Computer Games Design and Programming

Fundamentals Of Game Artificial Intelligence

Computer games are populated with characters that flesh out the world. These characters need to navigate their way through the environment in an intelligent manner, whilst avoiding collisions with the player and other characters. This module will introduce you to the mathematical concepts that underpin this behaviour.

Module code: GDEV40036

Game Engine Programming

In this module, you’ll develop a playable prototype using industry-standard tools while strengthening your understanding of core game design and engine workflows. You’ll also create a clear, engaging tutorial video that teaches one of your own game features, helping you refine both your technical skills and your ability to communicate them. This combination of creative development and technical explanation prepares you for collaborative, professional practice in the games industry.

Module code: GDEV40039

Introduction To Systems Prototyping

You will be taught from scratch how to design, develop and enhance your own early-stage game prototype using prototyping techniques and scripting in an industry-standard game engine. This will include how to manage your time effectively, write optimal code, and make strong design choices.

Module code: GDEV40043

Core Programming Concepts For Games

Introduction to C++ provides you with an understanding of the fundamental concepts that underlie modern programming practices and techniques through a structured, problem-focused approach. This module links together your ability to understand a problem, create and test a solution, and reflect on the outcome of the work.

Module code: GDEV40033

Rational Level Design

This module centres around the creation of a level through the implementation of an industry standard pipeline. You will utilise tools to ideate, construct, test, and iterate your level, applying level design principles and theory, strengthening rationale, and expanding tool proficiency.

Module code: GDEV50072

Mechanics Design

The games development sector continues to grow year-on-year, alongside the expectations of players. As a result, the technologies which make up games continues to evolve rapidly. In this module, we peer inside the cutting-edge tech within modern game engines, with a particular focus on developing fun gameplay experiences. We outline the principles needed in the design and implementation of complex mechanics on the bleeding-edge of what is possible in engines. This encompasses a range of topics, from gameplay feel, UI & UX design to data-orientation, optimisation and building readable, decoupled systems.

Module code: GDEV50066

User Interface Design

This module will explore the key principles of User Interface design as you research existing Interfaces in games and then design your own. You will explore a range of User Experience principles and use these skills and knowledge to implement your own User Interface into a game engine.

Module code: GDEV50081

Programming Architectures For Engines

In this module, you’ll learn how to build robust gameplay systems in a modern Game Engine using appropriate programming methods. You’ll explore how to structure logic cleanly, optimise performance, and create tools that designers can use without wrestling with complex code. You’ll also analyse how the programming language and engine features work best together in a professional workflow, producing a report that helps you understand and justify the smartest approach to building modern games.

Module code: GDEV50071

Game Production Studio

You will work in a group consisting of peers from across the suite of games development courses, forming a multidisciplinary team that mirrors a real development studio. Together, you will plan, prototype and deliver a vertical slice of a game.The module places strong emphasis on collaboration, communication and professional conduct. You will learn how to work effectively within a team, manage workflows across different disciplines, give and receive constructive feedback, and adapt to the challenges of shared production pipelines. Alongside their technical development, you will build key soft skills such as leadership, organisation, problem solving and time management, all of which are essential for a successful career in the games industry.

Module code: GDEV50060

Dtib Industrial Placement

Module code: PLAC00002

Experimental Gameplay Design

Using briefs provided by industry professionals, you’ll be tasked with exploring and implementing unique gameplay mechanics in a complete demo of gameplay programming and technical design. This may include exploring topics such as rhythm games, vehicle systems, or external APIs to develop experimental and innovative gameplay prototypes.

Module code: GDEV60049

Final Year Project: Dissertation

This module allows you to investigate an emerging area of game development through an independent technical research project. Working with a supervisor, you will define a research question, explore it through academic and technical investigation, create a practical artefact, and evaluate your findings in a written dissertation. The module is ideal for students seeking to deepen their technical expertise and produce a substantial portfolio piece that supports progression into industry, postgraduate study or research and development roles.

Module code: GDEV60052

Advanced Level Design

This module focuses on the research and experimentation of game mechanics in order to develop an understanding of them in the context of level design. You will further your knowledge of level design and underlying principles to develop a portfolio of professional work.

Module code: GDEV60038

Final Year Project: Technical Artefact

Modern game technologies continue to advance rapidly, shaping the way developers design, prototype and deliver interactive content. New engines, frameworks and production techniques are transforming what is possible across gameplay systems, simulation, interaction design, tooling and real-time rendering. This module gives you the opportunity to explore this evolving landscape by creating an independent technical artefact. You will define a technical challenge of your choice and develop a playable game, interactive experience or applied games technology prototype that responds directly to it. Working under supervision, you will investigate the techniques, tools and theories relevant to your chosen problem, plan and implement a substantial technical project, document your development process and evaluate your outcomes through structured reflection.This module is suited to students who want to push their technical abilities further and produce a portfolio-quality artefact that demonstrates readiness for roles in game development, technical design, programming, research and development, or further study in advanced games technologies.

Module code: GDEV60053

Final Year Project: Collaborative Project

Game development is an inherently collaborative discipline. Modern studios rely on teams of designers, programmers, technical artists and production specialists working together to create complex interactive systems. This module gives you the opportunity to experience this collaborative environment by working as part of a team to produce a technical artefact.You will define a shared technical challenge and work with your group to create a playable game, interactive experience or applied games technology prototype. As a team, you will investigate relevant technologies, plan your development workflow, build and refine your artefact and document your progress through shared and individual evidence.Alongside team responsibilities, each student will take ownership of a defined area of contribution and produce a development document that records their personal workflow and technical decision making. The module concludes with a viva in which you will present the collaborative artefact and demonstrate both team understanding and individual accountability.This module is designed for students who want to strengthen their technical skills while developing the collaborative and communicative abilities that are essential for professional game development and wider creative technology industries.

Module code: GDEV60051