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Computing (Games Programming) BSc (Hons)

UCAS code: I610

Develop the knowledge and skills to create exciting new computer games, on a degree accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT (subject to re-approval). From design to implementation of games software, you’ll have everything you need to launch your career in gaming.

Overview

Course length: 3 years full-time
Typically 4.5 years part-time
Start dates: September 2024
September 2025
Location: Edge Hill University
Example offers: BCC-BBC (A Level) or DMM (BTEC) View full entry criteria
Subject(s): Computing, IT and Mathematics
Faculty: Arts and Sciences
Department: Computer Science
Games Programming students test a game on a laptop.

AI for games engines, SFX and CGI, streaming media. Pack your CV with the skills and knowledge the billion-dollar games industry needs. Your games programming degree will be based in our £13m Tech Hub with our dedicated gaming laboratory and specialist high-specification computers.

You’ll learn essential programming languages as well as digital design and production. Study 3D graphics theory and practice using our super immersive 3D virtual environment. We encourage you to create virtual experiences in 4K resolution in our four-screen CAVE (Computer Augmented Virtual Environment).

Study the streaming media behind games like World of Warcraft and explore mobile apps. Learn specialist animation like CGI and explore SFX as you master the core languages and practices of gaming technology.

Our programme aligns to the current SFIAplus skill standards, widely recognised among the IT industry and adopted by the British Computer Society (BCS). You’ll meet industry programming standards and take the first step to chartered status by graduating from this course.

BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT logo. Subject to re-approval.

Course features

  • International students can apply

  • Professional accreditation

  • Sandwich year option available

  • Studying abroad option available

  • Work placement opportunity

What you'll study

Everyone in computing needs a solid grasp of the fundamentals, especially game programmers. In Year 1, you’ll study the bedrock theories and practices of computer science, as well as dipping into accessible web design and development. We’ll help you begin your journey to becoming a programmer while you explore core techniques and processes. You’ll learn modelling and master event-driven program design and graphical user interfaces.

Compulsory modules:

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Accessible Web Design and Development
Computer Systems Architecture and Networks
Foundations of Computer Science
Professional Practice 1
Programming 1
Programming 2

Immerse yourself in the engine room of gaming in Year 2. Develop user interfaces and controllers that make gaming more fun. Experiment with toolsets like 3D gaming engines, modelling, and animation. Take workshops in visual effects. We’ll support your development with an in-depth look at programming languages. Then put your knowledge to the test and build people skills in our professional practice module. You can do a placement or a year abroad before starting Year 3.

Compulsory modules:

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Computer Graphics
Database Systems
Games Engines
Games Programming
Knowledge Representation and Reasoning
Professional Practice 2

Year 3 takes you through every stage of the gaming world from development to the end-user experience. We invite you to use your spark and creativity in a problem-solving research and development project. You’ll create your own software. You’ll study the streaming media behind games like World of Warcraft and analyse its current limits. Finally, you’ll focus on the user in modules exploring how AI techniques and user interfaces improve their experience.

Compulsory modules:

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Digital Design and Production
Distributed Systems
Emerging Games Technologies
Interface Programming
Research and Development Project

How you'll study

Our teaching methods have been designed in consultation with leading employers in the region, ensuring you gain relevant experience and use industry-standard equipment. As well as lectures, modules use student seminars and there is extensive laboratory work which gives you the chance to express your own opinions and ideas.

To enhance your employability, you will be given opportunities to work together and develop the essential people skills to complement your technical ability, while engaging in realistic work-related activities and taking the opportunity to relate theory to practice via a work placement.

Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.

How you'll be assessed

The pattern of assessment is varied and is designed to ensure you acquire a range of skills, particularly those required by future employers. You will design and write programs, write reports and essays, critically analyse documents, deliver oral presentations and undertake examinations. We want you to develop an ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Who will be teaching you

You will be taught by staff who are passionate about student learning and development. The programme team are specialists in computing and active researchers in areas including mobile computing, computer vision, web information architecture and 3D graphics. Academic staff are regular contributors to academic conferences and journals.

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

Typical offer 104-112 UCAS Tariff points, for which no specific subjects are required, plus GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent).

Please note, for all programmes in the Department of Computer Science, a level 2 numeracy qualification is not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in Mathematics.

Example offers

Qualification Requirement
A Level BCC-BBC.
BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications) Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM).
T Level Overall grade of Merit.
International Baccalaureate (IB) We are happy to accept IB qualifications which achieve the required number of UCAS Tariff points.
Access to Higher Education Diploma 45 credits at Level 3, for example 9 credits at Distinction and 36 credits at Merit or 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.

Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.

If you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven't been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.

English language requirements

International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

If your current level of English is half a band, one band, or one-and-a-half bands lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.

How to apply

Apply full-time

Apply online through UCAS

Read our guide to applying through UCAS to find out more about the application process.

International

Apply as an international student

Please see our international student pages for further information about how to apply as a prospective international student.

Part-time applications require a direct application to Edge Hill. Please select the year of entry that you wish to apply for.

Apply for September 2024 part-time.

Apply for September 2025 part-time.

Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

Did you know?

If you join a full time undergraduate degree at Edge Hill University, we will guarantee you the offer of a room in our halls of residence for the first year of your course.

Discover our accommodation

Facilities

The Tech Hub building at sunset.The Department of Computer Science is based in the state-of-the-art £13million Tech Hub. This purpose-built development offers highly contemporary suites of outstanding facilities for Computer Science and Engineering students. Our modern computing and engineering laboratories are equipped with comprehensive test and measurement equipment, high-specification computers, high-resolution screens and the latest hardware and software.

A four-screen CAVE (Computer Augmented Virtual Environment) provides a super immersive 3D virtual environment, enabling users to immerse themselves in a virtual room and experience real life scenarios in 4K resolution. There are also specialist laboratories for networking and games programming, in addition to a specialist research laboratory, open access laboratory and a Harvard style lecture theatre.

Where you'll study

Tech Hub

Learning resources

Learning resources include robots and a robotics simulator, wired and wireless networking hardware, graphics software, web development tools, software development environments, big data servers, eye trackers, giant 3D interactive teaching screens, and other specialist software required for studying forensics and internet security techniques.

Finance

Tuition fees

UK Full-Time

£9,250

a year

UK Part-Time

£77 per credit

for 360 credits

International

£16,500

a year

EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.

Financial support

Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this course can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the course may also be eligible to apply for additional maintenance loan funding to help with living costs. Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students, together with details of how to apply for potential funding.

EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals can ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). If you are an EU student who does not have settled or pre-settled status, or are an international student from a non-EU country, please see our international student finance pages.

Your future career

With a specialised degree in games programming, you’ll be qualified to follow a number of career paths. You could go into game developing, software engineering, programming or unity developing. You can apply for jobs such as:

  • Unity Developer
  • C# Programmer
  • Software Developer
  • Software Engineer
  • Developer
  • 3D Developer

Our students have gone on to work for industry names like Players’ Lounge, Person Centred Software Ltd, and Recourse AI.

Our graduates also find success outside gaming in other online industries, such as finance, or choose to continue studying.

BCS accreditation

Subject to re-approval, the programme is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional. Successfully completing an accredited honours degree is the first step to full BCS membership and to being awarded chartered status.

Course changes

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, however our courses are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.

Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of professional bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

Track changes to this course

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