Computer Games Development

Award

BSc (Hons)

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

UCAS code

I620

Start dates available

  • September 2027

Start dates available

  • September 2027

Start dates available

  • September 2027
University of Staffordshire Courses

UK's #1 Games Institute

TIGA Best Educational Institution 2025

Learn the industry

Build skills across programming, design, art, and production for roles in indie and AAA studios.

Collaborative development

Work in groups of multidisciplinary teams to create robust and polished games

Ready to build the next cult-classic indie title or lead the charge at an established studio? Our Computer Games Development degree is a launchpad for raw creativity and technical execution. Stop playing other people's games and start coding your own future.

Stop just playing games. Start engineering them.

Whether your goal is the creative autonomy of an indie startup or the massive scale of a AAA studio, our BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development degree delivers the pragmatic computer science foundation you need to build the future of play.

Master the Tech Stack.

Dive straight into the industry standards that matter including C++, Unreal Engine, Tools Development, VFX, and 3D asset pipelines. These aren't just game design tricks - they are highly transferable computer science skills.

Access Professional Labs.

 Code and deploy on professional-grade hardware. You’ll have direct access to PlayStation 5 development kits, mobile platforms, and high-spec PCs in our dedicated games development spaces.

Plug Into the Industry.

We treat you like a developer from the start. Build your network with award-winning industry partners through sponsored game jams, guest lectures, portfolio reviews, and mock interviews.

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

Duration

University of Staffordshire undergraduate courses are usually 3 years for full-time study.

Courses which offer other study options have longer durations:

  • Full-time with a placement year, 4 years
  • Full-time with a foundation year, 4 years
  • Part-time, 4-9 years

Course content

The gaming industry is fast-paced, multi-billion-pound, and constantly evolving. Our newly redesigned degree is engineered to transform your passion into a sustainable career. Whether your ambition is to launch a disruptive indie studio, pitch to major publishers, or join an established global developer, this course provides the technical mastery and commercial acumen to make it happen.

From your first year, you will build robust programming foundations and develop deep proficiency in industry-standard engines. As you progress, you will experience the thrill of an indie startup, collaborating in multi-disciplinary teams to integrate AI, VFX, and Level Design under real-world deadlines.

What sets this course apart is your freedom to specialise. At Level 5, an array of optional modules lets you cultivate a highly specific personal skillset or band together with peers to form a specialised indie development unit.

By Level 6, traditional lectures transition into a studio-simulated environment. Alongside creating a high-calibre portfolio and a Final Year Project, you will master the business ecosystem - learning to navigate funding routes, manage studio finances, and execute marketing strategies for PC, console, and mobile markets.

You will graduate as an adaptable professional, ready for immediate employment. Whether your future lies as a Gameplay Engineer, Tools Programmer, Freelance Specialist, or Studio Founder, you will have the technical confidence and entrepreneurial sharp edge to leave your mark on the industry.

Ready to build the future? Your journey starts here.

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

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
Core Programming Concepts For Games 30 credits
Fundamentals Of Game Artificial Intelligence 30 credits
Indie Game Development 30 credits
Introduction To Games Design 30 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Game Production Studio 30 credits
Mobile Games Development 30 credits
Show 8 optional modules
Year 3 compulsory modules
Indie Business 30 credits
Procedural Content Generation 30 credits
Show 3 optional modules

Entry requirements

What do I need?

UCAS

112-120 UCAS points

A Levels

BBC

BTEC

DMM

Work out your estimated grades using the UCAS calculator

Other UK qualifications
  • 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 welcome applications from students studying a range of international and UK qualifications, including Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales, Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers and the Irish Leaving Certificate. Offers will normally be made in line with our standard entry requirements and may include specific grade requirements in relevant subjects.

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 Programming Lab

Our labs offer development facilities for multiple platforms including Windows, Linux, PS5, PS4, Evercade and mobile. All relevant software is installed on our machines, all of which have two monitors and bolsters high powered hardware.

Software Development Tools

You'll have access to development environments for desktop, mobile and enterprise applications as well as access to common IDE’s Visual Studio, Visual Code and Rider, with the ability to test and deploy to a range of devices and configurations.

PlayStation Academic Development Programme

Our membership of this programme means you will have access to the professional PlayStation software development kit (SDK) and development hardware, including PS4 and PS5 dev kits.

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. This facility hosts sessions that show students how to set up and prepare shoots at a high industry level.

Watch video

VR, AR and Mixed Reality Lab

The VR, AR and Mixed Reality Lab is equipped with a number of HTC Vive Virtual Reality headsets and a dedicated development area to create, develop and test VR solutions. 

Watch video

Careers

Many graduates have secured roles in companies such as: Codemasters, Double Eleven, Flix Interactive, Frontier, Kwalee, Lucid Games, Niantic, Playtonic, Rebellion, Rockstar, Stellar Entertainment, Supermassive and Two Point Studios.

As well as some graduates developing and releasing their own independent projects.

Students have the opportunity to enhance their studies with a placement year, gain valuable work experience, and take part in international activities, supported by the Turing funding.

All students have access to Careers, Placements & Employability, our dedicated careers team.

Students on this programme have the opportunity to enhance their studies with a placement year, gain valuable work experience, and take part in international activities—potentially supported by the Turing funding.

All students have access to Careers, Placements & Employability, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, workshops and laboratory practicals. In addition, you will have meetings with your academic mentor 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. 

Assessment

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

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.

Feedback

Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Staff

You will be taught by an expert teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes senior academics and professional practitioners with industry experience. Postgraduate research students who have undertaken teaching training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Please note, teaching team staff members may change during your studies.

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Davin Ward

Course Director

Davin is the Course Director for Game Technologies. Having experience in running his own indie games company he brings this knowledge and understanding into his teaching. As Course Director he is responsible for supporting placements opportunities.

Davin's profile
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Shaun Reeves

Senior Lecturer

Shaun is a Senior Lecturer in Computer Games Programming. He is the Course Leader for BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development, and leads the FoRGE programme, engaging FE with HE.

Shaun's profile
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Peter Cooper

Lecturer

Peter has taught software engineering, web development, games development and computer science. He is commencing a research MSc in Computer Science, developing areas of interest such as Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Gaming and Gamification.

Peter's profile
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James Banton

Lecturer

James works across Games Development and Games Programming and actively researches Artificial Intelligence in games, focusses on employability for students and readying students throughout their work for industry standard.

James's profile
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Chris Windmill

Senior Lecturer

Christopher is a software engineer with a background in real-time systems, large scale networks and systems with a passion for games and optimisation. His main area of interest is in the use of technology to improve the human experience.

Chris's profile
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Luke Barsby

Lecturer

Luke is a Computer Game’s Developer as well as an active researcher in the Extended Reality field. His main area of interest is using mixed realty as a tool for the design of interactive exhibits.

Luke's profile
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James Vickers

Lecturer

Jay is the module leader for Game Engine Creation and lecturer for various other modules across programming and development. Jay has a background in computer science and quantum computing as well as graphical programming.

James's profile
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Bradley Davis

Lecturer

Brad is an expert in the design and programming of immersive reality applications. His interests surround potential uses of immersive devices and the improvement of user interfaces for XR games.

Bradley's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 20 September 2027, the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £10,050 per year of study £17,285 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.

Included in the fees:

Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module.

The use of all workshops, studios and specialist technical facilities and hire of equipment relating to the course of study.
Not included in the fees:

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

The cost of materials for the development of a student’s individual practice and work. Additional costs vary dependent upon student’s own choice of materials and approach to their practice.

Optional personal insurance when borrowing equipment such as cameras, lighting equipment etc. for extended period of use off campus [Approx £50-£100]. It may be possible to add some items to home contents insurance.

 
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Sources of financial support

If you receive funding from Student Finance you may be eligible to apply for additional benefits. Details can be obtained by reading our additional funding web pages, or visiting www.gov.uk.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Our students

University Of Staffordshire Quote
I felt like I was part of a community that welcomed me and was able to make a lot of friends at every turn.

I found all the lecturers and students were so welcoming and kind. I felt like I was part of a community that welcomed me – and was able to make a lot of friends at every turn. I had such an amazing experience at Staffs. I am now a Digital and Computing Lecturer at South Staffordshire College. If you want to study game creation – the University of Staffordshire is the place to do it!

Jake sharples

Graduate, BSc (Hons) Computer Games Design Development

University Of Staffordshire Quote
Now, I work as a games programmer for Flix Interactive on Sea of Thieves.

Now, I work as a games programmer for Flix Interactive on Sea of Thieves. I have been here for 3 years. I also make games on the side and hope to start my own company.

Benjamin Nilsson

Graduate, BSc (Hons) Computer Games Design Development

I’m really enjoying my time at Staffs and recommend it and the course to anyone thinking about applying / doing it.

The facilities are fantastic. The two main facilities I find useful are the library and the Mellor building. They are both open 24 hours a day and are easy to access with necessary equipment such as computers and printers. The Mellor is especially helpful to me because the dual monitors in certain rooms are very useful when programming.

The staff on my course are excellent. Very clear when explaining topics and elements, happy to help when you ask and still have a good sense of humour – which is important!

I’m really enjoying my time at Staffs and recommend it and the course to anyone thinking about applying / doing it.

Lewis Heath

BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development

Apply now to Computer Games Development

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus BSc (Hons) Full-time 20 September 2027 Apply now

Not ready to apply yet?

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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Have you considered?

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025

TIGA Best Games Institution 2024, 2025

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

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021