Computer Games Development

Study options

Award

BSc (Hons)

Key facts

UCAS code:
I620
UCAS code:
I623
UCAS code:
I622
Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Study option:
Full-time
Study option:
Full-time, with a foundation year
Study option:
Full-time, with a placement year
Duration:
3 Years
Duration:
4 Years
Duration:
4 Years
Start date:
23 September 2024

Number 1 in the UK

For Games Design and Development, Rookies World School Rankings 2023

Pitch your games

Pitch to studios such as Playground Games, Team 17 & Media Molecule

Excellent facilities

Including dedicated games lab & PlayStation Academic Development Programme

If you aspire to set up your own game studio or to work as a programmer in an established studio, look no further than our Computer Games Development degree.

Are you a keen programmer who wants to learn about games development in general, as well as technical games programming skills? This course is suited to those who aspire to work in an indie games studio or develop mobile games, and is also good preparation for a career as a software developer in the wider computing industry.

As members of the PlayStation® First Academic Program run by Sony, we have access to professional development hardware and software tools. Using industry standard games engines such as UE4 and Unity, you’ll gain experience in developing games from an initial concept to finished product. You will have the opportunity to pitch your games to commercial studios, which have included Playground Games, Ubisoft, Codemasters, Team 17 and Media Molecule in recent years.

Are you a keen programmer who wants to learn about games development in general, as well as technical games programming skills? This course is suited to those who aspire to work in an indie games studio or develop mobile games, and is also good preparation for a career as a software developer in the wider computing industry.

As members of the PlayStation® First Academic Program run by Sony, we have access to professional development hardware and software tools. Using industry standard games engines such as UE4 and Unity, you’ll gain experience in developing games from an initial concept to finished product. You will have the opportunity to pitch your games to commercial studios, which have included Playground Games, Ubisoft, Codemasters, Team 17 and Media Molecule in recent years.

Are you a keen programmer who wants to learn about games development in general, as well as technical games programming skills? This course is suited to those who aspire to work in an indie games studio or develop mobile games, and is also good preparation for a career as a software developer in the wider computing industry.

As members of the PlayStation® First Academic Program run by Sony, we have access to professional development hardware and software tools. Using industry standard games engines such as UE4 and Unity, you’ll gain experience in developing games from an initial concept to finished product. You will have the opportunity to pitch your games to commercial studios, which have included Playground Games, Ubisoft, Codemasters, Team 17 and Media Molecule in recent years.

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

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

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

Work placements

If you choose to complete one of our sandwich courses with a work placement between the second and final years of the course, our placement staff will work with you to identify a suitable location for your work placement. Please also note that you are responsible for any costs incurred in travelling to and from your work placement, and for any accommodation costs.

Course content

In your first year, you will build a foundation for your studies by completing core modules which are shared with our Computer Games Programming students.

This provides the opportunity to transfer between courses if you wish. You’ll learn the fundamentals of computing, programming in Java and C++, and develop 2D and 3D systems.

During your second year, you will analyse market trends, develop a marketing plan, and design and develop your own games for internal release. To complement the programming elements of the award, you will learn wider games development concepts such as asset creation, animation, game and level design, and balancing and testing.

In your final year, you will work with game designers, artists and producers to create games in a simulated game studio work environment. You’ll enhance your skills in an aspect of game development, by researching and developing a game artefact for your final year project.

In your first year, you will learn the fundamental foundations of Computer Games development to prepare you for your three year BSc.

In your second year, you will begin your BSc studies by completing core modules which are shared with our Computer Games Programming students.

This provides the opportunity to transfer between courses if you wish. You’ll learn the fundamentals of computing, programming in Java and C++, and develop 2D and 3D systems.

During your third year, you will analyse market trends, develop a marketing plan, and design and develop your own games for internal release. To complement the programming elements of the award, you will learn wider games development concepts such as asset creation, animation, game and level design, and balancing and testing.

In your final year, you will work with game designers, artists and producers to create games in a simulated game studio work environment. You’ll enhance your skills in an aspect of game development, by researching and developing a game artefact for your final year project.

In your first year, you will build a foundation for your studies by completing core modules which are shared with our Computer Games Programming students.

This provides the opportunity to transfer between courses if you wish. You’ll learn the fundamentals of computing, programming in Java and C++, and develop 2D and 3D systems.

During your second year, you will analyse market trends, develop a marketing plan, and design and develop your own games for internal release. To complement the programming elements of the award, you will learn wider games development concepts such as asset creation, animation, game and level design, and balancing and testing.

After your second year, you will complete a placement year. You could join a games company, be self-employed, or work in our very own commercial games studio.

In your final year, you will work with game designers, artists and producers to create games in a simulated game studio work environment. You’ll enhance your skills in an aspect of game development, by researching and developing a game artefact for your final year project.

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.

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.

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.

Games Labs tour

Games Labs tour

Video

Course Director for Games Design, Greg Penninck takes you on a behind the scenes tour of our Games Labs.

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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.

Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
C++ For Engines 20 credits
Game Artificial Intelligence 20 credits
Junior Collaborative Games Development 20 credits
Tools Development 20 credits
Vfx For Video Games 20 credits
Show 3 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.

Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Artificial Intelligence For Video Games 20 credits
C++ For Engines 20 credits
Junior Collaborative Games Development 20 credits
Tools Development 20 credits
Vfx For Video Games 20 credits
Show 3 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.

Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Artificial Intelligence For Video Games 20 credits
C++ For Engines 20 credits
Junior Collaborative Games Development 20 credits
Tools Development 20 credits
Vfx For Video Games 20 credits
Show 3 optional modules
Year 3 compulsory modules
Year 3 compulsory modules
Dta Industrial Placement 120 credits

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 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.

Heralding 20 Years of Games: The Christmas Lectures

News

Staffordshire University is using it’s 20 years of games anniversary to share its remarkable expertise in a series of online Christmas Lectures.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

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Facilities

Careers

As a graduate of this course you will be well equipped to work in the games industry as a gameplay programmer or indie developer. You will also have the skills to pursue a career in the wider computing industry as a software developer.

Each year commercial studios are invited in to interview our final year students for graduate positions. In recent years these studios have included Rockstar Games, D3t, Red Kite Games, Sumo Digital, Boss Alien and Flix Interactive.

Some graduates from the Games Programming courses are currently working in companies such as Activision, Rockstar Games, Rebellion, Red Kite Games, Frontier, Traveller’s Tales, and Codemasters.

Global Games Jam 2020

Global Games Jam 2020

Video

222 students. 48 hours. Discover what happened when we held the largest Global Games Jam in the UK.

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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.

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.

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.

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 (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills); written English (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy); academic writing (including how to reference); research skills; critical thinking and understanding arguments; and revision, assessment and examination skills (including 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.

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.

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.

Computing and Digital Technologies blog

Blog

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

Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and placements where appropriate. Your actual contact hours will depend on the subject area, on the option modules you select and professional body requirements. A typical composition of study time for this course is:

Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and placements where appropriate. Your actual contact hours will depend on the subject area, on the option modules you select and professional body requirements. A typical composition of study time for this course is:

Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and placements where appropriate. Your actual contact hours will depend on the subject area, on the option modules you select and professional body requirements. A typical composition of study time for this course is:

Year 1

30% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
70% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 2

24% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
76% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 3

11% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
89% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Independent learning

When not attending lectures, seminars, laboratory or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and performance and studio spaces.

When not attending lectures, seminars, laboratory or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and performance and studio spaces.

When not attending lectures, seminars, laboratory or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and performance and studio spaces.

Year 1

13% practical assessments
80% coursework
8% written exams

Year 2

0% practical assessments
90% coursework
10% written exams

Year 3

0% practical assessments
93% coursework
8% written exams

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.

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

Craig Weightman

Senior Lecturer

Craig is a lecturer in Games Programming and has an active research interest in gamification and its uses in developing society.

Craig's profile

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

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

Fees

For the course starting on 23 September 2024 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

For the course starting on 23 September 2024 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons) Full-time, with a foundation year
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 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 23 September 2024 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons) Full-time, with a placement year
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 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.

International students: Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course, as long as you complete it in the normal time-frame (i.e. no repeat years or breaks in study).

Included in tuition fees
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.

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.

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 tuition fees
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.

 

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.

 

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

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

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.

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.

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

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

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus BSc (Hons) Full-time 23 September 2024 Apply now

Rules and regulations

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

Students of Staffordshire University 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.

Information from discover uni

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Computer Games Design and Programming BSc (Hons)

Study options
Full-time
Part-time
Foundation year
Placement year

Computer Games Programming BSc (Hons)

Study options
Full-time
Foundation year
Placement year
in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

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

Research Excellence Framework 2021

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

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021