Introduction
Accredited by: BCS
GCU's Computer Games programmes aim to produce graduates with the right mix of practical skills and technical knowledge to enter the computer games industry.
We have 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 a User Experience lab where games can be tested and evaluated and a Virtual Reality lab containing a full-featured Driving Simulator and other VR equipment such as Oculus Rifts. In Years 1, 2 and 3 students in all programmes take part in an Integrated Project, an opportunity for students from the different disciplines to make games together. You'll also enjoy guest lectures by industry experts.
Computer Games Software Development concentrates on technical programming requirements, including the mathematics and implementation of physical mechanics. Your studies will include the creation of 2D and 3D graphics, the use of 3D animation in games, the creation of 'thinking' creatures, new product development and professional issues involved in the development of software and the core elements of Game Design. The Design and Software Development programmes are accredited by the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS).
Your career
Graduates have gone on to work at Rockstar, Electronic Arts, Sony and Guerrilla Games.
What you will study
Year 1
Mathematics for Computer Games, Introduction to Games Design, Introduction to Games Programming, Fundamentals of Computing, Fundamentals of 3D Graphics.
Year 2
Games Programming 1, Game Design 1, 3D Maths for Simulation & Visualisation, Working with Games Engines, Human-Computer Interaction.
Year 3
Games Programming 2, Game Artificial Intelligence, Games Preproduction Workshop, Graphics Programming, Research Skills and Professional Issues, Integrated Project 3.
Year 4
Mobile Game Development 1, Game Programming 3, Artificial Intelligence, Mobile Game Development 2, Honours Project.
Entry requirements
All entry requirements listed here should be used as a guide and represent the minimum required to be considered for entry. Applicants who are made a conditional offer of a place may be asked to achieve more than is stated.
Year 1
SQA Higher
ABBB including Maths at B plus Nat 5 English at C.
A Level
CCC including Maths plus GCSE English at C/4.
ILC Higher
H3 including Maths plus English at Ordinary Level O2.
IB Diploma
24 points including Maths
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma at MMM in relevant computing subject which includes Maths module.
Year 3
HND
HND Computer Games Development (with the code-heavy delivery model). HND must include an A in Graded Units. Must include the following units in the HND: Mathematics for Interactive Computing: Essential Techniques or Mathematics: Calculus and Matrices for Computing; User Interface Design and any TWO from AI and Critical Thinking; Game Customisation & Scripting; Game Physics; Scripting for Interactivity.
English language
Students whose first language is not English will normally be required to hold the equivalent of an Academic IELTS test score of 6.0 with no element less than 5.5.
Please note: if you are from a majority English speaking country, you may not be required to provide further proof of your English Language proficiency.
Additional information
Other academic and vocational qualifications
Each application to GCU is considered on an individual basis. If you do not have the typical academic entry qualifications, but can demonstrate relevant work experience and/or credits from recognized professional bodies, you may be eligible to enter this course via the University's Recognition of Prior Learning scheme.
International pathways
If you do not meet the English language requirements, you may be eligible for the English for University Study programme.
Fees and funding
The tuition fees you pay are mostly determined by your fee status. What is my student fee status?
Tuition fees 2018/19
Home: £1820
RUK: £9250*
EU: £1820
International: £11,500
*Total tuition fees for RUK students completing a three or four-year degree are capped at £27,750. Specific fees are subject to confirmation by the Scottish Government and may change once confirmed.
If you commence your studies in September 2018 or January 2019, these are the annual or module fees that apply to the duration of your course; however, fees are subject to change. For full details on how fees may change read our fees and refund policy.
Additional costs
In addition to course tuition fees, you may encounter additional costs during your time at University.
Scholarships
We provide high-quality education for a fair price; as the University for the Common Good, we are committed to offering accessible higher education for talented students by keeping our tuition fees low and providing a generous scholarship package of over £2.5 million per year.
If you have any questions or inquiries regarding scholarships available for 2018/19, please feel free to contact the student inquiries team.
International student start dates
For new international students, orientation events start on 14 September 2018. This extra time is specifically designed to assist new international students in settling into the UK and GCU prior to the start of general student induction and teaching.
There will be a whole host of fun and informative activities taking place during this period, including campus and city tours, as well as welcome events where you can meet other international students.
Work placement
The programme offers an optional placement year between 3rd and 4th year.
Professional accreditation
The programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS).
HM Forces
In partnership with HM Forces, GCU has identified this programme is being particularly suited to military and ex-military men and women. Visit the HM Forces Careers Zone for more information on the services we provide.
Assessment methods
Assessment methods used to demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes include examinations, coursework, class tests, presentations, computer-based exercises and written reports. In each of their initial three years, our students take part in innovative group projects leading to an individual project in their final year, which improves their academic, practical and employability skills. Each project incorporates two strands of learning, the first is the essential technical skills needed to undertake a complete product design and this is developed further to allow our students to show their innovative and enterprising abilities. The second strand furnishes our students with the ‘soft’ skills related to the team working, business operations, the project design process and ethical practices. This work helps students to develop a growing appreciation of the practicalities and realities of the application of software processes in the real world. Assessment is by the presentation, delivery of design report and, most importantly, demonstration of product prototypes.
Teaching methods
We aim to be flexible and like to extend our laboratory work so that students can access hardware and software tools for use outside lab hours, allowing students to gain additional, highly valuable experience in developing software systems. These enhanced practical skills are highly prized by employers and can be the difference when competing for high-quality employment opportunities for industrial placement upon graduation. After successfully completing their Level Three studies, our students have the option to participate in an industrial placement for one year which is recognized on the degree certificate on graduation. International exchange opportunities are also available, allowing students to spend a semester abroad through the Erasmus Programme or an overseas summer placement through the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) through the British Council. Finally, the school provides summer placement opportunities to highly motivated students to work on novel applications of electronic and software technologies. Game Jam is an international game design challenge which takes place within GCU every year. It pitches aspiring programmers and designers against the world’s rising stars in the industry in a race to develop the best new title with over a 100 of our students and enthusiasts working round the clock to create and programme new video games from scratch in just one weekend.
