Computing for Games BSc(Hons)
Master the skills needed to shape the games of the future by studying games through the lens of computer science. Building upon industry-standard software, you’ll implement new tools to extend what is possible with existing engines and program games that push technical boundaries.
Key details
| Location | Penryn Campus |
|---|---|
| Course Duration | 3 years / 4 years |
| Attendance | Full-time |
| UCAS code | I610/FY03 |
| Contact | 01326 254350 |
Apply now
Introduction
You'll collaborate with other students in the Games Academy – from animators through to sound designers – to develop a multi-disciplinary approach with creativity at its heart. By the time you graduate, you'll be confident in pursuing a career in software development, in the games industry and beyond.
You will:
- Get under the hood of video game engines like Unity and Unreal while learning a range of programming languages like C#, Python, and C++
- Engage with the latest technologies, including procedural content generation, cloud systems and mixed reality to develop broadly transferable skills
- Blend art and science while developing teamwork and communication skills that are highly desired in the industry
- Develop an 'optimisation mindset' by learning to work within platform constraints
- Make games collaboratively with artists, animators, composers, designers, writers and other programmers
The Integrated Foundation Year pathway for this course is new for entry year 2022 and subject to validation.
This course is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.
What our students do
Games Academy in Top 50 Worldwide
Global Jam at the Games Academy
Games Students Impress Mediatonic's Marketing Director
Gamers Go Global
Pioneering Games Project Enhances Museum Experience
Student Wins Women in Games Scholarship
What our graduates do
While our graduates typically work towards careers in sectors like digital games and software development, we also help them set up their own businesses, or take on incubation programmes like Launchpad
Graduate Presents AI Research at Games Conference
Maddie Kay presented her cutting-edge research project at the Foundations of Digital Games Conference 2018 in Malmö, Sweden.
Course details
What you'll learn
You'll concentrate on programming in multiple languages, including C++, as well as software engineering, project management and technology. By studying industry-level software development methods, and focusing on collaboration, creativity and enterprise, you'll equip yourself to make and sell original games.
Beginning with an introduction to programming, you’ll learn the basics of computing using Python. We’ll support complete beginners as we go through the standards for collaborative software development, helping you apply what you’ve learned to a small team-based exercise.
You’ll then embark on your first multi-disciplinary game development project alongside artists, animators, composers, designers, and writers. This project gives you a practical understanding of game engineering processes and game engine architecture - typically using either C++ in Unreal 4, or C# in Unity.
Throughout the year, you'll work individual creative computing projects into your games. These projects typically involve procedural content generation and physical computing, reflecting our research strengths.
Modules
Development Principles
Principles of Computing
Creative Computing
Multidisciplinary Development Practice
Individual Creative Computing Project
You'll work collaboratively to develop a game with students from other disciplines, create a portfolio of specialist game components for current and future projects, and explore specialist fields in modern gaming.
These fields will give you a chance to learn to develop for equipment like Microsoft HoloLens or HTC Vive, and analyse rendering APIs like OpenGL and shader languages like GLSL. You'll also be able to apply techniques like Monte Carlo Tree Search to design bots, and implement client-server multiplayer games using the cloud. On top of a greater emphasis on C++, we'll also address a wider variety of programming languages like Java and JavaScript.
Modules
World Creation Project: Pre-Production
Mathematics for 3D Worlds & Simulations
Specialisms in Creative Computing
World Creation Project: Production
Optional modules
Interfaces & Interaction
Graphics & Simulation
Artificial Intelligence
Distributed Systems
Working with team members from different disciplines, you'll turn your skills and expertise into an original game as part of a year-long major development project. You'll also research a specialism as part of your final-year project – applying cutting-edge computing technology to your game's development. At the end of the year, you'll pitch your game to industry professionals as part of our annual Show and Tell day.
You'll also study advanced topics like low-level programming in assembly, techniques for optimising code for console architectures like Sony PlayStation 4, and learn statistical computing for game analysis in R. With career prospects in mind, you'll also set up a portfolio website using HTML and CSS.
Modules
Major Game Development Project: Pre-Production
Research & Development: Practice
Major Game Development Project: Production
Research & Development: Dissertation
If you choose the Integrated Foundation Year pathway, you'll study five core modules in your foundation year. These are all designed to help you explore the foundational elements of your subject. You'll gain relevant technical skills, learn to experiment and take risks, develop an understanding of professional practice, have opportunities to work across disciplines and collaborate with other students on live project briefs.
By the time you progress into year one of your degree, you'll have a deeper knowledge of your subject, a clear understanding of your strengths, and develop a practical and technical skillset and the confidence to excel in your chosen subject.
Modules
Explore
You'll begin your foundation year by working collaboratively with others to explore themes of the future. You'll take risks, experiment through play and be supported to break through barriers.
Technique
You'll take subject-specific workshops and develop essential technical and practical skills in your area of study. You'll also enhance your analytical and organisational abilities.
Apply
You'll work with your peer group to think beyond discipline by addressing a societal or global issue. You'll then showcase your work to your peers and deliver and accompanying evaluation of your process.
Industry
You'll enhance your creative and practical skills in your subject specialism by responding to typical industry briefs, underpinned by focused research and experiments. You'll also gain industry insights through guest lectures and workshops.
Launch
You'll develop your unique identity in your specialism through the production of a self-initiated body of work. Your final project will be the bridge to your next year, fully supported by evaluative reviews and critical analysis of the work you have created.
The Integrated Foundation Year pathway for this course is new for entry year 2022 and subject to validation.
The modules above are those being studied by our students, or proposed new ones. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.
From module information to course aims and assessment criteria, discover the full course details.
We are making changes to our curriculum framework for courses starting in 2022. Modest amendments to our course module structure will provide you with new opportunities to collaborate and co-create with students from across disciplines during your studies.
This course page will be updated when these changes have been finalised and applicants will be notified.
How you'll learn
You'll learn in an environment mirroring the industry, with technical workshops and tuition boosted by collaborative, studio-based projects. Individual and group projects with students from other disciplines will be key to your development. You'll create software, devise new applications for computing, generate solutions to technical problems, and develop novel and appealing games.
If you choose the Integrated Foundation Year pathway for this course, you'll gain a foundational knowledge of your subject through a blend of on-campus learning within our specialist workshops supplemented with online learning and guided independent study before progressing onto the full degree.
How you'll spend your time
| Year |
Timetabled teaching and learning activity |
Guided independent study |
|---|---|---|
|
Integrated Foundation Year (optional) |
Digitally enhanced learning | Digitally enhanced learning |
| 1 | 34% | 66% |
| 2 | 33% | 67% |
| 3 | 33% | 67% |
How you'll be assessed
|
Year |
Written exams |
Practical exams |
Coursework |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Integrated Foundation Year (optional) |
0% |
0% |
100% |
|
1 |
0% |
0% |
100% |
|
2 |
0% |
0% |
100% |
|
3 |
0% |
0% |
100% |
The above percentages relate to 2019/2020 data.
Assessment methods
- Foundation year assessments are 100% coursework based
- Coursework assessment with no formal examinations.
- Portfolios, projects, pitches and papers.
Staff
With a range of commercial titles to their names and strong creative computing research profiles, our staff provide both experience and expertise.
Some members of staff only teach on specific modules, and your course might not feature every member shown here.
Dr Michael Scott
Dr Michael Scott is the Head of Computing and Associate Professor of Computer Science Education at...
Brian McDonald
Brian McDonald is a senior lecturer on the BA(Hons) Game Development and BSc(Hons) Computing for...
Andy Smith
Andy joined Falmouth University in 2013 after completing his undergraduate studies in Communication...
Dr Edward Powley
Edward Powley is an associate professor in the Games Academy. His research interests as a member of...
John Speakman
John Speakman is a Research Student Teaching Associate with the Games Academy. He joined Falmouth...
Facilities
- Large studio equipped with state-of-the-art game development studio.
- Specialised computing hardware for game development, deep learning projects, motion capture, and immersive experiences.
- Standard packages used in software development for the games and visual effects industries, including Adobe and Autodesk suites.
- Attached lab committed to staying at the cutting edge; featuring AR/VR/MR (XR) equipment including HoloLens, HoloLens 2 and Oculus Quest 2.
- XSens MVN Awinda motion capture suits.
- Attached lab with access to PS4 development and testing kits.
- Access to a variety of game engines, including Unity and Unreal.
- Studios open late during term time.
- Access to free software via Microsoft Imagine.
How to apply
Apply via UCAS
Ready to join us? You can apply for September 2022 through UCAS Apply and Track. You'll need to reference the University code (F33) and course codes below.
- BA(Hons) 3 year course code: I610
- Integrated Foundation Year BA(Hons) 4 year course code: FY03
Applying as an international student?
International students can apply for a course through UCAS, via an agent or directly with the university. For more information about how to apply as an international student, visit our International applications page.
Application advice & interview information
We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential. We invite all applicants to an interview day or audition to give them the opportunity to demonstrate this along with what inspires and motivates them in their field. Applicants will also be able to show their portfolio or give a performance depending on the course. We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you’ve specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities.
| Pathway | Entry requirements |
|---|---|
| BSc(Hons) 3 year course | 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points |
| Integrated Foundation Year BSc(Hons) 4 year course | 80 – 120 UCAS Tariff points |
UCAS Tariff points will primarily be from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, T Levels, a BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma.
For applicants whose first language is English we require you to have or be working towards GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent.
If English is not your first language you will need to meet the same standard which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. We accept a range of in country equivalencies and approved tests.
If you need a student visa to study in the UK, you'll need to take a recognised language test that is approved and vouched for by the University. You can read our English Language Requirements for more information.
UK applications: 26 January 2022 (for equal consideration)
Late applications will be considered if there are places available.
International fee payers can apply throughout the year. But we recommend applying as early as possible, to make time for visa and travel arrangements.
What we're looking for
We want someone who:
- Is passionate about digital games
- Wants to work as a programmer or technology specialist in either the AAA or indie context
- Passionately follows current video game technologies
- Likes to experiment and tinker with code and technology
- Wants to develop real games in multidisciplinary teams in a studio mirroring the industry
- Enjoys finding out how things work
- Is comfortable with mathematics and problem solving
Fees, costs & funding
Tuition fees
£9,250 per year - full-time UK
£16,950 per year - full-time EU/international
£9,250 per year - full-time UK
£17,460 per year - full-time EU/international
Typical course costs
- £100 - Recurring annual costs
- £1500 - Optional laptop or desktop capable of running appropriate software
If you need to bring equipment or materials with you, these will be outlined in your Welcome Letter
Additional typical course costs for Integrated Foundation Year pathway
- £250 for materials
- A laptop/desktop computer
- Adobe Creative Suite
In order to participate in our digitally enhanced learning approach, you'll need to have a personal laptop/desktop computer. Depending on your specialism, you may need a specific type of computer. You can find out more about the type of machine you'll need on your course specialism page. If you're unsure about what you might need, please contact our course advisors.
The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs
Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.
Funding
For information about funding available, please visit our undergraduate funding page.
Ask a student
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