Computer Games (Design) BSc (Hons)

The computer games industry continues to grow as more people play games on their consoles, PCs, tablets and smart phones and on social media sites. The BSc Computer Games programmes aim to produce graduates with the right mix of practical skills and technical knowledge to enter this sector, which currently has a high demand for qualified practitioners. The University has excellent studio facilities including HD Video Production Suite, Art Studio, Digital Audio Recording Studio, Game Design Studio featuring 3D Laser Scanning tools, Motion Capture tools and a Rapid Prototyping machine. There is also a User Experience lab where games can be tested and evaluated. The Design and Software Development degree programmes are accredited by the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS), and students enjoy the benefit of guest lectures by industry experts. Games Design covers Player Centred Design Principles where the player is the focus of the Game Design Process. This approach covers practices taken from Human Computer Interaction (HCI) where students learn various tools and techniques which are applied to all stages of the player centered design lifecycle, such as conceptulisation and evaluation. Students apply this theory by iterating and evaluating physical and digital prototypes around Human behaviour. Students also study Game Narrative, Serious Games Design and Player Psychology. In Years 1, 2 and 3 the student in all Games Programmes will take part in an Integrated Project, this is an opportunity for the students from different disciplines to come together to make games. Often the briefs for the projects have been generated in partnership with Industry, this gives students some 'real world' experience. The design element covers computer arts – specialist media design and creation, and game asset integration. After Year 3, there is an option to complete a one-year, paid work placement.