Computer Games Development

UCAS code: G610

Here's what University of the West of Scotland says about its Computer Games Development course.

OVERVIEW

Build an exciting career as a games developer with BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development.From game programming to game engine scripting for multiple platforms, you’ll be supported by dedicated games studios and animation artists to learn the skills sought after by industry.This is a practical, career-focused programme that encourages you to publish games and demonstrate your abilities. Plus, you’ll get to showcase your work to potential employers at our end-of-year Digital Futures event. Graduates of this course work in various industries including games, animation and social networking.

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

• With a strong focus on industry, this programme will help you build a portfolio to showcase to employers at our end-of-year Digital Futures event. • The programme has strong links with industry, including major studios like Blazing Griffin and Rivet Games. • Guest talks from industry professionals will provide you with an insight to working in games, animation, and web and mobile environments. • Regular game jams are organised throughout the programme to provide portfolio-building opportunities. • 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.

PROGRAMME DETAILS

As a Computer Games Development BSc (Hons) student, you’ll have access to a wide range of facilities to enhance your learning, including: animation, music and specialist game development studios with dual monitor high spec PCs and game development software.

CAREERS

As well as establishing their own games studios, graduates from UWS’s BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development programme have gone on to gain employment in industry-leading companies, including: • Rockstar North • Blazing Griffin • PlayStation • Rivet Games • Ant Workshop Ltd • Add Jam • Equator • Build A Rocket Boy Studi

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 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 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.

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.