Computer Games Design and Programming BSc (Hons)

UCAS code I646

Duration

3 Years

4 Years

4 Years

6 Years

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

As a Computer Games Design and Programming student, you'll learn how to take your game ideas from concept, through production to final release using industry-standard design and development techniques. You will also learn how to develop or modify the technologies used in game engines.

Run in affiliation with games industry body TIGA, this course will give you the skills you need for a career in games development focused around using multiple games technologies. This course has been designed around the needs of the games industry with the focus on developing skills in design, programming and production.

These three core areas cover many of the job roles advertised by a highly competitive worldwide games industry and allow a graduate to cast a wide net when it comes to applying for a games studio role. This broad skill set also makes graduates from this course ideally suited to joining Indie teams where the need to be flexible in a role is particularly valuable or to independently create their own games.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Computer Games Design and Programming.

Run in affiliation with games industry body TIGA, this course will give you the skills you need for a career in games development focused around using multiple games technologies. This course has been designed around the needs of the games industry with the focus on developing skills in design, programming and production.

These three core areas cover many of the job roles advertised by a highly competitive worldwide games industry and allow a graduate to cast a wide net when it comes to applying for a games studio role. This broad skill set also makes graduates from this course ideally suited to joining Indie teams where the need to be flexible in a role is particularly valuable or to independently create their own games.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Computer Games Design and Programming.

Run in affiliation with games industry body TIGA, this course will give you the skills you need for a career in games development focused around using multiple games technologies. This course has been designed around the needs of the games industry with the focus on developing skills in design, programming and production.

These three core areas cover many of the job roles advertised by a highly competitive worldwide games industry and allow a graduate to cast a wide net when it comes to applying for a games studio role. This broad skill set also makes graduates from this course ideally suited to joining Indie teams where the need to be flexible in a role is particularly valuable or to independently create their own games.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Computer Games Design and Programming.

Run in affiliation with games industry body TIGA, this course will give you the skills you need for a career in games development focused around using multiple games technologies. This course has been designed around the needs of the games industry with the focus on developing skills in design, programming and production.

These three core areas cover many of the job roles advertised by a highly competitive worldwide games industry and allow a graduate to cast a wide net when it comes to applying for a games studio role. This broad skill set also makes graduates from this course ideally suited to joining Indie teams where the need to be flexible in a role is particularly valuable or to independently create their own games.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Computer Games Design and Programming.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Computer Games Design and Programming

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Computer Games Design and Programming

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Computer Games Design and Programming

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Computer Games Design and Programming

Course content

In Year 1, you will learn the fundamentals of programming using C++ for engine creation, develop your games design and development skills using the industry's leading games engines, and apply rapid games prototyping skills for designing and demonstrating your own innovative game ideas. During this year, the work covered will take you from concept generation to gameplay prototype using visual scripting, C# and C++ both in existing engines and by developing your own coding frameworks. No prior coding or games engine knowledge is required, just a passion for wanting to create your own games.

In Year 2, you’ll work on a collaborative group project as a junior member of a full development team. You will expand your knowledge of using games engines to develop games and continue to enhance your programming skills in C++ and C#. Optional modules allow you to develop skills for 2D/3D asset creation, 3D graphics programming, UI and level design. In this year, you will have the opportunity to design and develop your own full indie game title using industry-standard production methods and advanced engine and programming techniques.

In Year 3, you will work as a senior or lead member of a development team on a collaborative game. You’ll also design and develop your own individual project, learn and apply artificial intelligence techniques, and refine your skills in options for production, design or programming. By this stage, you will have designed and developed numerous game concepts and prototypes, expanded your knowledge of the games production pipeline and worked in groups to develop vertical slices of high-quality industry-style games.

Academic year

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Typically the majority of modules are 30 academic credits with a smaller number of 15 credit modules. Each credit taken equates to a total study time of around 10 hours. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity. Full-time students take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6. The full-time course has one start point in September.

In Year 1, you will learn the fundamentals of programming using C++ for engine creation, develop your games design and development skills using the industry's leading games engines, and apply rapid games prototyping skills for designing and demonstrating your own innovative game ideas. During this year, the work covered will take you from concept generation to gameplay prototype using visual scripting, C# and C++ both in existing engines and by developing your own coding frameworks. No prior coding or games engine knowledge is required, just a passion for wanting to create your own games.

In Year 2, you’ll work on a collaborative group project as a junior member of a full development team. You will expand your knowledge of using games engines to develop games and continue to enhance your programming skills in C++ and C#. Optional modules allow you to develop skills for 2D/3D asset creation, 3D graphics programming, UI and level design. In this year, you will have the opportunity to design and develop your own full indie game title using industry-standard production methods and advanced engine and programming techniques.

In Year 3, you will work as a senior or lead member of a development team on a collaborative game. You’ll also design and develop your own individual project, learn and apply artificial intelligence techniques, and refine your skills in options for production, design or programming. By this stage, you will have designed and developed numerous game concepts and prototypes, expanded your knowledge of the games production pipeline and worked in groups to develop vertical slices of high-quality industry-style games.

Academic year

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Typically the majority of modules are 30 academic credits with a smaller number of 15 credit modules. Each credit taken equates to a total study time of around 10 hours. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity. Full-time students take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6. The full-time course has one start point in September.

In Year 1, you will learn the fundamentals of programming using C++ for engine creation, develop your games design and development skills using the industry's leading games engines, and apply rapid games prototyping skills for designing and demonstrating your own innovative game ideas. During this year, the work covered will take you from concept generation to gameplay prototype using visual scripting, C# and C++ both in existing engines and by developing your own coding frameworks. No prior coding or games engine knowledge is required, just a passion for wanting to create your own games.

In Year 2, you’ll work on a collaborative group project as a junior member of a full development team. You will expand your knowledge of using games engines to develop games and continue to enhance your programming skills in C++ and C#. Optional modules allow you to develop skills for 2D/3D asset creation, 3D graphics programming, UI and level design. In this year, you will have the opportunity to design and develop your own full indie game title using industry-standard production methods and advanced engine and programming techniques.

In Year 3, you will work as a senior or lead member of a development team on a collaborative game. You’ll also design and develop your own individual project, learn and apply artificial intelligence techniques, and refine your skills in options for production, design or programming. By this stage, you will have designed and developed numerous game concepts and prototypes, expanded your knowledge of the games production pipeline and worked in groups to develop vertical slices of high-quality industry-style games.

Academic year

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Typically the majority of modules are 30 academic credits with a smaller number of 15 credit modules. Each credit taken equates to a total study time of around 10 hours. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity. Full-time students take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6. The full-time course has one start point in September.

In Year 1, you will learn the fundamentals of programming using C++ for engine creation, develop your games design and development skills using the industry's leading games engines, and apply rapid games prototyping skills for designing and demonstrating your own innovative game ideas. During this year, the work covered will take you from concept generation to gameplay prototype using visual scripting, C# and C++ both in existing engines and by developing your own coding frameworks. No prior coding or games engine knowledge is required, just a passion for wanting to create your own games.

In Year 2, you’ll work on a collaborative group project as a junior member of a full development team. You will expand your knowledge of using games engines to develop games and continue to enhance your programming skills in C++ and C#. Optional modules allow you to develop skills for 2D/3D asset creation, 3D graphics programming, UI and level design. In this year, you will have the opportunity to design and develop your own full indie game title using industry-standard production methods and advanced engine and programming techniques.

In Year 3, you will work as a senior or lead member of a development team on a collaborative game. You’ll also design and develop your own individual project, learn and apply artificial intelligence techniques, and refine your skills in options for production, design or programming. By this stage, you will have designed and developed numerous game concepts and prototypes, expanded your knowledge of the games production pipeline and worked in groups to develop vertical slices of high-quality industry-style games.

Academic year

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Typically the majority of modules are 30 academic credits with a smaller number of 15 credit modules. Each credit taken equates to a total study time of around 10 hours. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity. Full-time students take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6. The full-time course has one start point in September.

Professional body accreditation

Accredited by TIGA (The Independent Game Developers' Association) as delivering skills relevant to the games industry. TIGA accreditation is applicable to courses meeting any of a wide range of games industry needs, such as programming, art, design and entrepreneurship.

TIGA

Professional body accreditation

Accredited by TIGA (The Independent Game Developers' Association) as delivering skills relevant to the games industry. TIGA accreditation is applicable to courses meeting any of a wide range of games industry needs, such as programming, art, design and entrepreneurship.

TIGA

Professional body accreditation

Accredited by TIGA (The Independent Game Developers' Association) as delivering skills relevant to the games industry. TIGA accreditation is applicable to courses meeting any of a wide range of games industry needs, such as programming, art, design and entrepreneurship.

TIGA

Professional body accreditation

Accredited by TIGA (The Independent Game Developers' Association) as delivering skills relevant to the games industry. TIGA accreditation is applicable to courses meeting any of a wide range of games industry needs, such as programming, art, design and entrepreneurship.

TIGA

Computing and Digital Technologies blog

Blog

Read the latest blog from Games Design in Computing and Digital Technologies

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
C# Scripting For Games Engines 20 credits
Computational Methods 20 credits
Game Prototyping 20 credits
Introduction To Graphics Programming 20 credits
Mechanics Prototyping 20 credits
Programming Fundamentals 20 credits
Year 3 compulsory modules
Year 3 compulsory modules
Games Development Project 40 credits
Low-Level Gameplay 20 credits
Multiplayer Level Design 20 credits
Senior Collaborative Games Development 20 credits
Show 2 optional modules

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
C# Scripting For Games Engines 20 credits
Computational Methods 20 credits
Game Prototyping 20 credits
Introduction To Graphics Programming 20 credits
Mechanics Prototyping 20 credits
Programming Fundamentals 20 credits

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
C# Scripting For Games Engines 20 credits
Computational Methods 20 credits
Game Prototyping 20 credits
Introduction To Graphics Programming 20 credits
Mechanics Prototyping 20 credits
Programming Fundamentals 20 credits
Year 3 compulsory modules
Year 3 compulsory modules
Dta Industrial Placement 120 credits

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Introduction To Graphics Programming 20 credits
Mechanics Prototyping 20 credits
Programming Fundamentals 20 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
C# Scripting For Games Engines 20 credits
Computational Methods 20 credits
Game Prototyping 20 credits
Year 3 compulsory modules
Year 3 compulsory modules
Advanced Mechanics Design 20 credits
Introduction To Mechanics Design 20 credits
Show 4 optional modules

Entry requirements

We use UCAS points in our offer making and welcome a wide range of qualifications.

112-120 UCAS Tariff points

  • GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer
  • Typical UCAS Offer: 48 points
  • A levels: A, DD, EEE
  • BTEC: PPP

We use UCAS points in our offer making and welcome a wide range of qualifications.

112-120 UCAS Tariff points

  • GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

We use UCAS points in our offer making and welcome a wide range of qualifications.

112-120 UCAS Tariff points

  • GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

Facilities

Games Labs

Our world-class games development studios are fully equipped with the latest industry-standard software and hardware to give you a professional design and programming experience.

Global Games Jam

We host the UK's largest Global Games Jam site (Over 200 Jammers!) aimed at cultivating and fostering Innovation, Experimentation, Collaboration. Read more

Our students and members of the general public take part in a three day event developing digital or analogue games in their own teams using our Cadman Studios where our Games and VFX courses are run. It is a fantastic experience - the opportunity to meet new friends and make games based on a super-secret yearly theme from the Global Games Jam group!

Motion Capture Studio

Realistically capture multiple human movements simultaneously for the creation of high-quality games, animation and VFX sequences. Our industry standard facility features a 24-camera rig, Vicon hardware and Cara facial performance capture headset. Read more

The Motion Capture Stage is located in the Cadman Building, working alongside The Smart Zone. This facility hosts sessions that show students how to set up and prepare shoots at a high industry level. The sessions provided give in-depth information that covers each stage, from preparation to exporting data for use within a project.

Our MoCap Studio is used by students from a wide range of subjects, including Film and Media, Games Design, Animation, Drama, Sports Therapy and CGI and Visual Effects. 

Find out more about our Motion Capture Stage.

Careers

Graduates from our Computer Games Design and Programming award possess the skills to undertake a wide variety of industry jobs from small self-published titles to AAA blockbusters.

Recent graduates have worked in roles such as Unity/Unreal games developer, graphics programmer, senior functional tester, and augmented/virtual reality application developer.

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and laboratory practicals. Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 16-18 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and laboratory practicals. Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 16-18 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and laboratory practicals. Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 16-18 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and laboratory practicals. Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 16-18 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include:

  • study skills such as reading, note-taking and presentation skills
  • written English, including punctuation and grammatical accuracy
  • academic writing and how to reference
  • research skills
  • critical thinking and understanding arguments
  • revision, assessment and examination skills
  • time management

Additional support

Our Student Inclusion Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Staff

Thomas Oliver

Senior Lecturer

Tom comes to education from an industry background running his own indie games company. He specialises in realising game mechanics through use of commercial engines but is also proficient in audio development and all things maths related.

Thomas's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,535 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,535 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate £16,750 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,535 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands
Part-time £4,740 per year of study

UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.

Our students

The best part of the course is working with lecturers who have industry experience.

Having an Epic Games lab, where all the computers are funded by Epic Games is very useful to have. There are also 24/7 labs with dual monitors and fast PCs, which is a HUGE help when working in the programs used for the course.

The best part of the course is working with lecturers who have industry experience; they teach exactly what you need for you to get your desirable job. If you ask them a question, you will find that they will answer your question and 10 other questions you might have had because they have so much great advice.

Staffs is a gateway to so many amazing jobs that you might never have thought were possible. 

Louis Whitehouse

BSc (Hons) Computer Games Design and Programming

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus BSc (Hons) Full-time 22 September 2025 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

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of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

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