BSc (Hons) Computer Game Development
Course details
UCAS Code
G451
Year of entry
2024, 2025
Duration
3 YRS (FT) 6 YRS (PT)
UCAS Tariff
80-112
Institution Code
G53
Location
Wrexham
Why choose? this course?
This course is designed to develop strong technical game development and project management skills to enhance your employability.
The team work closely with organisations such as UK Games Fund, Games Wales and BAFTA Cymru to ensure that our students always have access to cutting-edge industry-related training and knowledge. The course is also fully accredited by the British Computing Society.
We are home to the innovative Games Talent Wales programme and a UK regional Tranzfuser hub that is sponsored and supported by the UK Games Fund and UK Games Talent. Our business incubation centre is home to several award-winning student-owned game studios.
With more than a decade of evolution behind it, students on this course will:
- Develop the technical skills that underpin games design, programming and the technical game art pipeline.
- Enjoy the benefits of close industry engagement with regular visits, notable guest speakers, presentations, discussion groups and social events.
- Gain valuable experience and insight into the game development process and the management of an independent game studio.
- Benefit from a personal mentor with games development experience to help develop your skills and knowledge.
- Have access to our in-house business incubation centre and the latest tools and technology in a specialist game development studio.
- Develop a professional game design portfolio and critical employability skills.
Key course features
- Our purpose-built Centre for the Creative Industries features specialist facilities, such as Game labs and studios with software such as Unreal Engine 5, Unity, Maya, Mudbox, Substance Painter/Designer, Visual Studio and Creative Cloud for creativity the wide spectrum of game production.
- Develop technical expertise across a variety of programming languages and software to implement complex mechanics in fully realised game products.
- Regular contact with game industry professionals through guest lectures, conferences, and national events.
- You will be taught by an award-winning teaching team with professional industry backgrounds and experience.
- Learn how to manage a professional game development team using industry-standard methodologies and practice.
- Work with the latest tools and technology in two specialist game development studios dedicated to designing, production, motion capture and VR.
- The course has an excellent track record for graduate employment with many ex-students going on to work at some of the world's most recognisable game studios.
- Gain valuable experience and insight into the game production process and the management of an independent game studio.
- Benefit from a personal mentor with games development experience to help develop your skills and knowledge.
- Support for indie company spin out through support, advise and potential funding through Games Talent Wales
- Develop your professional, communication, and entrepreneurial skills so that you are well equipped to enter a diverse and rapidly changing industry.
What you will study
YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4)
Level 4 introduces both theoretical and practical skills as you will work as part of a small game development team and learn the basics of production management along with building knowledge of 2D & 3D design and development. You will also expand your knowledge of C++ Programming and exploring the relationship between visual and non-visual scripting in game engines such as Unreal Engine 5.
You will also explore the broader context of game development and the critical issues facing the industry today.
MODULES
- Game Design and Interaction
- Game Asset Production
- Game Environments and Narrative Design
- Games Technology
- Game Industry and Agile Production
- Programming Fundamentals
YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)
Level 5 builds on and expands your portfolio of skills and knowledge, adding to your digital sculpting and modelling skills along with audio design and production for games. You will also expand your knowledge of C++ Programming and exploring the relationship between visual and non-visual scripting in game engines such as Unreal Engine 5.
Critically, during the second semester, you will further enhance your development and management skills by working on two substantial group game projects utilising industry standard management methodologies and supporting tools.
MODULES
- Asset Production for Game Engines
- Games Programming
- Mobile Game Development
- Serious Games Design
- Indie Studio Management
- Group Project
YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6)
Level 6 further expands on the previous skills acquired, with a focus on professional quality and management alongside advanced practical skills.
The innovative final year group project is designed to deepen your understanding of your chosen role and responsibilities as a professional developer, further preparing you for the workplace. You will form a game development team and specialise in a technical role of your own choosing for a full academic year. You and your team will present the finished game at the annual game expo event attended by both members of the public and industry representatives.
We have strong industry links and our final year modules are designed to focus on career development to prepare you for the transition from graduation to full-time work.
Students will have the opportunity to further enhance their career opportunities by engaging with the Games Talent Wales and Tranzfuser development programmes.
MODULES
- Advanced Asset Production and Technical Art
- Advanced Games Programming
- Advanced Game Design and User Engagement
- Game Industry Specialist
- Project
The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.
Entry requirements & applying
The academic requirements for the course are 80-112 UCAS tariff points at GCE A-level or equivalent including a good pass in IT, Computing, Maths or Physics.
Teaching & Assessment
This course is portfolio focused and as such, there are no formal exams. Instead, students will focus on developing technical and theoretical skills via practical assignments and research & development activities.
Assessment methods include the production of digital (and non-digital) games, writing technical and academic reports, compiling and analysing production data, giving presentations, writing code, producing 3D models and audio files.
At higher levels of the course, students will also be required to provide statistical evidence of work hours with supporting evidence as part of key assessment outcomes.
TEACHING AND LEARNING
Independent learning is an important aspect of all modules, as it enables students to develop both their subject-specific and key skills. Independent learning is promoted through the use of digital management tools such as Jira, and through feedback given to students, which takes several forms including small group and one-to-one discussions.
Wrexham University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.
We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.
In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.
Career prospects
Our Careers & Employability service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.
Students completing this course may forge successful careers as game programmers, games technical artists/animators, level designers/developers, producers or scrum masters, app designers/developers.
Our graduates are employed by some of the worlds most recognisable brands such as Ubisoft, Sony, Nintendo, Rockstar and Travellers Tales. We also work hard to support graduates who choose to set up their own games studios based within our innovative business incubation centre.
This course delivers practical skills in programming, 3D modelling, game design and project management which will qualify you to work in a variety of roles within the industry.
Given the technical skills acquired on the course, some graduates opt to pursue careers in many mainstream computing areas such as IT support, programming and technical development, consultancy and internet and e-commerce applications development.
Fees & funding
You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.
The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.
All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our undergraduate fees.
Programme specification
Accommodation
If you’re looking for a place to stay while you study then take a look at our accommodation pages to get more information on your options, including our on-campus halls of residence Wrexham Village.
International
If you are applying as an European / International Student, and live outside of the UK, you should make your application through our online application system, Centurus.
For information about the university’s entry requirements for EU/international students, please visit our international section.
