BSc (Hons) Computer Game Development
Course details
- UCAS CodeG451
- Year of entry 2023, 2024
- Duration 3 YRS (FT) 6 YRS (PT)
- UCAS Tariff 80-112
- Institution Code G53
- Location Wrexham
Course Highlights
2nd out of Welsh universities
for the teaching on my course (National Student Survey 2022)*
3rd out of Welsh universities
for overall satisfaction (National Student Survey 2022)*
Accredited by
the British Computing Society
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.
- *Study a course that is part of a subject area rated 3rd in the UK and 1st in Wales for satisfaction with teaching, and 2nd in the UK and 1st in Wales for satisfaction with the course in the Computer Science and Information Systems subject league tables, The Guardian University Guide 2022.
- *Study a course that is part of a CHA3 subject group ranked 2nd out of Welsh universities for the teaching on my course in the National Student Survey 2022.
- *Study a course that is part of a CHA3 subject group ranked 3rd out of Welsh universities for overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2022.
Computing atWrexham Glyndŵr University
Thinking of a career in Computing? Hear from lecturers and students about our Computing course at Wrexham Glyndwr University.
Key course features
- This course is accredited by the British Computer Society.
- Regular contact with games and media industry professionals through guest lectures, seminars, and local & national events.
- You will be taught by an award-winning teaching team with professional industry backgrounds and experience.
- Access to our in-house games business incubation centre.
- Learn how to manage a professional game development team using industry-standard methodologies and practice
- The course is an official BAFTA Cymru Games Awards partner and sponsor.
- Work with the latest tools and technology in two specialist game development studios dedicated to designing, production, motion capture and VR.
- This course is accredited by the British Computing Society.
- 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.
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. Maths and programming also play an important role along with an understanding of the hardware used for gaming and media.
You will also explore the broader context of game development and the critical issues facing the industry today.
MODULES
- Game Design & Interaction
- Game Technology
- Game Asset Development
- Game Environments & Narrative Design
- Problem Solving With Programming
- Game Industry & Agile Production Methodologies
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 learn how to design and develop apps for Android and other mobile platforms.
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
- Serious Games Technology
- 3D Modelling & Animation for Game Engines
- Audio Technology for Games
- Internet & Mobile App Development
- Group Project
- Indie Studio Management & Game Production
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
- Project
- Advanced Games Programming
- Multiplayer Design & Optimisation
- Advanced 3D Modelling & Animation for Game Engines
- Future Technologies
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 Glyndŵr 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.
Wrexham Glyndŵr University’s tuition fees for 2023/24 for a full-time undergraduate degree course are £9000 per year.
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 FAQs.
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.
