Computer Games Programming BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

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The Computer Games Programming BSc (Hons) at the University of Gloucestershire equips students with the skills and knowledge to become versatile games programmers. Through industry-relevant coursework, hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies, and opportunities for collaboration and work placements, students gain the expertise to bring their game ideas to life and pursue careers in the games industry.

Program Outline

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Computer Games Programming BSc (Hons)

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Degree Overview

The Computer Games Programming BSc (Hons) is a 3-year program offered at the University of Gloucestershire. This program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to become versatile games programmers.

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Objectives:

• Equip students with the skills and knowledge to bring their game ideas to life.
• Enable students to collaborate with other programmers, artists, and designers.
• Foster creativity and allow students to build the games they've always dreamed of.
• Offer an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the industry and gain invaluable experience.

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Program Description:

• The program focuses on industry-relevant skills and is accredited by TIGA.
• Students will learn using Unity and Unreal, gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies.
• Opportunities for collaboration with students from Games Art and Games Design programs exist.
• Students will have access to the latest PlayStation development tools through the PlayStation First Academic Programme.
• Students can choose to study on campus or at the Swindon Institute of Technology (ioT).

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Outline

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Program Content:

• Game design and development
• Programming
• Artificial intelligence
• Computer graphics
• Game engines
• Project management
• Teamwork and communication

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Structure:

• The program consists of 3 years of full-time study.
• Students can also choose to study the program with an integrated foundation year, extending the program to 4 years.
• The program includes a 1-year optional work placement within the games industry.

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Course Schedule:

• The program follows a semester system, with two semesters per year.
• Each semester typically includes 4-5 modules.
• Modules are delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical sessions.

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Modules:

• Level 4:
• Games Production (CT4005)
• Game Engine Scripting (CT4026)
• Programming and Mathematics (CT4101)
• Programming Algorithms & Techniques (CT4102)
• Level 5:
• Game Engine Programming (CT5009)
• Level Design (CT5016)
• Experimental Games (CT5051)
• Professional Awareness (CT5103)
• Programming Games Architecture (CT5108)
• Level 6:
• Computing Technology Placement (CT5004)
• Individual Research Project (CT6007)
• Advanced Group Project (CT6008)
• Advanced AI Algorithms (CT6024)
• Graphics Programming with Shaders (CT6025)

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Additional Modules:

• Students can choose from a selection of additional modules, including:
• Advanced Concepts in Gaming (CT6010)
• Creative Visualization and Animation (CT6015)
• Indie Game Development (CT6018)

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Assessment

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Assessment Methods:

• A variety of assessment methods are used, including:
• Assignments
• Exams
• Presentations
• Portfolios
• Group projects

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Assessment Criteria:

• Students are assessed on their:
• Knowledge and understanding
• Technical skills
• Problem-solving abilities
• Creativity
• Teamwork and communication skills

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Teaching

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Teaching Methods:

• The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Practical sessions
• Project work
• Guest speakers

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Faculty:

• The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified staff, including:
• Academic course leader: Daryl Jones
• Senior Lecturer in Game Development: Zayd Dawood
• Lecturer In Creative Technologies: Rachel Brooks
• Lecturer In Games Technologies: Richard Cook
• Senior Lecturer In Games Art: Gary Joynes Slater
• Lecturer In Creative Tech & Games Art: Jaime Norval
• Lecturer In Games Programming: James Bradbury
• Lecturer In Games Art & Design: Ibrahim Nouri

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Unique Approaches:

• The program offers a number of unique features, including:
• Access to the latest PlayStation development tools through the PlayStation First Academic Programme.
• Opportunities for collaboration with students from Games Art and Games Design programs.
• A 1-year optional work placement within the games industry.
• Strong industry connections and field trips to industry events.

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Careers

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Potential Career Paths:

• Games Programmer
• Mobile Applications Developer
• Software Engineer
• Game Designer
• Technical Artist
• QA Tester
• Games Journalist
• Games Critic

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Opportunities:

• The program prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities in the games industry and beyond.
• Students gain valuable skills and experience that are highly sought-after by employers.
• The program has strong industry connections, which can help students secure jobs and internships.

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Outcomes:

• Graduates of the program are well-prepared for successful careers in the games industry.
• Many graduates have gone on to work for leading games studios such as Rebellion, Microsoft Rare, Codemasters, and Slightly Mad Studios.

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Other

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Industry Connections:

• The program has strong industry connections, with guest speakers from leading games studios and field trips to industry events.
• This provides students with valuable insights into the industry and helps them to network with potential employers.

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Comx Exhibition:

• Students have the opportunity to showcase their final year project at COMX, an annual exhibition held on campus.
• This is a great opportunity to network with industry professionals and potential employers.

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Placement Year:

• Students can opt to take a 1-year placement within the games industry.
• This provides them with valuable work experience and helps them to develop their skills and knowledge.

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International Students:

• International students can benefit from a range of scholarships and bursaries.
• The program also offers support for international students, including English language tuition and visa assistance.