Computer Games Development BSc (Hons)

Delve deeper into your subject area of interest, learn more about programmes, meet staff and students and see what it’s like to study at uws. Build an exciting career as a games developer. The bsc computer games development combines practical development skills with games design. 

• Throughout the course you will develop your skills in game programming and game engine scripting for multiple platforms. You'll be supported by dedicated games studios and have interaction with animation artists.
• This is a practical, career-focused degree that encourages you to publish games and demonstrate your work to employers at our end-of-year Digital Futures event.
• Major games studios only employ the most talented and business-aware graduates, which is why we emphasise the need to work on real-world tasks and to create a strong e-portfolio and showreel.
• Our multi-skilled graduates work in various industries including games, animation and social networking.

Tiga accredited course

• The BSc Computer Games Development is a TIGA (The Independent Game Developers' Association) accredited course supporting students towards different pathways in the games industry. Students are supported in using the relevant industry game engines such as Unity and Unreal Engine allowing them to focus on various aspects of games design and development.
• The course maintains solid working relationships with industry partners who support the continuous growth of the programme by advising us of aspects of best practice and the evolving skill sets required to work in the games industry. We provide our students with the skill sets essential for working in the games industry, generic skills required to become indie developers and we also act as a stepping stone for further study for students to explore more specialist industry roles.

Career prospects

• UWS Computer Games Development Graduates enjoy careers in Creative industry companies that might be either games, animation or web and mobile related. Companies where Computer Games Development graduates have found employment include Rockstar Games, PlayStation, Solus, Spartan Solutions Ltd, Voice Technologies and Eureka Solutions.  Games Development graduates have also established their own independent games studios working on a freelance basis.

Hear from our graduates

• Interested in a career in computer games development? UWS is the place for you! Our course will equip you with all the skills and training you need for a successful career. Don’t just take our word for it – watch our video, where some of our graduates discuss the benefits of studying Computer Games Deve

Use of industry standard game engines

• The BSc is very diverse. It caters for students who are keen to pursue their development and programming skills, as well as the core aspects of games design, such as Level Design.
• Throughout the programme, you will become familiar with game engines, such as GameMaker, Unity and Unreal Engine. You can also specialise in the area of mobile games development through the use of Phaser.
• A key aspect of the programme is its synergy with animation. You'll be involved in the creation and development of 2D or 3D modelling as you work on your projects. For example, you will able to develop your proficiency in using Maya or Blender.

Strong industry focus

• This is a practical, career-focused degree that encourages you to publish games and develop an online presence via the creation of a showcase portfolio.
• The BSc Compuer Games Development provides you with the chance to illustrate your work to prospective employers from the Creative Industries. In addition to organising creative industry showcasing events, guest speakers from the industry provide students with insights about working in this area. Regular game jams are also organised throughout the degree course, which also provide with opportunities to develop games for your portfolio.
• Mentoring opportunities, such as working as a unity developer, can also be arranged with students and studios in the local area. There is also a strong emphasis on internships, the programme having forged strong links with local games and animation studios.

Computer Games development projects

• The BSc Computer Games Development is predominately project-based with an emphasis on team work, problem-solving, project management, version control, collation and dissemination of project tasks. Though some assignments are individual, project work is designed to prepare you for the world of work, particularly in a games studio environment.
• The Year 4 Honours project is an individual piece of work that is practical in focus allowing you to specialise in a particular games related area that interests you.

Course details

• The BSc Computer Games Development course equips you with industry-relevant skills to build a career as a games developer, while combining creative games design with practical development skills.

Study abroad

• It is always possible to augment your studies and broaden your horizons by learning a new language and prepare for the best international opportunities. Contact us to find out more on learning a language and studying abroad.

Year 1

• You will study the games industry and games development alongside modelling and animation for games.  Core skills in programming for games complement use of game engines to develop games.

Year 2

• You will deepen your understanding of game programming and development using game engines such as Unity 3D and Unreal as well as producing games for the web.  You will also learn about game design and creating and using game assets. By the end of this year you should be producing games for your portfolio.

Year 3

• The emphasis is on more advanced techniques in game programming and developing your skills for the games industry. You will undertake a year-long team design and development project, creating a working 3D game for release. You will also explore development of mobile games.

Sandwich Placement (optional)

• You may undertake a placement on a full-time basis over a minimum 36 weeks duration, leading to a sandwich award. This can be taken between years 2 and 3 or years 3 and 4.

Year 4 (Honours)

• You will undertake an individual project, creating a major portfolio piece to showcase your skills. You will extend your knowledge of level design, the use of games in learning and of advanced web games.

Course Structure
UWS Programme Specifications and Module Descriptors

• Programme Specification and Module Descriptors for Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses are available to download (PDFs). These provide you with core information concerning your chosen subject.