Program Overview
Goldsmiths' BSc (Hons) Games Development program equips students with the skills and knowledge for a successful career in the games industry. Through hands-on experience, students develop technical and creative abilities in programming, design, graphics, and sound. The program offers an optional industry placement year, providing valuable work experience and career advancement opportunities. Graduates are well-prepared for roles such as programmers, game designers, and independent developers.
Program Outline
Objectives:
- Equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in the games industry.
- Provide hands-on, practical experience in game development from the start.
- Introduce students to various career paths in the games industry and the skill sets they require.
- Develop students' critical, analytical, creative, and interpersonal skills for working independently and in groups.
- Foster a deeper understanding of contemporary computing practices and computational problem solving.
Description:
This program brings together technical practice and theory, preparing students for the dynamic and exciting world of game development. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects of game creation, including programming, design, graphics, sound, and project management. Students work on projects for platforms such as PC and Mobile, using industry-standard game engines and creative tools. The program emphasizes collaboration and hands-on learning, providing students with the opportunity to hone their skills in a creative environment.
Other key points:
- The program offers an optional year-long industry placement, allowing students to gain valuable work experience and build industry connections.
- Graduates of the program are well-prepared to pursue careers as programmers, game designers, level designers, independent developers, and more.
Outline: BSc (Hons) Games Development at Goldsmiths
Program Structure:
- Year 1: Focuses on foundational concepts in programming, game design, graphics, sound, and algorithms.
- Year 2: Builds upon the foundation with advanced modules in C++ programming, generative drawing, 3D game development, visual game development, and algorithms. Students choose one optional module related to audio or sound.
- Year 3/4: Features the final project in game development and allows students to choose additional optional modules to specialize in their area of interest.
- Optional Placement Year: Students can opt for a year-long industry placement between the second and final year to gain practical experience.
Modules:
Year 1:
- Introduction to Programming
- Front End Web
- Games Anatomy
- 2D Games Development
- Graphics 1
- Algorithms 1
- Logic and Computer Architecture
- Sound and Signal 1
Year 2:
- C++ Object Oriented Programming
- Generative Drawing
- Game Design
- 3D Games Development
- Visual Game Development
- Graphics 2
- Algorithms 2
- Optional Modules:
- Audio for Games and Immersive Experience
- Sound and Signal 2
- The Goldsmiths Elective
Year 3/4:
- Compulsory Modules:
- Final Project in Games Development
- Optional Modules:
- Students choose 75 credits of optional modules from a list provided by the department.
Assessment:
- Varies depending on chosen modules and may include:
- Coursework
- Examinations
- Group work
- Projects
- Successful completion of the placement year earns an endorsement on the degree certificate.
- Teaching methods include:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Workshops
- Laboratory sessions
- Significant independent study is required.
- Students have access to specialist labs and equipment.
Careers:
- Graduates can pursue careers as:
- Programmer in Games Industry
- Computer Game Designer/Level Design
- Independent Game Developer (Indie Developer)
- Game Developer for serious Games and Gamification sectors.
- Creative Games and Interactive Technical Lead in an Advertising Agency
- Creative Technologist
- The program provides an optional year-long industry placement for valuable work experience and career advancement.
Other:
- Students have access to VR labs with equipment similar to that used in movies like Avatar and The Last of Us.
- The program focuses on a practical approach to learning from the start.
Annual tuition fees
These are the UG fees for students starting their programme in the 2024/2025 academic year. Home - full-time: £9250 Home - part-time: £4625 International - full-time: £20160 It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time if you require a Student Visa, however this is currently being reviewed and will be confirmed in the new year.
