Games development is a large and thriving industry in the UK. We want to help you gain the skills to become a great programmer so you can get a rewarding job in this exciting sector. You could be a games developer, or you could choose to take your skills and work in any programming job.

Your course will cover general computing and software engineering knowledge and techniques that apply across the computing industry. At the same time you’ll have the chance to explore the latest issues in computer games. We’ll look at the technical aspects of games development, and support you to develop a strong knowledge base. From computer games programming to games systems and development techniques, we’ll cover some vital topics.

We’ll also cover:

• Game engine architecture
• Computational mathematics
• Artificial intelligence
• Computer graphics
• Physics simulations

You'll study programming languages including Java and you'll be supported in progressing to C++ (as it‘s the industry standard). You'll also explore game specific technologies, shaders, computer vision, virtual reality (VR). As the ability to work in a team is a vital skill in the games industry, we support you in developing your team working skills through group project work.

After your second year you can choose to take a year-long placement in the industry. Thanks to our links with a range of leading employers in the UK and internationally, you could end up working for a big name in your chosen career. Or you could have the chance to take a placement at the University’s Canalside Studios, working as part of a team researching and developing games for a range of platforms.

If you’d like to try your hand at setting up your own business, our Enterprise Placement Year (EPY) gives students from the UK or the EU the chance to start your own independent studio. You could set up your own company, located in our flagship 3M Buckley Innovation Centre. You can work on your own, or set up a company as part of a group. Business advisors and a games industry mentor will support you as you get things off the ground.

Placements

This course offers you the chance to undertake an optional placement in Year 3. This opportunity helps you to build on the knowledge and skills developed on the course. You will be employed by the company for 12 months, but the actual number of weeks worked will be dependent on the annual leave entitlement you are given in line with the placement company’s policy.

The placement year is a valuable tool that can enhance your employability and help you to develop as an individual. It is acknowledged that graduates with industry experience are generally much more attractive to employers.

Our Placement Unit will be on hand to support you in finding suitable placement opportunities. They will assist you with preparing your CV and with interview techniques. They'll also be in contact with you during your placement so that you'll be fully supported while you gain the experience that employers value so highly.

The Placement Unit team are regularly in contact with local and national companies. Previous students have spent their placement year at companies including Microsoft, Siemens, Hermes, Airbus and Cummins as well as smaller companies from the local economy and further afield. You can find more information on placements here.

Alternatively, if you are a student from within the UK, you could consider starting your own small business by applying for the Enterprise Placement Year in conjunction with the University’s Enterprise Team. You’ll have the opportunity to benefit from business advice, mentoring and networking sessions. Find out more information on the Enterprise Placement Year.

Your Career

Previous graduates from courses in this subject area have gone on to work in a variety of roles such as software engineer, server and storage analyst, senior developer, research software development engineer, systems security engineer and business analyst in organisations including BBC, West Yorkshire Police, Hermes, Microsoft, BT and Amazon UK.**

Additionally, you may gain skills that are transferable to other industries and may be able to pursue any career that requires a good honours degree. You could go on to further study and the University has many options available for postgraduate study (including postgraduate teacher training) and research which may interest you.

* Percentage of graduates from this subject who are in work and/or further study fifteen months after graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes 17/18, UK domiciled graduates).