MSc Digital Marketing
The MSc Digital Marketing program at the University of the West of Scotland is designed...
BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development (sandwich)
Paisley
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development (sandwich) program at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) offers students a unique opportunity to gain practical experience through a sandwich placement year in the gaming industry. This program combines academic learning with hands-on work experience, preparing graduates for successful careers in game development.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development (sandwich) program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in game development principles and practices. Core modules cover topics such as programming languages, game design principles, 2D and 3D graphics, artificial intelligence, and game physics. In addition to academic study, students undertake a placement year in the gaming industry, gaining valuable practical experience and industry insights.
Research Focus: UWS emphasizes research within the field of computer games development, and this focus is integrated into the program. Students have the opportunity to engage with research projects that explore topics such as emerging technologies, user experience (UX) design, game monetization models, and player psychology. Through research-led teaching, students develop critical thinking skills and gain insights into current trends and innovations in the gaming industry.
Industry Engagement: The BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development (sandwich) program provides students with extensive industry engagement opportunities through the sandwich placement year. During their placement, students work in game development studios, technology companies, or related industries, gaining practical experience and building professional networks. These industry experiences enhance students' employability and provide valuable insights into professional practice.
Global Perspective: UWS recognizes the global nature of the gaming industry and incorporates a global perspective into the BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development (sandwich) program. Students have the opportunity to study games from diverse cultural perspectives, explore international gaming markets, and engage with global trends in game design, development, and distribution. Additionally, the university's partnerships with international companies may offer students the chance to undertake placements abroad, further broadening their global perspective.
Location
Paisley
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 17250
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 78 with at least 17 in Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 64 with no individual score below 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
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 meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities to support students in their academic journey. These scholarships aim to recognize and reward academic excellence, as well as provide financial assistance to students who may need it.
University of the West of Scotland Undergraduate Scholarships: University of the West of Scotland offers undergraduate scholarships to both domestic and international students. These scholarships are typically awarded based on academic merit and may cover a portion of tuition fees or provide a stipend towards living expenses. Eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines may vary for each scholarship.
External Scholarships and Funding: University of the West of Scotland may provide information and guidance to students regarding external scholarship opportunities. These scholarships are offered by various organizations, foundations, and government bodies, and may be available for different fields of study or specific student demographics.
Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development (sandwich) program at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) have a wide array of career opportunities in the gaming industry and related fields. The combination of academic learning and practical experience gained through the sandwich placement year equips graduates with the skills, knowledge, and industry connections needed to succeed in various roles.
Game Developer: One of the primary career paths for graduates is working as game developers, creating interactive software for different platforms such as consoles, PCs, mobile devices, and virtual reality (VR) platforms. Game developers may specialize in areas such as gameplay programming, graphics programming, artificial intelligence (AI), or network programming, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to design, develop, and deploy engaging and immersive gaming experiences.
Game Designer: Graduates may pursue careers as game designers, responsible for conceptualizing game ideas, creating game mechanics, and designing gameplay experiences that captivate and engage players. Game designers work closely with artists, programmers, and producers to develop game concepts, design levels, balance gameplay, and iterate on game mechanics to create compelling and enjoyable gaming experiences.
Level Designer: Level designers focus on creating the environments, challenges, and puzzles that players encounter as they progress through a game. They use level design tools and scripting languages to design and build game levels, incorporating storytelling elements, gameplay mechanics, and visual aesthetics to create immersive and memorable gaming experiences.
Game Programmer: Game programmers write the code that brings games to life, implementing game mechanics, user interfaces, and game features using programming languages such as C++, Java, or Python. They optimize code for performance, debug software issues, and collaborate with artists and designers to integrate assets into the game engine.
Quality Assurance Tester: Quality assurance (QA) testers play a vital role in ensuring the quality and functionality of games before release. QA testers identify bugs, glitches, and usability issues in games, conduct playtesting sessions to evaluate gameplay experiences, and provide feedback to developers to improve game performance, stability, and user experience.
Game Artist: Graduates with strong artistic skills may work as game artists, creating the visual elements of games such as characters, environments, and user interfaces. Game artists may specialize in areas such as 2D art, 3D modeling, texturing, animation, or concept art, using software such as Adobe Photoshop, Autodesk Maya, or Blender to create assets that enhance the visual appeal and immersion of games.
Game Producer: Game producers oversee the development process of games, managing budgets, schedules, and resources to ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget. They work closely with developers, artists, and designers to define project goals, prioritize tasks, and coordinate workflow to ensure successful game development and launch.
