Computer Games Design & Development BSc (Hons)

This degree provides a balanced education with an equal focus on the software development and game design branches of the digital games domain.

The degree takes into account current developments, such as the massive growth of the social networking and mobile games industries, and the self-employment opportunities generated by modern developer to-player retail channels (for example Microsoft’s Xbox LIVE Marketplace, and Apple’s AppStore).

The course has been designed with reference to the skills, qualifications and experience required to work in interactive media and computer games as defined in the National Occupational Standards for Games and Interactive Media (Sector Skill Council for Creative Media); and the Curriculum Framework defined by the International Game Developer Association Education Committee. The course is supported by our high-tech laboratories where students will have access to industry-standard 2D and 3D game design and development technologies and applications.

Factfile
Entry requirements
Course content
Student views
Useful documents
Earn as you learn

UCAS code

UCAS is the central organisation through which applications are processed for entry onto full-time undergraduate courses in Higher Education in the UK.

Computer Game Design & Development BSc (Hons) G451 BSc/CGMD

For the latest information, check the UCAS website at www.ucas.com

Study options

The Computer Games Design & Development BSc (Hons) course is available to study as a 3-year full-time or 4-year sandwich course, with the opportunity to take part in a work placement year.

Get in touch

John Price
Admissions Tutor
01905 855060
j.price@worc.ac.uk

John Gardener
Recruitment Tutor
01905 855357
j.gardener@worc.ac.uk

Dr Joanne Kuzma
Course Leader
01905 542023
J.kuzma@worc.ac.uk

For course specific information, such as module content, please contact course leader.

Admissions Office
01905 855111
admissions@worc.ac.uk

240 UCAS Tariff points and Grade C in GCSE English and Mathematics

The University will consider each application on its individual merits and will recognise a range of qualifications not currently included in the Tariff, including Access courses, European Baccalaureate and pre-2002 qualifications such as GNVQ. Please contact the Admissions Office for advice.

Further information about the UCAS Tariff can be obtained from www.ucas.com Applicants with no formal qualifications may be considered for Mature Student Entry Routes.

Modules

Year 1
The Computing Professional
Introduction to Web Development
Database Applications
Introduction to Application Development
Introduction to Game Design & Development
Two free option modules

Year 2
System Analysis and Design
Systems Development
Object Oriented Design & Development
Foundations of Game Design
Foundations of Games Engineering
Computing option module
Two free option modules

Optional 1 Year Business Placement between Year 2 and 3

Year 3
Professionalism in Context
Nature of Computing
Advanced Game Design
3D Game Engineering
Advance Object Oriented Design & Development
Computing option module
Game Design & Development Project (over 2 semesters)

See the course module diagram

Assessment

Typically Computing lectures are three hours long. During this time, you will experience a range of learning activities intended to stimulate you and enable you to learn effectively.

Lectures usually begin with a classroom lesson that lasts around 45 minutes, introducing the underpinning concepts of a topic. You will be expected to participate here – by offering your opinion, by using an Electronic Voting System or by interrupting when you wish to challenge what the lecturer is suggesting.

The introductory lecture will usually be followed by a practical or a seminar session. In practical sessions you will develop software and systems using a range of development tools (e.g. Adobe CS3 Flash Professional, Adobe Dreamweaver, UnrealEngine2 Editor). In seminar sessions you may be asked to work with two or three other students on case studies which will enable you to explore the subject in greater depth. We believe that collaborative learning with your fellow students is very important.

Between lectures you will carry out further study - we adopt an ‘open door’ policy and you will be encouraged to seek the help of lecturers. Most class materials will uploaded to Blackboard (our VLE) before sessions and these materials can be downloaded at University or from anywhere with an internet connection. Many modules have set up on-line discussion facilities to enable you to collaborate with other students between sessions.

A wide variety of assessment methods are used including case studies, research projects, reports, presentations, development of software and systems and examinations.

Martin Lewis

Student, Computer Games Design & Development BSc (Hons)

“I’ve always been into games, and I wanted to get involved in developing them. I did modules within the Computing course on 3D-enhanced games, in which I learnt skills like mapping 3D immersive environments, Artificial Intelligence… almost everything you need to make a full game. For my independent study, I am hoping to develop a 3D map of University of Worcester’s city centre campus. Everyone wants to help you follow your own ideas, and the separate IT rooms for students at the St John’s campus are a great facility.”

Academic department

Worcester Business School

“We champion an imaginative ethos that combines sound business principles with instinctive commercial drive. Our students ranked us in the top 5% of universities for ‘personal development’.”
Mark Richardson, Head of Worcester Business School

Employability

With this degree you will be prepared for the following roles within the game industry: game designer; scripter; content programmer; games tester; general programmer; quality assessor. You will also be equipped for roles in the wider interactive media industries, such as designer, developer, production assistant, content strategist and programmer.

Alternatively, a degree in Computer Games Design & Development provides an appropriate platform for setting up your own business or freelance working.

If you wish to continue your studies, our Masters programme in Management or International Management would be a good complement to your first degree.

Course structure

Download our module diagrams document to view our course structures in detail. Click on the links in the contents to view a specific course, or browse the complete document for information on all our pathways.

Undergraduate Prospectus

The Worcester Business School prospectus is available to read online or as a downloadable PDF.

Work Experience

Many modules in the course enable students to relate their learning to less formal work experience through part-time, holiday or voluntary work. Many companies offer summer or other short-term placements. These can be an excellent way of building up a network of contacts and getting experience of exciting projects. Worcester Business School advertises short-term vacancies on its intranet. Recent opportunities have included summer internships with Vodafone and Macmillan, and many other national and local vacancies.

Work Placement

The course includes a paid optional placement year so students can earn as they learn and add full time work experience to their CV. This adds real value to the qualification and helps students to gain an advantage in the graduate job market by developing valuable skills in areas like communication, time and project management, problem solving and team working.

Students can spend their placement year at an organisation of their choice, anywhere in the UK. Worcester Business School has strong links with local businesses and many of our students take up placements in the locality with a large number of well-known organisations. Placement opportunities are available in all business sectors, including marketing, advertising, PR, HR, business management, finance and economics. Examples of employers who have previously offered placements include Aston Villa, Enterprise rent-a-car, e-on, Groupon, Hays, IBM, Intel, Marks and Spencer, Microsoft, NHS, Price Waterhouse Cooper, The House of Commons, Waitrose, Worcester Bosch and many others.