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HomeStudyUndergraduate StudyComputing for Games BSc(Hons)

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. 

Games student using cannon controller

Key details

LocationPenryn Campus
Course Duration3 years
AttendanceFull-time
UCAS codeI610
Contact01326 254350

Apply now

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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

This course is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

BCS Educational Affiliate logo

 

Covid-19 update

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have reviewed and made changes to our courses to provide flexible, blended delivery that offers high-quality digital engagement and access to face-to-face teaching in our facilities. You can see how your course may be adjusted by viewing the changes for the current academic year by visiting our welcome letters & latest course updates pages

  • Students
  • Graduates
  • Course details
  • How to apply
  • Fees, costs & funding
  • Ask a student

    What our students do

    Article
    Article

    Games Academy in Top 50 Worldwide

    27 March 2020
    Falmouth University's Games Academy has once again been featured as one of the top 50 games schools...
    Article
    Article

    Global Jam at the Games Academy

    13 February 2020
    Students, staff and other 'jammers' took part in the Global Game Jam® 2020 recently. The jam was...
    Article
    Article

    Games Students Impress Mediatonic's Marketing Director

    25 April 2019
    Being able to hear the expert advice of industry practitioners is just one of the benefits of...
    Article
    Article

    Gamers Go Global

    30 January 2019
    Falmouth's gaming community got creative this weekend (25-27 Jan) when they took part in the 2019...
    Article
    Article

    Pioneering Games Project Enhances Museum Experience

    11 December 2018
    Lecturers from the Games Academy have been working with the Cornwall Museums Partnership on a...
    Article
    Article

    Student Wins Women in Games Scholarship

    19 November 2018
    Third year Computing for Games student, Lucy Stent, has been awarded a scholarship by the 2018...
    Games students working on computers.
    A digital sea of purple, green and blue.
    Student wearing a virtual reality headset
    Students leaning in and working on a computer
    A screenshot of coding.
    Student wearing a virtual reality headset
    Student using a cylindrical touch controller.
    Student and lecturer looking at work together.
    Students working with Lego models.
    Student wearing a virtual reality headset with group of students
    Student working on graphic table in studio.
    Lecturer pointing to screen projection of code.
    Students in discussion
    .Screen shots of gaming artwork in progress.
    Student using a controller.

    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.

    Maddie's story Read More

    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.

    • Year one
    • Year two
    • Year three
    Year one

    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

     

    Year two

    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

    Year three

    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.

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Dr Michael Scott

    Head of Computing

    Dr Michael Scott is the Head of Computing at Falmouth University, leading Falmouth’s first-ever BSc...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Brian McDonald

    Senior Lecturer Digital Games

    Brian McDonald is a senior lecturer on the BA(Hons) Game Development and BSc(Hons) Computing for...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Kate Bergel

    Lecturer: Games Programming

    The majority of Kate's career has been spent in VFX, where she started as a junior systems...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Alcwyn Parker

    Course Coordinator, MA Creative App Development

    Alcwyn Parker is programmer, interactive artist and educator with a passion for technology and...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Andy Smith

    Technical Manager/Technical Tutor

    Andy joined Falmouth University in 2013 after completing his undergraduate studies in Communication...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Dr Edward Powley

    Associate Professor

    Edward Powley is an associate professor in the Games Academy. His research interests as a member of...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    John Speakman

    Research Student Teaching Associate

    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.

    Take a virtual tour

    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 now

     

    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.
     

    International applications

     

    Application advice & interview information

    Go to Toolkit
    • Entry requirements
    • Language requirements
    • Deadlines
    Entry requirements

    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.

    Check how many points your qualifications are worth

    Language requirements

    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.

    Deadlines

    UK/EU applications: 29 January 2021 (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

    • Tuition fees 2020-21
    • Tuition fees 2021-22
    Tuition fees 2020-21

    £9,250 per year - full-time UK/EU

    £16,000 per year - full-time international

    Tuition fees 2021-22

    £9,250 per year - full-time UK

    £16,950 - full-time EU

    £16,950 - 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.

    Ask a student

    What better way to find out about life at Falmouth University than by asking our current students? 

    From course details, our facilities and the local area to the social scene and settling in, our students are ready and available to answer any questions you might have. Simply set up your account, send them a question and they'll get back to you within 24 hours.

     

    Open Days and Campus Tours

    See how we turn real industry experience into real careers.

    Visit us

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