If you think you would enjoy computer programming and games, study applied computer games at degree level. Learn how to create complex games and how these techniques can be applied to real-world problems as a games software developer.
 

GCU's Computer Games programmes aim to produce graduates with the right mix of practical skills and technical knowledge to enter the computer games industry.

GCU has excellent studio facilities including HD Video Production Suite, Art Studio, Digital Audio Recording Studio, Game Design Studio featuring 3D Laser Scanning tools, Motion Capture tools and a Rapid Prototyping machine. There is a User Experience lab where games can be tested and evaluated and a Virtual Reality lab containing a full-featured Driving Simulator and other VR equipment such as Oculus Rifts. In Years 1, 2 and 3 students in all programmes take part in an Integrated Project, an opportunity for students from the different disciplines to make games together. You'll also enjoy guest lectures by industry experts.

Computer Games Software Development concentrates on technical programming requirements, including the mathematics and implementation of physical mechanics. Your studies will include the creation of 2D and 3D graphics, the use of 3D animation in games, the creation of 'thinking' creatures, new product development and professional issues involved in the development of software and the core elements of Game Design. The Design and Software Development programmes are accredited by the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS).

Assessment methods used to demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes include examinations, coursework, class tests, presentations, computer-based exercises and written reports. In each of their initial three years, our students take part in innovative group projects leading to an individual project in their final year, which improves their academic, practical and employability skills. Each project incorporates two strands of learning, the first is the essential technical skills needed to undertake a complete product design and this is developed further to allow our students to show their innovative and enterprising abilities.   The second strand furnishes our students with the ‘soft’ skills related to team working, business operations, the project design process and ethical practices. This work helps students to develop a growing appreciation of the practicalities and realities of the application of software processes in the real world. Assessment is by presentation, delivery of design report and, most importantly, demonstration of product prototypes.

Course structure-

• Year 1

Mathematics for Computer Games, Introduction to Games Design, Introduction to Games Programming, Fundamentals of Computing, Fundamentals of 3D Graphics.
 

• Year 2

Games Programming 1, Game Design 1, 3D Maths for Simulation & Visualisation, Working with Games Engines, Human Computer Interaction.
 

• Year 3

Games Programming 2, Game Artificial Intelligence, Games Preproduction Workshop, Graphics Programming, Research Skills and Professional Issues, Integrated Project 3.
 

• Year 4

Mobile Game Development 1, Game Programming 3, Artificial Intelligence, Mobile Game Development 2, Honours Project.

Graduates have gone on to work at Rockstar, Electronic Arts, Sony and Guerrilla Games.