows students to work on a real-life problem, typically set by an external organization as a small-scale project.
• In previous years, students have had opportunities to travel and engage with students from other universities across Europe, including trips to Distant Horizons in Seville, Spain, and the annual Wmin-Graz Hackthon.
• The University of Westminster works closely with leading game developers, including King, Imaginarti, Marmalade, Bossa Studios, Target 3D, Natural Motion, and Genera.
• Students have frequent networking opportunities, including Barclays Game Frenzy, Gaming Industry Insights Trip to Vienna, EGX, PocketGamer, Aardvark Swift Game careers talks, and Game Jams.
• The program provides students with access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a brand-new XRLab Facility, an upgraded Motion Capture lab, and a dedicated Games Development Project Lab.
• The program encourages students to participate in national and international game jams, including the University of Westminster's own Games Jam.
• The program provides students with access to industry-standard software, game engines (Unreal Engine 4, Unity, and MonoGame), and console development kits.
• The program offers dedicated games project labs with the latest technology, allowing students to deploy their games in industry-standard platforms like PS4, STEAM, and Xbox, as well as deploying mobile games for Android and iOS.
• The program provides students with access to specialized motion capture equipment and cutting-edge, immersive hardware, including Hololens, VR (Oculus, HTC), Mobile VR (Samsung GearR and OSVR), kinect, Leap Motion, and PrioVR.

UK Tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year) International tuition fee: £15,400 (Price per academic year)