Computer Games Development with Foundation BSc Honours

Program Overview

The Computer Games Development with Foundation BSc Honours program at the University of Westminster is a multidisciplinary, industry-focused program that prepares students for careers in the video game industry. Students will develop a broad range of skills and knowledge through coursework, industry engagement, and optional placement years. The program is aligned with industry standards and prepares graduates for a range of roles in game development, mobile app development, and other tech-related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Computer Games Development with Foundation BSc Honours program at the University of Westminster is a four or five-year program designed to prepare students for a career in the computer games industry. The program combines technology and creativity in a multidisciplinary way, covering all major technical aspects of the games development process, from design to production. The program aims to equip students with a solid understanding of game technologies, including programming, applied maths, computer graphics, and game engines. Students will develop a broad range of knowledge and skills, including mobile and web application development, 3D modeling and animation, and human-computer interaction. The program also emphasizes industry engagement, offering talks from creative industry professionals, support for participation in prestigious game competitions and digital fairs, as well as industrial placements and internships.

Outline:

The program is structured as follows:

• Foundation Year: This year is designed for students who may not be ready for degree-level study, lack the necessary qualifications, wish to change their subject specialism, or return to study after an absence from education.
Students will explore a range of creative disciplines and develop their chosen field, benefiting from workshops in high-end facilities and working with leading academics.
• Core Modules:
• Computer Systems and Networks
• Critical Thinking for Academic and Professional Development
• Foundation Mathematics
• Introduction to Academic Practice
• Programming
• Credit Level:
3
• Year 1: Students will delve deeper into game development, focusing on applied mathematics, game design, and asset creation.
• Core Modules:
• Applied Mathematics
• Game Design and Asset Creation
• Game Enterprise
• Games Development Group Project
• Programming Methodology
• Credit Level:
4
• Year 2: Students will explore advanced game programming patterns, game studio work-based learning, and games engine architecture.
They can also choose two optional modules from a list that includes:
• Core Modules:
• Game Programming Patterns
• Game Studio (Work-Based Learning)
• Games Engine Architecture
• Maths & Physics for Games
• Optional Modules:
• 3D Interactive Media Development
• Algorithms: Theory design and implementation
• Machine Learning and Data mining
• Mobile Application Development
• XR Multimodal Interaction
• Credit Level:
5
• Placement Year: Students have the opportunity to take a year in industry after completing Year 2.
This will help them gain work experience and enhance their employability. The Careers and Employability Service and the course team will provide support in finding and securing placement opportunities.
• Year 3: Students will focus on advanced topics such as computer graphics programming, game AI, and games networking and security.
They can also choose one optional module from a list that includes:
• Core Modules:
• Computer Graphics Programming
• Computer Games Development Final Project
• Game AI
• Games Networking and Security
• Optional Modules:
• Interactive 3D Visualisation
• Mobile Native Application Development
• Advanced Interactive Media Development
• Credit Level:
6

Assessment:

Assessment methods are varied and include:

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

Teaching:

• Teaching methods focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and practical application.
• The faculty includes academics with experience in the games industry alongside industry advisors who support the course on all work-based learning projects and competitions.

Careers:

The program prepares students for roles in a range of sectors, including:

• Game developer, designer, and tester
• Mobile app developer
• Multimodal Interactive Applications (VR, AR, XR)
• QA consultant
• Software developer (including artificial intelligence gaming, mobile, algorithms, etc.)
Graduates have found employment in companies such as:
• Microsoft
• Sega
• King
• SiniSoft
• Arekkz Gaming
• Bossa Studios
• Marmalade

Other:

• The course 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 will qualify for free British Computer Society (BCS) academic membership for the duration of their studies.
• The course is taught with the games development industry in mind, with strong links to the sector.
• Students have the option to work for a year in the industry, gaining valuable work experience and boosting their employability.
• The University of Westminster offers a range of facilities to support student learning, including a brand-new XRLab facility, an upgraded Motion Capture lab, and a Games Development Project Lab.
• Students can take part in industrial networking opportunities (EGX, PocketGamer, Aardvark Swift Game Careers Talks) and Game Jams to improve their portfolios and experience (Global Game Jam, Tranzfuser, UKIE).
• The program uses industry-standard software, game engines (Unreal Engine 4, Unity, and MonoGame), and console development kits.
• Students are encouraged to take part in national and international game jams, including the University of Westminster's own Games Jam.

• UK tuition fee: £9,250
• International tuition fee: £15,400