MBM Master of Business Management
The MBM program at the University of Essex is designed to develop well-rounded business...
BSc Computer Games (Including Placement Year)
Colchester Campus
INTAKE: October
Program Overview
The BSc Computer Games program, including a placement year, at the University of Essex is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the theory and practice of computer game development. This innovative program integrates technical skills with creative design principles, preparing graduates for careers in the dynamic and rapidly evolving gaming industry. Through a combination of hands-on projects, theoretical study, and industry placements, students gain the practical experience and theoretical knowledge necessary to thrive in this competitive field.
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Comprehensive Curriculum: The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of topics related to computer game development, including programming languages, game design principles, graphics and animation, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and interactive storytelling. Students learn to develop games for various platforms, from mobile devices and consoles to virtual reality environments, gaining proficiency in both technical and creative aspects of game development.
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Hands-on Projects: Students engage in hands-on projects throughout the program, allowing them to apply theoretical concepts to real-world game development scenarios. They work individually and in teams to design, prototype, and implement original games, gaining practical experience in game design, programming, user interface design, and game mechanics. These projects provide valuable portfolio pieces and demonstrate students' abilities to potential employers.
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Industry Placements: The program includes a placement year, during which students have the opportunity to gain industry experience through internships or work placements with leading game development studios, software companies, or game publishers. This practical experience allows students to apply their skills in a professional setting, build professional networks, and gain insight into the day-to-day operations of the gaming industry.
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Expert Faculty: The program is taught by a team of expert faculty members with extensive experience in game development, design, and research. Faculty members are actively engaged in the gaming industry and bring their real-world expertise into the classroom, providing students with valuable insights and mentorship. They offer guidance and support to help students achieve their academic and career goals.
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Specialization Options: The program offers specialization options or elective courses that allow students to tailor their studies to their interests and career aspirations. Students may choose to focus on specific areas of game development, such as game programming, game design, virtual reality, or serious games. These specialization options enable students to develop expertise in their chosen field and differentiate themselves in the job market.
Location
Colchester Campus
Score
IELTS: 6
Tuition Fee
£ 19670
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70 to 75% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no individual component below 6,0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 75.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 51.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It is important to note that entry requirements may vary across different programs and courses. Additionally, meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as the number of available places and competition for certain courses.
The University of Essex offers a range of scholarships and financial support options to assist students in their academic journey. These scholarships are designed to recognize and reward academic excellence, promote diversity and inclusion, and provide assistance to those facing financial challenges.
Academic Excellence Scholarships: The university offers scholarships to outstanding students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements. These scholarships are typically merit-based and provide financial support towards tuition fees or living expenses.
International Scholarships: The University of Essex provides scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships aim to attract and support talented students from around the world. Eligibility criteria and award amounts may vary, and they may cover a portion of tuition fees or provide assistance with living expenses.
Subject-specific Scholarships: Some departments and schools within the university offer scholarships tailored to specific academic disciplines. These scholarships are often awarded to students with exceptional academic records or those who demonstrate a strong commitment to their field of study.
Access and Participation Scholarships: The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. It offers scholarships and financial support to students from underrepresented backgrounds, including those from low-income families or individuals who are the first in their family to attend university.
Government-funded Scholarships: In addition to internal scholarships, the University of Essex provides information and guidance on scholarships and funding opportunities offered by external organizations and government agencies. These scholarships may be available to students based on factors such as nationality, field of study, or research interests.
Sports Scholarships: The university recognizes the importance of sports and offers scholarships to talented athletes who demonstrate exceptional sporting abilities. These scholarships provide financial support along with access to sports facilities, training programs, and dedicated support services.
It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application processes may change over time.
The BSc Computer Games (including placement year) program at the University of Essex equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue exciting career opportunities in the dynamic and rapidly expanding field of computer games. The program not only focuses on technical expertise but also emphasizes creative design, innovation, and practical experience through industry placements.
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Game Developer/Programmer: Graduates can pursue roles as game developers or programmers, responsible for coding and implementing game mechanics, features, and systems. They may work on various platforms, including consoles, mobile devices, and PCs, using programming languages such as C++, Java, or Python. Game developers collaborate with designers and artists to bring game concepts to life.
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Game Designer: Game designers focus on creating game concepts, storylines, characters, and gameplay mechanics. They work closely with programmers and artists to ensure that the game is engaging, immersive, and enjoyable for players. Game designers may specialize in level design, narrative design, systems design, or user experience (UX) design.
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Game Artist/Animator: Graduates with artistic skills can pursue careers as game artists or animators, responsible for creating visual assets such as characters, environments, animations, and special effects. They use software tools like Adobe Photoshop, Maya, or Blender to design and animate game assets, contributing to the overall look and feel of the game.
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Technical Artist: Technical artists bridge the gap between art and programming, optimizing art assets for performance and implementing them in the game engine. They collaborate with both artists and programmers to ensure that art assets are functional, efficient, and visually appealing in the game environment.
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Quality Assurance (QA) Tester: QA testers play a crucial role in game development, identifying bugs, glitches, and usability issues in games during the testing phase. Graduates can start their careers as QA testers and eventually progress to roles as QA leads or game testers, ensuring that games meet quality standards and are ready for release.
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Game Producer/Project Manager: Graduates interested in project management can pursue roles as game producers or project managers, overseeing the development process from concept to release. They coordinate team efforts, manage budgets and timelines, and ensure that games are delivered on schedule and within budget.
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Serious Games Developer: With the increasing use of games for educational, training, or therapeutic purposes, graduates can explore opportunities in the serious games sector. They may work on projects involving simulations, educational games, healthcare applications, or corporate training programs.
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Independent Game Developer/Entrepreneur: Some graduates may choose to start their own game development studios or work as independent developers, creating and publishing their own games. This path requires creativity, entrepreneurship, and business acumen.
