Games Programming students test a game on a laptop.

BSc (Hons) Computing (Games Programming)

Develop expertise in the design and implementation of games software, from computer graphics and digital animation to mobile apps and streaming media, on a degree accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

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      • Studying Abroad Option Available
      • Sandwich Year Option Available
      • International Students Can Apply
      • Work Placement Opportunity
      • Professional Accreditation

      Overview

      Covid-19 - Computing (Games Programming) Essential Information

      View essential information and videos about the changes to teaching and learning and campus facilities from September 2020
      UCAS Code: I610
      Course Length: 3 Years Full-Time, Typically 4.5 Years Part-Time
      Start Dates: September 2021, September 2022
      Subjects: Computing and IT
      Location: Edge Hill University
      Example Offers: BCC-BBC (A Level) or DMM (BTEC)
      View full entry criteria

      The global gaming industry is now worth billions, so developing expertise in the design and implementation of games software, from computer graphics and digital animation, to games engines, mobile apps and streaming media is a shrewd career move. While the focus is on computer games programming, the course also equips you with extensive skills and knowledge that can be applied in a number of industry sectors. The programme has been aligned to the current SFIAplus skill standards, widely recognised among the IT industry and adopted by the British Computer Society (BCS). This means that graduates not only meet the industry expectations for programming roles but can also take the first steps towards attaining chartered status within the industry.

      From September 2022 entry, this degree will also be available as a 4-year programme with an integrated foundation year.

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      In Depth

      What will I study?

      In Year 1 you will study a balanced range of current computing topics covering the fundamentals of analysis and the construction of systems, the foundations of computer science, and web design and development.

      Year 2 enhances your programming skills by exploring a range of techniques relevant to the gaming industry, such as developing novel user interfaces and controllers which enhance the game players’ experience. You will also experiment with toolsets which are appropriate to the industry, including 3D gaming engines and 3D modelling and animation tools. There is also a dedicated module focused on enhancing your employability and developing essential people skills for the workplace. On completion of the second year you have the option of undertaking a 12-month industrial placement or year abroad before beginning your third year.

      Year 3 develops advanced knowledge and skills. You will explore leading-edge concepts related to the development of games which can be deployed across multiple platforms, utilising industry-standard tools and frameworks. Creativity and innovation drive the development of your final year project in which you will cultivate your own original ideas and build upon the theoretical underpinning provided in the programme, while also developing your portfolio to enhance your employability.

      How will I 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.

      How will I 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 me?

      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.

      A Great Study Environment

      Two students with rucksacks walk in front of the Tech Hub.

      The Department of Computer Science is based in the state-of-the-art £13m Technology 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, a Harvard style lecture theatre, and ‘The Hatchery’, a working space for new business ideas.

      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.

      The department has strong links with industry and the curriculum is kept current and highly relevant through input from our Employer Advisory Panel.

      Modules

      Expand All

      Level 4 (Year 1 of Full-Time Programme)

      CIS1107Foundations of Computer Science (20 credits)

      Foundations of Computer Science introduces you to the concepts and practices of problem solving through a series of innovative class seminars and individual experiments.  You will learn to identify a problem, analyse it, and produce a structured solution. Exploring common issues within computing, you will also see how all of the separate areas merge, overlap and depend on each other in order for a robust computing system to be developed.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      CIS1108Digital World: Information Systems and Design (20 credits)

      Digital World: Information Systems and Design explores how the world of the 21st century is underpinned by computing technology. The module will develop your understanding of the essential concepts of systems analysis, including identifying systems processes, understanding business needs and presenting appropriate IT solutions. You will then apply this knowledge of systems analysis and design methods to make suggestions for improvement of a business, its processes and information systems.


      Assessment: Coursework: 80%, Practical(s): 20%.

      CIS1109Digital World: Computer Architecture and Networks (20 credits)

      Digital World: Computer Architecture and Networks explores how the world of the 21st century is underpinned by computing technology while challenging you to envision your future developments as a Computing professional. The module discusses how current and modern computer architectures operates. It also analyses the technology on which computer architecture depends, starting with current central processing units (CPUs) and their instruction sets and progressing to the principles of modern multitasking operating systems that are supported by the underlying hardware architectures. An important aspect of modern computer technology is networking. The module introduces and covers basic principles of networks, their interconnecting components and protocols used in enabling reliable communications.


      Assessment: Coursework: 70%, Written Exam(s): 30%.

      CIS1110Web Design and Development (20 credits)

      Web Design and Development is a fusion of two distinct areas in the world of web content production. The module will enable you to develop a sound understanding of the World Wide Web, the related technologies, the relationships between them and also their use. You will also explore colour and design theories, layout and typography. In addition, the module provides an appropriate setting to introduce some of the more powerful, user friendly web development tools used widely in the industry today, along with HTML and CSS and both client and server side scripting.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      CIS1111Programming: Concepts to Construction 1 (20 credits)

      Programming: Concepts to Construction 1 provides a practical introduction to the fundamentals of an object-oriented approach to software development. You will be introduced to the analytical techniques and processes that are essential for specifying, designing and implementing applications.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      CIS1112Programming: Concepts to Construction 2 (20 credits)

      Programming: Concepts to Construction 2 provides a practical introduction to the fundamentals of an object-oriented approach to software development. You will explore and develop object-oriented modelling techniques and receive an introduction to programming through event-driven program design and graphical user interfaces.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      Level 5 (Year 2 of Full-Time Programme)

      CIS2147Programming Languages: Theory to Practice (20 credits)

      Programming Languages: Theory to Practice provides an insight into the theoretic and practical concepts, and application of programming for problem solving. You will develop a critical understanding of the application of a variety of programming styles to a range of real-world problems, and develop a critical understanding of the data structure used for solving problems and strategies available when testing software.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      CIS2150Games Engines (20 credits)

      Games Engines develops your understanding of the role that games engines play in the development of interactive computer games. Creating an engagingly realistic and/or immersive experience in modern video games depends on creating complex, dynamic behaviour of the game characters or objects. This module explores the two fundamental components necessary to implement engaging game behaviour, namely physics and artificial intelligence. You will gain an in-depth understanding of how these components are facilitated through the use of games engines.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      CIS2155Mobile Apps (20 credits)

      Mobile Apps covers the emerging area of mobile computing and equips you with the knowledge and experience of developing mobile applications for different types of mobile devices. You will develop an understanding of the system architectures that can be employed in mobile internet applications and investigate various mobile software and hardware platforms.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      CIS2160Computer Graphics and Modelling (20 credits)

      Computer Graphics and Modelling develops an in-depth technical and theoretical understanding of the techniques used in producing computer graphics. 2D graphics will be covered, but particular emphasis is placed on understanding 3D graphics and the fundamental  requirements for implementing a 3D rendering solution. The module considers current concepts and practical applications, as well as the mathematics underlying computer graphics by exploring the human visual system.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      CIS2161Digital Design and Production (20 credits)

      Digital Design and Production develops an insight into specialist, detailed practical and contextual insight into the use of visual effects. The module offers advanced technical workshops that deliver software training in particle generation, animated graphics, advanced compositing and cross-platform production. You will also have the opportunity to engage in specialist study in the key aspects of contemporary CGI animation including character development, CGI construction, modelling and animation, environment design, SFX techniques and processes relating to CGI, and multi-platform animation practices.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      CIS2162Employability (20 credits)

      Employability simulates, as accurately as possible, what it’s like to work in a given Computer Science specialism. You will be introduced to the ‘world of work’ via a simulated work environment, as part of a team representing a fictional company, but which need to produce real products or engage in realistic work-related activities. A 15-day placement will also enhance essential employability skills and provide you with the opportunity to relate theory to practice, build on your transferable skills and evaluate your learning.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      Level 6 (Year 3 of Full-Time Programme)

      CIS3140Research and Development Project (40 credits)

      Research and Development Project provides you with the opportunity to show individual creativity and originality and apply appropriate knowledge and skills taught throughout the programme. The module requires you to demonstrate investigative, problem-solving, communication, management and other transferable skills as you undertake an individual  project. You will conduct in-depth work on a substantial problem. This will include researching and analysing the problem and identifying and achieving a solution.


      Assessment: Coursework: 25%, Practical(s): 75%.

      CIS3147Streaming Media (20 credits)

      Streaming Media is a standard feature in many games ranging from the development process to the reporting medium. In this module you will look at the technical implementation and limits of platforms such as OnLive and explore the technology that allows games, such as World of Warcraft, to stream content dynamically to the user while still allowing them to play. You will also consider the effect that streaming media has had on games reporting and sales, including the advent of “Let’s Players” and the boom of game streaming on platforms such as Twitch.tv.


      Assessment: Coursework: 40%, Practical(s): 60%.

      CIS3149Interface Programming (20 credits)

      Interface Programming provides an insight into the issues relating to the design and implementation of user interfaces. The development of new technologies and libraries that offer richer functionality to interface developers offers the opportunity to explore different mechanisms for the creation of interfaces. You will develop a critical understanding of these mechanisms as well as the relationship between the end user, the interface designer and the software developer through the development lifecycle that takes place. You will also gain an insight into the human factors that offer key determinants to support decisions in the design process.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      CIS3156Intelligent Systems (20 credits)

      Intelligent Systems focuses upon the artificial intelligence (AI) techniques that are embedded within many games to add greater depth and challenges to players. The module explores the theory behind AI programming and provides the opportunity to develop your skills in writing AI code, using a range of techniques and theories which are relevant to the gaming industry, among others. You will be introduced to paradigms which facilitate the creation of AI routines and enable you to integrate these concepts into gaming code.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      CIS3161Research and Development Methods (20 credits)

      Research and Development Methods prepares you to undertake a software development project or dissertation. The module will enhance your ability to manage an individual project and act autonomously with limited supervisor guidance. You will be introduced to the main methods of research and the contexts in which they are conducted and enhance your understanding of the principles and perspectives of research. Building your practical experience and confidence in using a range of research methods, the aim is to demystify research and recognise the everyday skills and techniques which are involved.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      Timetables

      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.

      Disclaimer

      Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes 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 accrediting 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.

      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

      Some examples of how you can achieve 104-112 UCAS Tariff points are detailed below.

      • A Level: BCC-BBC;
      • BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications): Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM);
      • 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.

      As long as 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 the Welsh Baccalaureate and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven’t been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.

      For further information on how you can meet the entry requirements, including details of alternative qualifications, please visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/offers.

      EU students can get country-specific information about the University’s entry requirements and equivalent national qualifications at www.edgehill.ac.uk/eu.

      International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international for information on the entry criteria for overseas applicants.

      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 lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.

      Are there any alternative ways to meet the entry requirements?

      STEM Foundation Year

      With effect from September 2022 entry, if you would like to study this degree but do not meet the subject-specific entry requirements, you may wish to apply to study the programme as a 4-year course with integrated foundation year. The foundation year will equip you with key transferable skills and subject knowledge. Upon successful completion of the integrated foundation year, you will be able to progress onto Year 1 of this degree.

      Fastrack: Preparation for Higher Education

      If you have the ability to study for a degree but lack the necessary qualifications or confidence, our Fastrack: Preparation for Higher Education course could be for you. This free, seven-week programme provides a great opportunity to enhance your study skills and subject knowledge and demonstrate that you are ready to study a particular subject with us, in lieu of achieving the UCAS Tariff points in the entry criteria.

      Upon successful completion of a Fastrack course, you will be well placed to progress onto a corresponding Edge Hill University degree, although additional entry requirements may apply and the availability of specific programmes cannot be guaranteed. For more information, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/fastrack.

      Recognition of Prior Learning

      Edge Hill University recognises learning gained elsewhere, whether through academic credit and qualifications acquired from other relevant courses of study or through recognition of an individual’s professional and employment experience (also referred to as ‘experiential learning’). This may include credit or learning undertaken at another university.

      Previous learning that is recognised in this way may be used towards meeting the entry requirements for a programme and/or for exemption from part of a programme. It is your responsibility to make a claim for recognition of prior learning. For guidance, please consult the University’s academic regulations (sections C7 and F3.1) or contact the faculty in which you are interested in studying.

      Career Prospects

      What are my career prospects?

      You will gain the technical knowledge to enter a career in computer gaming as well as the programming skills for roles within the wider computing industry. Relevance towards employers is maintained by closely aligning the objectives of the course to the current SFIAplus skills standard for relevant career paths, which is widely used amongst the IT industry.

      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.

      How can I enhance my employability?

      It is useful to consider, even before you apply, how you will spend your time while studying and make the most of your university experience.

      Optional, additional activities may be available on this degree which could help to prepare you for a stimulating and rewarding career. These include:

      • Sandwich Years – you may have the opportunity to apply to complete a sandwich year placement, usually as the third year of a four year degree, and gain highly relevant work experience;
      • Studying Abroad – you may have the opportunity to apply to spend time studying or working abroad, usually as the third year of a four year degree, enabling you to immerse yourself in a different culture;
      • Learning a Language – you may be able to participate in Language Steps classes, delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, as additional study.

      Please note, the availability of these additional activities cannot be guaranteed for all students. Depending on availability and the number of students wanting to participate, there may be a competitive application process for sandwich year placements or studying abroad opportunities or you may be required to secure a relevant placement yourself.

      Finance

      Tuition Fees

      If you are a prospective UK student who will be joining this undergraduate degree on a full-time basis in academic year 2021/22, the tuition fee will be £9,250 per annum.

      Tuition fees for international students enrolling on the programme on a full-time basis in academic year 2021/22 are £12,500 per annum. Exemptions apply for EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, who may be eligible for the UK full-time tuition fee rate.

      If you are a prospective UK student who will be joining this undergraduate degree on a part-time basis in academic year 2021/22, the tuition fee will be £77 per credit, i.e. £1,540 per 20 credit module. 360 credits are required to complete an undergraduate degree. 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 part-time tuition fee rate.

      The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.

      Financial Support

      Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this undergraduate degree can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the programme may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.

      For comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students joining this programme in academic year 2021/22, together with details of how to apply for potential funding, please view our Money Matters 2021/22 guide for your intended mode of study.

      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 should ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). Please see www.edgehill.ac.uk/eufinance for further details.

      Financial support information for international students can be found at www.edgehill.ac.uk/international/fees.

      Scholarships

      Ten scholarship winners sitting together in a lecture theatre at the Scholarship Awards Evening.Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships with a competitive application process for prospective full-time undergraduate students.

      These scholarships aren’t linked to academic success and celebrate determination, talent and achievement beyond your coursework, for instance in creativity, enterprise, ICT, performance, sport or volunteering.

      An additional scholarship, which you may qualify to receive, rewards outstanding A Level and BTEC grades.

      To find out more about scholarships, to assess your eligibility, and to meet some of our dedicated scholarship winners, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

      Apply

      How to Apply

      If you wish to study full-time, apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.com. Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyucas to find out more about the application process.

      If you wish to study part-time, apply directly to Edge Hill University at www.edgehill.ac.uk/apply-part-time.

      Further information for international students about how to apply is available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyinternational.

      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.

      Visit Us

      If you are considering applying to study at Edge Hill University, the best way to gain an insight into student life is to discover our stunning campus for yourself by attending an open day. You can view dates and book your place at www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays.

      Alternatively, if you are unable to attend an open day, you can find out more about our full range of events for prospective students, including campus tours and virtual activities, at www.edgehill.ac.uk/visitus.

      Request a Prospectus

      If you would like to explore our full range of degrees before you apply, you can order an undergraduate prospectus at www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradprospectus.

      Get in Touch

      If you have any questions about this programme or what it’s like to study at Edge Hill University, please contact:

      International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk with any queries about overseas study.

      A prospective student and her parents read a printed open day guide while stood on a bridge near the Catalyst building.

      Course Changes

      Expand All This page outlines any material changes to course content, programme structure, assessment methods, entry criteria, and modes of study or delivery, implemented in the past two years.

      18th February 2020 - Clarification of Entry Requirements

      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.

      11th February 2020 - Change to Entry Requirements

      104-112 UCAS Tariff points are required to join this programme with effect from September 2021 entry.

      27th June 2019 - Withdrawal of Module

      It is no longer possible to study a Language module as an integrated part of this degree. You can still learn a language as additional study, however, through our Language Steps classes.

      Covid-19 - Computing (Games Programming) Essential Information

      Computing (Games Programming) Course Statement

      Our blended delivery involves a mix of online and face-to-face sessions in computing laboratories. We introduce theoretical concepts by building on concrete practical activity. Sessions are highly interactive, with practical application of concepts a key factor, as well as cases drawn from real-life. Workshops, seminars, group tutorials, supervised support sessions and practical exercises provide opportunities for you to work with your peers and develop the essential people skills to complement your technical ability. Studying on a full-time basis, you will be required to attend a mix of online and face-to-face sessions for up to four days a week. You will be assessed through a combination of practical exercises, coursework, portfolios, reports, essays, presentations, or examinations. We want you to develop the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, therefore assessment includes some small group activities, though the emphasis is strongly on individual work.

      Teaching and Learning at Edge Hill University in 2020

      In this video Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lynda Brady, answers your questions and explains how teaching will work when you join us at Edge Hill University in September.

      Campus Facilities at Edge Hill University in 2020

      In this video Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lynda Brady, explains how we’re preparing the campus for your arrival in September and the facilities that will be available.