UWTSD Home - Study With Us - Undergraduate Courses - Computing (Games Development) (BSc, HND, HNC, Foundation Entry)
The emphasis of this programme is software development, computer graphics and computer games. Choose this course to become skilled and knowledgeable in the technical aspects of software development, with a specific focus on games. Graduates of this programme are likely to find employment either within the games industry or with specialist software organisations.
You will build a solid foundation of skills and knowledge on this programme. You will be equipped with knowledge of the current state of the industry and there is also an emphasis on skills for lifelong learning, so you will be able to update your skills throughout your career.
This programme allows students to develop a broad range of skills in the Computer Games area and will also allow students to pursue more specialist interests.
As a graduate of this course, your employment in this field is likely to start as a member of a team, conceiving, designing, developing and implementing complex software for games or related software development industries.
Computing (Games Development)
BSc (Hons) | 3 Year Degree Programme (Levels 4 to 6)
UCAS Code: 126S
Apply via UCAS
BSc (Hons) | 4 Year Programme with Foundation Entry (Level 3 to 6)
UCAS Code: DGV2
Apply via UCAS
HND | 2 Year Programme (Levels 4 to 5)
UCAS Code: 478T
Apply via UCAS
Full-time applicants who wish to start in September should apply through UCAS. Part-time applicants should apply through the University.
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Tuition Fees 2023/24:
Home (Full-time): £9,000 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £13,500 per year
Why choose this course?
- Taught by staff with relevant academic and games industry experience
- Discover the secrets to Games Development using C/C++
- Cover the essentials of real-time Graphics programming, Virtual Reality systems and Artificial Intelligence
- Gain hands-on experience using the latest industry-standard game engines and consoles
- Develop the knowledge needed to secure a career in the computer games and software engineering industries
What you will learn
The course focuses on designing, implementing, testing and maintenance of high quality computer games. The student will focus on acquiring and using the expertise required by a professional programmer to create solutions to large and complex problems. The expertise and skills you develop from engineering computer games as part of a team is highly regarded by employers.
Foundation Year
- Academic Skills (20 credits; compulsory)
- Analysing and Solving Problems (20 credits; compulsory)
- Integrating Project (20 credits; compulsory)
- Introduction to Computer Programming (20 credits; compulsory)
- Introduction to Computer Systems (20 credits; compulsory)
- Introduction to Mathematics and Science (20 credits; compulsory).
Year One – Level 4 (HNC, HND & BSc)
- Computer Architecture and Operating Systems (20 credits; compulsory)
- Game Design and History (20 credits; compulsory)
- Learning in the Digital Era (20 credits; compulsory; Graduate Attributes Framework module)
- Mathematics (20 credits; compulsory)
- Networks and Cyber Security Essentials (20 Credits; Compulsory)
- Software Development (20 credits; compulsory).
Year Two – Level 5 (HND & BSc)
- Advanced Software Development (20 credits; compulsory)
- Changemakers: Creativity and Value Creation (20 credits; compulsory; Graduate Attributes Framework module)
- Data Security and Compliance (20 credits; compulsory)
- Games Architecture and Mechanics (20 credits; compulsory)
- Indie Game Development (20 credits; compulsory)
- Software Engineering Principles and Testing (20 credits; compulsory).
Year Three – Level 6 (BSc)
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (20 credits; compulsory)
- Emerging Trends (20 credits; compulsory / optional (PT))
- GPU Programming (20 credits; compulsory)
- Graphics and Games Programming (20 credits; compulsory)
- Independent Project (40 credits; compulsory; Graduate Attributes Framework module)
- Industrial Based Research (20 credits; optional (PT)).
The School of Applied Computing aims to produce graduates that help shape the future of software engineering. The course content is contemporary and shaped for employability through close links with local and national employers.
Students are assessed through a combination of worksheets, practicals, presentations, projects and examinations. Module assessment is often by assignment, or assignment and examination. The final mark for some modules may include one or more pieces of coursework set and completed during the module. Project work is assessed by written report and presentation.
Students are encouraged to use our links with Software Alliance Wales and Go Wales to work on commercial schemes for their Major Project module. Go Wales provides the opportunity of paid work placements with local businesses.
This Framework aims to develop your professional skills and competence alongside your academic subject knowledge. You’ll study up to 40 credits per level throughout your programme from the Graduate Attributes Framework.
The Graduate Attribute modules are designed to enable you to develop, and evidence, a range of career-focused skills related to your subject area. These skills include digital competency, research and project management, as well as such personal competencies as communication, creativity, self-reflection, resilience and problem-solving.
- Find out more about the Graduate Attributes Framework
Related Links
Professional Accreditations
Successful completion of the Programme offers the eligibility to register for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) full status by the British Computer Society (BCS) and partial CENG status.
Key Information
BSc (Hons) Computing (Games Development) - UCAS CODE: 126S
104 UCAS tariff points (previously 260) to include:
Two C grades at A-Level/AVCE; or
BTEC National Diploma grades Merit, Pass, Pass; or
BTEC National Certificate grades Merit, Merit; or
NVQ Level 3 - Pass
Subjects at Advanced Level should include ICT, Computing, Maths, Physics or similar.
GCSE Maths Level 4 (previously C) or above is required.
Note: For other part-time study, contact computing@uwtsd.ac.uk
For Foundation Year entry, see below
HND Computing (Games Development) - UCAS CODE: 478T
48 UCAS tariff points (previously 120) to include:
A-C grade at A-Level/AVCE; or
BTEC National Diploma/Certificate/Award - Pass; or
NVQ Level 3 - Pass.
Subjects at Advanced Level should include Maths, ICT, Physics or similar.
GCSE Maths Level 4 (previously C) or above is preferred.
HNC Computing (Games Development) - UCAS CODE: 455H
40 UCAS tariff points (previously 100)
Grades are important; however, our offers are not solely based on academic results. We are interested in creative people that demonstrate a strong commitment to their chosen subject area and therefore we welcome applications from individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. To assess student suitability for their chosen course we normally arrange interviews for all applicants at which your skills, achievements and life experience will be considered as well as your qualifications.
Typical International Baccalaureate Offer:
Please contact computing@uwtsd.ac.uk for more information.
Foundation Entry:
BSc (Hons) | 4 Year Programme with Foundation Entry (Levels 3 to 6)
UCAS Code: DGV1 Apply via UCAS
Also, see Computing and Electronics (Foundation Year)
Other:
Applications from those offering alternative qualifications are welcome. Please contact computing@uwtsd.ac.uk for more information.
Our graduates have excellent employment prospects in the computing, teaching, lecturing and ICT industry, as well as in other areas of the economy. Recent statistics show that the vast majority are following their chosen career paths within six months of graduating.
Graduates would seek positions as Junior Programmer, Lead Programmer, Engine/Tools Programmer, Graphics/Special Effects/Rendering Programmer, Audio Programmer/Engineer, Artificial Intelligence Programmer, Networking/Multiplayer, Networking Programmer, Mobile Games Programmer, Physics Programmer, Software Engineer, Software Developer, etc.
Here are some profiles of graduates from this programme and where they are now:
For all graduate testimonials, please see here:
It is possible to complete this programme of study without any additional costs.
Students may wish to purchase materials for modules, such as Major Project but this is not a requirement and will have no bearing on the final grade achieved.
James Simonson, BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development
"Finding employment after the Computer Games Development degree was easy as the programme equips you with the desired skills sought across most industries. The programme taught programming and software engineering principles, networking and applied mathematics, building and developing websites and apps, server programming, data visualisation and data mining."
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit our Scholarships and Bursaries section.
Please visit our Accommodation pages for more information.
