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 |
| Attendance | Full-time |
| UCAS code | I610 |
| Contact | 01326 254350 |
Apply through Clearing 2020
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 Python, C# and C++
- Engage with the latest technologies, including procedural content generation, deep learning, 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
- Create an 'optimisation mindset' by learning to work within platform constraints
- Make games collaboratively with artists, animators, composers, designers, writers and other programmers
What our students do
Games Academy in Top 50 Worldwide
Falmouth University's Games Academy has once again been featured as one of the top 50 games schools...
Global Jam at the Games Academy
Students, staff and other 'jammers' took part in the Global Game Jam® 2020 recently. The jam was...
Games Students Impress Mediatonic's Marketing Director
Being able to hear the expert advice of industry practitioners is just one of the benefits of...
Gamers Go Global
Falmouth's gaming community got creative this weekend (25-27 Jan) when they took part in the 2019...
Pioneering Games Project Enhances Museum Experience
Lecturers from the Games Academy have been working with the Cornwall Museums Partnership on a...
Student Wins Women in Games Scholarship
Third year Computing for Games student, Lucy Stent, has been awarded a scholarship by the 2018...
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 Virtual 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
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.
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.
How you'll spend your time
Year | Timetabled teaching and learning activity | Guided independent study |
|---|---|---|
1 | 34% | 66% |
2 | 33% | 67% |
3 | 33% | 67% |
How you'll be assessed
Year | Written exams | Practical exams | Coursework |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | 0% | 0% | 100% |
2 | 0% | 0% | 100% |
3 | 0% | 0% | 100% |
The above percentages relate to 2019/2020 data.
Assessment methods
- 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 at Falmouth University, leading Falmouth’s first-ever BSc...
Brian McDonald
Brian McDonald is a senior lecturer on the BA(Hons) Game Development and BSc(Hons) Computing for...
Kate Bergel
The majority of Kate's career has been spent in VFX, where she started as a junior systems...
Alcwyn Parker
Alcwyn Parker is programmer, interactive artist and educator with a passion for technology and...
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, Vive Pro, and Oculus Rift.
- XSens 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? If you're applying through UCAS Apply and Track, you'll need to reference the university and course codes below.
- University code: F33
- Course code: I610
Apply through Clearing 2020
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.
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.
As a guide our typical offer at undergraduate level is 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points, primarily from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma. Applicants should have GCSE Mathematics Grade 4 (C), or equivalent.
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 Tier 4 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/EU applications: 15 January 2020 (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.
Interview information & application advice
Apply for Undergraduate Courses
There's still time to join our undergraduate community in 2020. Find out key dates and get application information and advice.
Personal Statement Guide
How do you write a personal statement and what should you include? Read our advice.
Interview Information: Computing for Games BSc(Hons)
Find out what to expect from your Computing for Games interview.
After You Apply
Find out what happens after you apply to Falmouth and what you'll need to do.
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/EU
£16,000 per year - full-time international
£9,250 per year - full-time UK
TBC - full-time EU
£16,000 per year - full-time 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
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.
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