Introduction
The BSc (Hons) Games Computing programme at Lincoln aims to develop the skills and attributes required for roles in the competitive computing sector. The course is designed to help students develop as versatile professionals, capable of thriving in a wide range of post-university employment destinations. Students also have the opportunity to develop skills that lend themselves to the ever-growing, multi-billion pound video games industry.
The course aims to develop a skill set that is applicable to the wider spectrum of the digital sector. Beyond learning how to develop software, students can also develop an understanding of the interaction between the computer and its user, and how to design an engaging experience.
We aim to produce graduates who can adapt to quickly evolving technology and play key roles within the companies at the forefront of those advances. Beyond how to develop technology, a games computing student can also gain an understanding of how to make it engaging, playful, and fun.
The course explores computer science through the specific use-case of games. Students have the opportunity to develop programming skills, alongside specialist modules in topics including games design, 3D graphics, mathematics, and artificial intelligence.
The strong conceptual and methodological grounding in both games design and games development gives Lincoln’s Games Computing course a distinctive edge. Students are encouraged to recognise that software engineering is as important as creative design in the success of computer game products and software applications. The course will also explore the role of playful systems beyond the games industry, looking at how games have been applied to sectors such as education and fitness. While our graduates can target careers in the video games industry, their skills may also be applied to a number of different employment pathways, including systems and development roles in the NHS, automotive industry, education sector, and design roles across multiple industries.
How You Study
In the first year of the degree, students have the opportunity to study fundamental areas, including game design, mathematics for computing, programming, and problem-solving.
In the second year, there is in-depth study expected in areas of games computing, such as advanced programming, concept development, user experience design, and artificial intelligence.
As well as completing a games development project in the third year, students can choose from a range of specialist optional modules, including Parallel Programming; Autonomous Mobile Robotics; Image Processing; and Virtual and Augmented Reality.
Contact Hours
Contact hours vary by course and can take many forms, including lectures, seminars, and workshops. A full-time undergraduate student should expect to undertake a minimum of 37 hours of study each week during term-time, supplementing contact hours with independent study. This is an important aspect of university-level education. As a general rule, you will be expected to spend two to three hours working independently for every hour in class.
Methods of Assessment
The way in which you will be assessed will depend on your chosen course. It may include coursework, written and practical exams, portfolio development, group work, or presentations. A full breakdown of current assessment methods can be found on the individual course pages of this website. The University of Lincoln’s policy is to ensure that staff return assessments to students promptly.
Modules
First Year
Algorithms and Complexity (Core)
Game Design (Core)
Game Development (Core)
Game Studies (Core)
Maths for Computing (Core)
Object-Oriented Programming (Core)
Programming Fundamentals (Core)
Second Year
Advanced Programming (Core)
Artificial Intelligence (Core)
Concept Development (Core)
Game Programming (Core)
Scalable Database Systems (Core)
Team Software Engineering (Core)
User Experience Design (Core)
Third Year
Graphics (Core)
Physics Simulation (Core)
Procedural Content Generation (Core)
Project (Core)
Autonomous Mobile Robotics (Option)†
Big Data (Option)†
Cross-Platform Development (Option)†
Cyber Security (Option)†
Image Processing (Option)†
Machine Learning (Option)†
Parallel Programming (Option)†
Virtual and Augmented Reality (Option)†
How You Are Assessed
The programme is assessed through a variety of means, including in-class tests, coursework, projects, and examinations. The majority of assessments are coursework-based, reflecting the practical and applied nature of games computing science. The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year. The University of Lincoln aims to ensure that staff return in-course assessments to students promptly.
Scholarships
For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships.
“Lincoln’s diverse and relevant course content really let me specialise in the programming niches that interested me, providing me with the resources and guidance I needed.”
George Learmonth, BSc (Hons) Games Computing graduate
Entry Requirements 2021-22
United Kingdom
GCE Advanced Levels: BBC
International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall
BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points
Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English and Maths. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and will consider applicants who have a mix of qualifications.
We also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
International
Non-UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.
Teaching and Learning During Covid-19
At Lincoln, Covid-19 has encouraged us to review our practices and, as a result, to take the opportunity to find new ways to enhance the student experience. We have made changes to our teaching and learning approach and to our campus, to ensure that students and staff can enjoy a safe and positive learning experience. We will continue to follow Government guidance and work closely with the local Public Health experts as the situation progresses, and adapt our teaching and learning accordingly to keep our campus as safe as possible.
Special Features
Students have the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community of active researchers and take part in extracurricular activities such as performance and games workshops, game jams, and national competitions.
Students have access to a specialist development laboratory, industry-standard software development environments, 3D modeling software and virtual reality systems. Software development environments such as Unreal Engine 4, Unity Pro, and Visual Studio play a major part in the practical elements of the course.
Accreditations and Memberships
This course is accredited by The British Computer Society. The University of Lincoln is also affiliated with The Institution of Analysts and Programmers.
Placements
There is the opportunity to take a work placement year between the second and third years of study. Students are academically supported throughout their placement, which can be overseas. There may also be opportunities to take shorter work placements and overseas study visits. Students on the placement year and on study visits are required to pay for their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs. There is no tuition fee for the placement year.
Career Opportunities
This degree aims to equip graduates with the skills necessary for a technical career. Graduates can work across the games industry as developers, tools programmers, artificial intelligence programmers, level designers, mission scripters, games testers, and in many other roles in the wider IT industry.
Lincoln graduates have gone on to work for computer games industry giants and other specialist companies in the sector. These include Electronic Arts (EA Games), Criterion Games, Rockstar Games, Sumo Digital, BAE Systems, and Team 17.
