Computer Science (Games) BSc(Hons)

  • Overview

    Computer games development is an increasing significant sector in the computer industry. This course enables you to develop the technical skills needed to work effectively in this growing field.

    Course duration Help

    Full-time: 3 years

    Part-time: 6 years (max 8 years)

    Sandwich: 4 years (max 8 years)

    UCAS code G455

  • Course content

    Course structure

    This course is part of the computing undergraduate programme which offers a range of different specialist degrees. A common first semester allows students to become familiar with different aspects of computing before choosing the area in which they wish to specialise.

    A distinctive feature of the programme is year 3 which may be spent on a paid professional placement in a leading organisation. This enables you to use your accumulated specialist skills and provides invaluable experience when approaching the job market after graduating.

    Areas of study

    Computer games can be broken down into three core elements: the engine that drives the dynamics of the game, the application interface and the design of the user experience. Students develop expertise in these elements, based on the sound foundation of computing knowledge and skills needed to develop robust, reliable and extendable software. In addition, they examine the ways in which the dynamics of the real world can be modelled mathematically and how these models can then be simulated within the world of the computer game. They also develop an awareness of the theoretical underpinnings that support the successful production of entertaining, motivating and accessible games.

    Syllabus

    Year 1: common subjects
    Programming
    Database
    Requirements Analysis
    Web Design
    Human Computer Interaction
    Internet Computing
    Professional Practice
    Computing in Context

    Year 1: course-specific subjects
    Mathematics
    Maintaining Computer Systems

    Year 2
    Games Development
    3-D Graphics and Animation
    Object-oriented Design and Implementation
    Specification and Reasoning
    Computer Systems Architecture
    Intelligent Systems

    Year 3
    Optional placement

    Final year
    A major project
    Client Server Technologies
    Computer Graphics Algorithms
    Real-time Systems and Concurrency
    Emerging Technologies
    AI for Games
    Options

  • Entry requirements

    Typical entry requirements Help
    individual offers may vary

    A-levels:
    BBB. Applicants with only two full A-levels or a double award will be considered on an individual basis.

    ND/C (Level 3):
    DMM.

    International Baccalaureate:
    32 points.

    QAA-approved access course:
    acceptable.

    GCSE (minimum grade C):
    at least three subjects including English language and mathematics or a science.

    Foundation degree/HND
    direct to years 2 or 3. HNC may also count towards direct entry.

    For non-native speakers of English:
    IELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in the other elements.

  • Location

    Location Help Moulsecoomb

  • Career opportunities

    Graduates are well placed to take up positions within the computer games industry.

    Visit the careers centre website.

  • Fees and costs

    The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2012-13. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study.

    The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full- or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take. Different rules apply to research degrees - please contact the Doctoral College for advice.

    To help you plan for your time here we will be providing further information about what is included in your tuition fee, and any optional costs you may need to budget for, later in the autumn.

    Our website wwww.brighton.ac.uk/money provides advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee paying status.

    BSc Hons Computer Science (Games)  [J4EG027]
    UK/EU (Full Time)9,000 GBP
    Island Students (Full Time)9,000 GBP
    International (Full Time)12,500 GBP