Welcome to your Computer Games Design and Programming course

Welcome to University of Staffordshire

We know you're already passionate about your subject, which is why we're excited you've chosen University of Staffordshire as the place to turn possibility into reality.

To give you an insight into what life as a Computer Games Design and Programming student is like, your course leaders have prepared introductions to the course and further activities.

Welcome to the Computer Games Design and Programming course at Staffordshire University! We are very pleased that you have chosen to join one of the most creative and technology driven areas of the university as we welcome you to the Games Development Department.

Course delivery

In Games, the academic year is comprised of 3-blocks of learning. Each block is 9-weeks long. You can expect to be scheduled for 12-hours of contact throughout the week. This is usually timetabled over 3-days.

You will study two modules at the same time. With each module being timetabled 6 hours of contact per-module-per-week. You will study 6 modules per year.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and development practical. Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 15-40 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.

Your course will provide you with opportunities to engage with formative modules and engagement activities to help us to gauge your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments.

There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, practical portfolio work, development logbooks, written reports, presentations, and independent supervised projects. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark, and ultimately to your degree classification.

You’ll often be given independent learning tasks (homework) that are designed to consolidate your learning and give you opportunities to complete tutorials or practice what you’ve learnt from your scheduled sessions. This is what we refer to as self-managed study time. Assignments are broken up into milestones throughout the Teaching Blocks.

Semester one activities

During your first few weeks with us we will be starting the basics of C++ programming and the fundamentals of computing alongside the development of an in-depth understanding of the academic skills required during university, and an appreciation of the skills preparation required for the games industry.

Programming Fundamentals – A module which introduces the core practises of programming in C++, you will explore a range of programming techniques in isolation before combing these to make a small, text-based game.

Computational Methods – A module where you will be presented with a range of computational problems which you will learn solve using both algorithmic and programming techniques. The solutions will come in a variety of forms, ranging from pseudo code, spreadsheeting, and programmed elements.

C# Scripting for Games – A module which introduces the Unity Games engine and programming / scripting in C#.

Mechanics Prototyping – A module which introduces Unreal Engine’s visual scripting language Blueprint for creating exciting new gameplay mechanics.

Introduction to Graphics Programming – A module which introduces the programming techniques of rendering 2D and 3D graphics.

Game Prototyping – A module where you will create a series of quick prototype games exploring agile development techniques and a a range of engine features in Unity.

Pre-learning

Before you arrive, we advise signing up to these resources and installing key software including Unreal Engine, Unity 2022 LTS and Visual Studio 2022. Here are a few key things to do:

Create an Account on the Unity website

Create a free student account, this can be used to login to Unity’s Learn Platform (https://learn.unity.com/)

Create an Unreal Engine Account

Create a free account, this can then be used to login to the Unreal Learn (https://learn.unrealengine.com/ ) site which has a plethora of tutorial videos for all levels of Unreal Engine users from beginners to experienced user.

Sign up to Github

Once you have your University Student email details, you can sign up to the student package on the Github website: (https://education.github.com/)

Download and Install Visual Studio 2022

Visit the Visual Studio website and download the installer: (https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/vs/community/)

Make sure you choose to install all of the various C++ and games related elements of Visual Studio during the install process.

There are also some fantastic industry websites which are worth bookmaking:

https://ukie.org.uk/

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ 

https://gamerepublic.net/ 

https://www.therookies.co/ 

We would also recommend subscribing to the following YouTube Channels

https://www.youtube.com/c/Gdconf/videos 

https://www.youtube.com/c/UnrealEngine/videos 

https://www.youtube.com/user/Unity3D

We also advise students to take a look at SoloLearn to start to develop a basic understanding of C++: https://www.sololearn.com/

Equipment and software

Software

We will be using the following on the course:

Visual Studio 2022

Microsoft Office 

Unity 2022 LTS

Unreal Engine 5

Much of the software you’ll be using is free or discounted to students with a valid University e-mail address. The above packages are available in our labs but if you wish to have access to them on your own PC the recommended specification is below. 

Suggested Hardware specs:

Minimum 8GB RAM, recommended 16 GB RAM
Minimum i5 Intel CPU, recommended i7 Intel CPU
Minimum NVidia GTX 970/ 2080, recommended for UE5 projects / Ray Tracing
Minimum 1 TB HDD , recommended SSD for loading game projects

You can download wide range of software from the University free of charge once you have enrolled.

Download software

Social Groups

The student's union has a lot of groups that you, as a games and visual effects student may be interested in:

Pokémon Society London - https://www.staffsunion.com/activities/society/pokemonsocietylondon/

Press Start Society - https://www.staffsunion.com/activities/society/pressstartsoc/

Rhythm Revolution Society - https://www.staffsunion.com/activities/society/rhythmrevolution/

Robotics Society – coming soon!

Rolling Bones Society - https://www.staffsunion.com/activities/society/rollingbones/

Silver Screen Society - https://www.staffsunion.com/activities/society/silverscreensoc/

Meet the team

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

What to expect on Welcome Week

We're so excited for you to join us on campus and to welcome you to where you matter. During your welcome week you'll be able to meet our friendly student services teams, connect with new friends, join societies, explore on-campus venues attend club nights and much more.