Computer Games Programming BSc (Hons)

This course helps prepare you for a technical career in the creative games and entertainment industry, allowing you to develop industry-standard programming skills, and explore developments in computer and network technology.

Entry Criteria
Structure and assessment
Facilities and features
Opportunities and careers
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Overview

Subject to validation.

Jethro Shell, Senior Lecturer, talks about the benefits of studying Computer Games Programming at DMU.

A constantly evolving sector, the multibillion-pound computer games industry is now worth more than double its value in 2007. This offers graduates extensive career opportunities in a rapidly expanding field.

This course provides an opportunity to develop your interest in computer games into a set of skills which will help you start a career in this exciting industry.

You will study the latest techniques and resources for developing standalone, web-based and mobile games, featuring exciting graphics and animation, becoming familiar with the basic architecture and design elements of computer games and programming languages relevant to games development.

Key features

This course 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.
Teaching covers a range of topics, including an introduction to C++ programming, game architecture and design, and game engine architecture, ensuring you are fully familiarised with programming languages and paradigms relevant to games development.
Benefit from our industry-standard game development studios, featuring some of the latest technologies for playing and developing games on a range of platforms. They are equipped with a mixture of high-specification gaming PCs, consoles and game development software.
Become part of a vibrant community by joining our Game Society or E-Sports Society. You can build on what you learn on the course by playing games, taking trips to professional gaming events, and competing in tournaments. Our Games Development Society will give you the chance to work alongside Game Art students in games jams.
Explore professional opportunities with a placement year. Recent Computer Games Programming students have spent a year in industry working as Intern Software Engineers and Programmers for companies including immersive tech company, Virtual Arts.
Graduates have pursued careers as games programmers, artificial intelligence programmers, graphics programmers, 3D modellers and web systems developers.
Gain valuable international experience as part of your studies with our DMU Global programme. Students have been able to visit top tech companies in San Francisco and test out their espionage and surveillance skills in New York.

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UK
EU/International

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: G624

Duration: Three years full-time, four years with placement

Fees and funding:

2024/25 tuition fees for UK students: £9,250

How to apply

Order a prospectus

Book an Open Day

Submit a study-related enquiry

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: G624

Duration: Three years full-time, four years with placement

Fees and funding:

2024/25 tuition fees for international students: £16,250

Find out more about available funding for international students.

How to apply

Order a prospectus

Submit a study-related enquiry

Entry criteria

A typical offer is 104 UCAS points from at least two A-levels, or
BTEC National Diploma/ Extended Diploma at DMM

Plus, five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Mathematics or equivalent.

Alternative qualifications include:

Pass in the QAA accredited Access to HE with English and Mathematics GCSE required as a separate qualification.

We will normally require students to have had a break from full-time education before undertaking the Access course.

International Baccalaureate: 24+ points
Foundation Year in Computing: Pass Foundation, progression is at the discretion of the programme leader. Refer to the Foundation team for further guidance.

Portfolio Required: No

Interview Required: No

Mature students

We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications and recognise all other equivalent and international qualifications.

English language

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential. English language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

UCAS tariff information

Students applying for courses starting in September will be made offers based on the latest UCAS Tariff.

Contextual offer

To make sure you get fair and equal access to higher education, when looking at your application, we consider more than just your grades. So if you are eligible, you may receive a contextual offer. Find our more about contextual offers.

Structure and assessment

First year

Introduction to C++ Programming
Introduction to Object Oriented Programming in C++
Computer Ethics
Computer Law and Cyber Security
Computer Systems
Computer Networks
Game Architecture and Design
Game Prototype Development

Second Year

Applied Mechanics
Artificial Intelligence for Simulation
Object-Oriented Programming in C++
Advanced Object-Oriented Programming in C++
3D Modelling
Introduction to Shaders
Mobile Games
Physics Engine Programming

Third Year

Core modules:

Game Engine Architecture
Game Engine Development Project*

Optional modules:

Fuzzy logic and Knowledge Based Systems
Mobile Robotics
Telematics
Multi-service Networks 1
Multi-service Networks 2
Shader Programming
Advanced Shader Programming

Click here for more detailed module information

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

*The accredited BCS programme requires that the final year project module is passed.

A variety of learning and teaching methods are used, including lectures, tutorials and practical laboratory work. Continuous evaluation forms the major part of the assessment process and there are many opportunities for practical development.

You will normally attend around 12-16 hours of timetabled taught sessions each week, and are expected to undertake at least 24 further hours of directed independent study and assignments as required.

This course is accredited by the BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT; the Institute collaborates with government, industry and relevant bodies to establish good, best and next working practice, codes of conduct, skills frameworks and common standards.

Once you have graduated and begun to work as an IT professional you can apply to become a full member of the BCS and, as your career develops, gain the status of Chartered IT Professional (CITP), giving you a recognised industry-relevant qualification.

Facilities and features

Game Development Studios

The Game Development studios bring together the most up-to-date technology created for playing and developing games across a range of platforms.

Each of the studios is equipped with high-specification machines that are regularly updated to ensure they stay in line with emerging technologies and the wider games industry. This helps students to develop the most relevant knowledge and practical skills needed for careers within the gaming industry.

Library and learning zones

On campus, the main Kimberlin Library offers a space where you can work, study and access a vast range of print materials, with computer stations, laptops, plasma screens and assistive technology also available.

As well as providing a physical space in which to work, we offer online tools to support your studies, and our extensive online collection of resources accessible from our Library website, e-books, specialised databases and electronic journals and films which can be remotely accessed from anywhere you choose.

We will support you to confidently use a huge range of learning technologies, including the Virtual Learning Environment, Collaborate Ultra, DMU Replay, MS Teams, Turnitin and more. Alongside this, you can access LinkedIn Learning and learn how to use Microsoft 365, and study support software such as mind mapping and note-taking through our new Digital Student Skills Hub.

The library staff offer additional support to students, including help with academic writing, research strategies, literature searching, reference management and assistive technology. There is also a ‘Just Ask’ service for help and advice, live LibChat, online workshops, tutorials and drop-ins available from our Learning Services, and weekly library live chat sessions that give you the chance to ask the library teams for help.

More flexible ways to learn

We offer an equitable and inclusive approach to learning and teaching for all our students. Known as the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), our teaching approach has been recognised as sector leading. UDL means we offer a wide variety of support, facilities and technology to all students, including those with disabilities and specific learning differences.

Just one of the ways we do this is by using ‘DMU Replay’ – a technology providing all students with anytime access to audio and/or visual material of lectures. This means students can revise taught material in a way that suits them best, whether it's replaying a recording of a class or adapting written material shared in class using specialist software.

Opportunities and careers

Placements

Work placements are offered as part of this course and can boost your skills and experience while studying, as well as improving your chances of gaining a graduate level job.

We have links with organisations both in the UK and internationally, and the placements team can help you find a placement to suit your interests and aspirations.

Computer Games Programming students at DMU have taken part in work experience placements at a number of local and national companies, including Team17 Digital Ltd, PII Pipeline Solutions, Next, Stormburst Studios and Virtual Arts.

Student opportunities

Our innovative international experience programme aims to enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons – helping you to become a global graduate, equipped to meet the needs of employers across the world. Through DMU Global, we offer a wide range of opportunities including on-campus and UK activities, overseas study, internships, faculty-led field trips and volunteering, as well as Erasmus+ and international exchanges.

Our students have visited top tech companies in San Francisco to get an insight into the skills and talent needed for careers in the technology sector, and have tested their espionage and surveillance skills at Spyscape in New York.

You can also join our Games Society or E-Sports Society, where you can build on what you learn on the course by playing games, taking trips to professional gaming events and competing in tournaments. Our Games Development Society will also give you the chance to work alongside Game Art students in games jams.

Graduate careers

The computer games and leisure software industry has grown dramatically in recent years and now matches the film industry in terms of financial output. Many of the world’s most famous and respected names in games development are based in the UK, including Rockstar North, Rare, and Codemasters, which is creating more possibilities for careers in this fast-moving and creatively stimulating industry.

Game Development graduates have the skills needed to work in careers as games programmers, artificial intelligence programmers, graphics programmers, 3D modellers and web systems developers. The course also helps you to develop core computing skills, so you can pursue more traditional computing careers outside of the games industry.

Graduates from this course have gone on to work as programmers both within and outside of the games industry and also as mobile or web developers.

Computer Games Programming BSc (Hons)

Overview

Entry criteria

Structure and assessment

Course modules

Teaching and assessments