BSc (Hons) Games Development course preparation

To help you feel confident and ready to begin your BSc (Hons) Games Development studies, we’ve put together everything you need to start preparing. Below you will find key department contacts, where you’ll be learning, useful resources and practical tips to help you make a smooth transition to university. Read on to find out what’s waiting for you:

Prepare for university

We know that you’re aware that studying at university will include hard work. But succeeding at university is more than academic ability alone. There are a few skills that you can start developing now, so that you’re a pro when it comes to the start of your studies in September.

• Time management – you may have to juggle assessments, lectures, work and social activities. Developing strong time management skills early on will help you to prioritise deadlines, stay organised and make the most of your time.
• Critical thinking – university study encourages you to question ides, evaluate evidence and form your own informed decisions. You’ll be expected to engage critically with the work you’re studying in a professional, academic manner. Your opinions matter, so don’t be afraid to share them.
• Teamwork – some modules may require you to work with others on your course to complete tasks and discuss analytical findings. Learning how to contribute confidently and work collaboratively as part of a team is a key professional skill.
• Independent work – in contrary to the above, it’s also important to be able to work independently. The majority of your work will need to be submitted individually, so it’s important you take ownership of your learning. And if there is something that you don’t understand, make sure you ask your tutor.
• Self-motivation – you’ll be encouraged manage your own workload. That means you won’t have a teacher chasing you for deadlines. So it’s important that you hold yourself accountable and make the decision to put the work in.

Your Timetable

Available from the 3rd August

You will receive full timetable information from your department during Induction Week.

Ahead of this you can access the provisional course timetable on Student Calendar. You will need to select Courses from the drop-down menu, search for your course in the Resource(s) box and find the year one timetable from the list. Then just use the arrows to scroll forward to your course start date.

If you are going to be studying part-time with us, please look at the individual module timetables according to your planned curriculum.

Please note that all timetables on Student Calendar are subject to change. Check back regularly for updates.

Suggested reading

You’ll be given lots of information about which textbooks to read and introduced to the University Library, as well as the many ebooks we have for you to access, when you begin your studies in September.

In the meantime, there are a couple of suggested books you might like to read, if you can, before starting your degree. We don’t recommend rushing out to buy texts before you arrive. But, if you can pick some up second hand, borrow from a library, or access online, we’d recommend:

• New Perspective on Computer Concepts 2016: Introductory ISBN 13 978-1305387751
• Foundations of Computer Science ISBN-13: 978-1408088418
• Think Python (2nd Edition) by Allen B. Downey (you can access the book for free)
• Java for Everyone (2nd Edition) ISBN 13 978-1118063316

Additionally, here are some books you may find interesting:

• Hello World. Hannah Fry
• Algorithms to Live By: The Computer Science of Human Decisions. Brian Christian and Tom Griffiths
• New Thinking. Dagogo Altraide

Useful resources:

Game development is a creative and hands-on field that combines technical skills with design and storytelling. As you explore different tools, platforms and communities, you’ll start to build the knowledge and experience needed to bring your ideas to life.

New to game development? You might be wondering where to start. There are lots of beginner-friendly resources available to help you get started, build confidence and begin creating your own games.

• Expand your knowledge on 3D Math Primer for Graphics and Game Development with this free recourse Cartesian Coordinate Systems – 3D Math Primer for Graphics and Game Development
• Follow updates in the UK games industry via sites such as GamesIndustry.biz or MCV/DEVELOP, which cover news, trends and insights from across the sector.
• Join the game development community on sites like GameDev.net or dedicated forums and Discord groups to ask questions, share ideas and get feedback on your work.
• Explore the UK game development scene through podcasts like the Game Dev Local Podcast, which shares insights, trends and career advice from developers working in the industry.
• Discover more stories about how games are made through documentaries and talks that explore the development process, industry culture and the experiences of real developers.
• You can start to learn how to programme in Python through this free course .
• Explore the current tech job market on IT Jobs Watch and join a developer community on DZone.
• Other useful websites include: w3schools.com , css-tricks.com , wibit.net

Suggested tasks for summer

Here are a couple of ideas for you to try some games programming related fun:

• Start to tackle a programming language. We recommend learning Python, Java or C#. Try the mobile app Solo Learn
• Explore the area of computing you’re interested in via books, blogs and websites
• Develop your own app ideas and explore the tech used to create them

Materials you may need:

It’s a good idea to wait until you start your course to buy any books or specific equipment as your tutor will be able to provide more details about what is essential. And our library may be able to provide you with reading materials. But there are a few things you may want to consider.

• Academic diary – a staple to help you with your time management as well as upcoming tasks in both your academic and personal life.
• Notepads and pens – some people prefer to do this digitally rather than on paper, whichever you prefer, make sure you have the resources to complete any notes you’d like to take. If you like to write on a physical notepad, consider an A5 size so that it’s easier to carry around.

And of course, anything else that you like to use for your academic studies, like highlighters, flashcards and folders.

Before you arrive, check out our UniSkills workshops. These sessions are designed to help you to build the academic skills that you’ll use throughout your time with us and beyond. Keep an eye on your emails for more information.

Accessibility

At Edge Hill, we want you to feel supported and comfortable so that you can thrive. To help you achieve your goals, we offer a wide range of resources, both online and on campus.

Through our Assistive and Accessible Technologies Toolkits, all students have access to software and apps on their devices, including Mind Mapping, Text-to-Speech, Help and learn, and Note-taking on their devices. You can find out how to use these toolkits here:

Assistive technology | Library and Learning Services | Edge Hill

We pride ourselves in being accessible to all, helping you make the best out of your university experience. With over £350m invested, Edge Hill offers state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated study spaces and on-campus accommodation.

We also have created a range of guides to help you plan and navigate life at Edge Hill. You can gain access to these guides here:

Accessibility on Campus – Edge Hill University

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