Computer Science with Games Development with Foundation Year

Program Overview

This four-year Computer Science with Games Development program, including a Foundation Year, equips students with technical and transferable skills for careers in the growing apps and games development industry. Through a blend of theoretical and practical learning, students acquire proficiency in coding, development, and design, focusing on areas like game development, AR, VR, and AI. The program incorporates employer-led projects, professional work placements, and ethical considerations, preparing graduates for diverse roles within the industry.

Program Outline

Computer Science with Games Development with Foundation Year (BSc (Hons))

Degree Overview:

This four-year program aims to equip students with the technical and transferable skills needed to pursue a career in the growing apps and games development industry. Through a blend of theoretical and practical learning, students will acquire proficiency in coding, development, and design, focusing on areas like game development, AR, VR, and AI. This program incorporates a Foundation Year, offering an alternative entry route for individuals seeking additional support before commencing university-level studies. The Foundation Year introduces key concepts, debates, and skills, ensuring a solid foundation for subsequent years. Upon successful completion of the Foundation Year, students seamlessly progress to the first year of the Computer Science with Games Development BSc (Hons) degree.

Outline:

The program's curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of computer science, game development, and app creation. It emphasizes coding and development practices while incorporating essential industry trends and applications.

Year 0 (Foundation Year):

• Academic Skills and Studying with Confidence: Develops core academic skills like electronic resource usage, planning, note-taking, essay writing, and presentation creation.
Enhance time management, prioritize tasks, manage stress, and engage in collaborative learning, debates, and critical reflection.
• Project: Conduct a personal project in your chosen future specialization area, benefiting from personalized learning.
Focuses on project skills like management tools, Gantt chart planning, work breakdown structure, flowchart design, and pseudo-code.
• Principles of Coding: Learn and apply coding principles and rules for designing, developing, and testing simple apps using tools like Google App Script.
Develop market-led design understanding and coding for specified briefs.
• Principles of Web Development: Code for a website using HTML, JavaScript, and open-source software tools, focusing on backend development and website functionalities like download, sign-up, and data capture.
Covers testing processes, open-source code, and cyber security.

Years 1, 2, and 3:

• Software Development: Explore data representation, algorithms, data structures, software design methodologies, implementation, testing, and debugging.
Review basic mathematical concepts relevant to computer science.
• Computing Skills and Employability: Collaborate on team projects and gain group-working skills through guided activities.
Reflect on strengths and areas for improvement. Develop software solutions for real employer-led problems, gaining insight into applied business development.
• Technology in Business: Explore technology's role and development within businesses.
Examine cost reduction, profit increase, valuation, cost-benefit analysis, and business case studies. Understand relevant regulations and guidelines.
• Tech Stack: Gain an overview of essential web technologies, covering aspects of designing and developing dynamic web applications.
Explore client technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and delve into web servers, server-side development, databases, cloud architecture, and operating systems.
• Team Project: Develop effective teamwork, communication, and collaborative problem-solving skills through group projects.
Apply acquired knowledge to real-world scenarios and achieve higher professional standards.
• Further Software Development: Deepen proficiency in computer programming and mobile app development within realistic commercial contexts.
Enhance knowledge of programming principles and processes in higher-level languages, using integrated development environments and standard libraries.
• Professional Development and Placement: Complete a six-week placement, bridging the gap between academic skills and future careers.
Develop personal and professional skills, reflect on placement experiences, and enhance self-awareness, employability skills, professional behaviors, networking, and interpersonal relationships within organizations.
• Game Development Principles: Explore core aspects of game design, mechanics, and development, including gameplay principles, user experience, player motivation, monetization strategies, and ethical considerations.
• Secure Development and Deployment: Cover secure and effective software development principles, methodologies, and processes from conception to deployment.
Utilize platforms like Azure and AWS to securely develop, deploy, and retire software, including extensive code review practices.
• Project: Integrate learning across modules and elective specializations to undertake an independent project.
Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills within a specific subject area, define problem boundaries, investigate plausible solutions, and consider broader social and cultural contexts. Deliver a real-world software product, communicate findings orally and in writing, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in your chosen field.
• Elective Modules: Choose two from a range of specialist topics, including:
• Advanced Games Development:
Deepen game development expertise, explore advanced concepts and techniques, and create complex and interactive game applications.
• Immersive Games Design: Delve into immersive technologies like VR and AR, design and implement immersive game experiences, and understand user interaction and feedback within these environments.
• Data Science for Business: Combine data analysis with data-driven decision-making for business contexts.
Prepare for roles that integrate data analysis with business value extraction. Learn big data processing fundamentals and its impact on business operations.
• AI applied to Games Development: Apply AI principles and techniques to game development, creating intelligent agents, enhancing gameplay experience, and designing AI-powered decision-making systems within games.

Assessment:

Assessments vary across modules and may include:

• Exams: Assess theoretical knowledge and understanding.
• Coursework: Evaluate practical skills through coding projects, game development prototypes, essays, and reports.
• Presentations: Gauge communication and presentation abilities.
• Group work: Assess teamwork, collaboration, and project management skills.
• Portfolio: Evaluate overall development and showcase accumulated work.

Teaching:

This program utilizes a blended learning approach, combining traditional lectures, seminars, and group work with online learning and independent study.

• Lecturers: Possess industry experience and research expertise in areas like cybersecurity, AI, algorithmic solutions, UI, accessibility, and extensibility.
• Guest speakers: Industry professionals share real-world insights and practical applications of theoretical concepts.
• Small-group tutorials: Offer personalized support and guidance.
• Online resources: Provide access to learning materials, forums, and collaborative tools.

Careers:

Graduates acquire skills and knowledge suitable for various careers within the games, apps, and software development industries. Potential roles include:

• Game developer: Design, code, and develop games across different platforms.
• Software developer: Create and maintain software applications for various industries.
• App developer: Design and develop mobile applications for diverse purposes.
• UX/UI designer: Focus on user experience and interface design within apps and games.
• Web developer: Develop and maintain websites, ensuring responsiveness and functionality.
• QA tester: Test software and apps for functionality, usability, and performance.
• Data scientist: Analyze and interpret data to inform business decisions and create data-driven solutions.
• AI engineer: Implement AI algorithms and techniques within various applications.

Other:

• The program incorporates employer-led projects and professional work placements, offering real-world experience, industry contacts, and potential employer references.
• Students are encouraged to participate in the Careers and Placements service, benefiting from workshops, events, and live employer challenges.
• Graduates have access to the Alumni network, offering ongoing support and career opportunities.
• The program includes ethical considerations regarding legal obligations, online and app-based games, and the importance of inclusion, diversity, and equity within the industry.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

UK Home Students: Tuition fees cost £9,250 a year for this course in 2024/2025. Part-time tuition fees will be prorated accordingly to the number of credits you're studying. Depending on government policy, tuition fees may change in future years. Tuition fees for 2025/26 entry will be set in summer 2024. Living costs, e.g. accommodation, travel, food, will also need to be taken into consideration. Leeds Trinity offers a range of bursaries and scholarships to help support students while you study. International Students, including EU Students: Visit our webpage for international students. Part-time study is not available for international students on a Student Route Visa. Additional costs We advise students that there may be additional course costs in addition to annual tuition fees. These include: Books - recommended and required reading lists will be provided at the start of your course. All the books and e-books are available from our Library to borrow but you may choose to purchase your own. Print costs - the University provides students with a £6 printing credit each academic year which can be topped up either on campus or online.