MBA Business Administration
Staffordshire University's MBA Business Administration course offers a comprehensiv...
BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming
Stoke-on-Trent campus
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming program at Staffordshire University, UK, offers students a comprehensive education in the design, development, and programming of video games. This dynamic program equips students with the technical skills, creative insight, and industry knowledge needed to thrive in the competitive field of game development. Students learn programming languages, game engines, software development methodologies, and project management techniques essential for creating engaging and immersive gaming experiences. Through a combination of theoretical study, practical projects, and industry collaboration, students gain hands-on experience in game design, coding, and software engineering, preparing them for exciting careers in the gaming industry.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming program covers a wide range of topics relevant to game development and software engineering. Students study programming languages such as C++, Java, and C#, as well as game development frameworks like Unity and Unreal Engine. They learn about game design principles, graphics programming, artificial intelligence, multiplayer networking, and user interface development. Practical modules allow students to apply their knowledge in developing 2D and 3D games, implementing game mechanics, optimizing performance, and debugging code. The curriculum also includes coursework in mathematics, physics, and computer science fundamentals essential for game programming.
Research Focus: Staffordshire University emphasizes research within its BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming program, encouraging students to explore emerging trends, technologies, and innovations in the gaming industry. Faculty members are actively engaged in research projects related to game design, interactive storytelling, virtual reality, and augmented reality. Students have the opportunity to participate in research initiatives, conduct independent projects, and contribute to the advancement of game development knowledge. Research-focused modules may explore topics such as procedural generation, player behavior analysis, and immersive gaming experiences.
Industry Engagement: The university maintains strong connections with game development companies, technology firms, and industry organizations to provide students with valuable industry engagement opportunities. Guest lectures, workshops, and industry-sponsored projects expose students to real-world game development practices, trends, and challenges. Industry partnerships also offer students access to internships, work placements, and networking events, enabling them to gain practical experience, build professional connections, and showcase their talents to potential employers. Additionally, the university may organize career fairs, portfolio reviews, and recruitment sessions to facilitate students' transition into the gaming industry.
Global Perspective: Staffordshire University promotes a global perspective within its BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming program, recognizing the international nature of the gaming market and the diverse cultural influences shaping game development. The curriculum integrates global gaming trends, cultural considerations, and cross-cultural perspectives on game design and player experiences. Students may have the opportunity to study games from different countries and regions, analyze cultural motifs and storytelling traditions, and collaborate with international peers on game projects. By embracing global perspectives, students develop a broader understanding of the gaming landscape and gain insights into global markets and audience preferences.
Location
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 16750
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs are typically expected to have completed their secondary education with a minimum of 65% or above in their final exams.
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 72, with at least 17 in Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59 with no individual score below 59.
- It is important to note that the English language requirements may vary slightly depending on the chosen program.
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.
Staffordshire University values diversity and aims to support international students in their academic journey. To make education more accessible and affordable, the university offers a range of scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, promote diversity, and provide financial assistance to deserving students.
Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to exceptional international students who demonstrate academic excellence and outstanding achievements. The scholarship covers a significant portion of the tuition fees and is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
International Merit Scholarship: Staffordshire University offers the International Merit Scholarship to high-achieving international students. The scholarship provides a reduction in tuition fees and is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Eligibility criteria are based on academic performance and other achievements.
GREAT Scholarships: Staffordshire University is part of the GREAT Scholarships program, which is funded by the UK government's GREAT Britain Campaign. The program offers scholarships to students from selected countries, supporting them in pursuing their studies at UK universities. The scholarships cover a portion of the tuition fees for specific programs.
International Sports Scholarship: Staffordshire University recognizes the talent and achievements of international students in sports. The International Sports Scholarship is awarded to outstanding student-athletes who have represented their country at the national or international level. The scholarship provides financial support and other benefits to help students balance their academic and sporting commitments.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Staffordshire University also offers scholarships specifically tailored to students from certain countries. These scholarships aim to promote cultural diversity and strengthen ties with partner institutions. Eligibility criteria, application procedures, and scholarship amounts may vary depending on the country-specific scholarships available.
It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary each year.
Graduates of Staffordshire University's BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming program possess the technical expertise and creative skills necessary to pursue a variety of rewarding career paths within the gaming industry. With their knowledge of programming languages, game development frameworks, and software engineering principles, graduates are well-equipped to contribute to the design, development, and optimization of video games across different platforms and genres.
Game Developer/Programmer: One of the most common career paths for graduates is to work as game developers or programmers. Game developers are responsible for creating the software code that powers video games, implementing game mechanics, user interfaces, and interactive features. They work closely with designers, artists, and other team members to bring game concepts to life, writing and debugging code, optimizing performance, and ensuring compatibility across various platforms. Game programmers may specialize in areas such as gameplay programming, graphics programming, artificial intelligence, or network programming, depending on their interests and skills.
Game Designer: Graduates with a strong understanding of game mechanics, player psychology, and interactive storytelling may pursue careers as game designers. Game designers conceptualize game ideas, create design documents, and develop gameplay mechanics, levels, and progression systems that engage players and enhance the overall gaming experience. They collaborate with programmers, artists, and writers to iterate on game concepts, prototype gameplay features, and balance game difficulty and pacing. Game designers may specialize in specific genres or aspects of game design, such as level design, narrative design, or systems design.
Graphics Programmer/Engineer: Graduates with a passion for computer graphics and visual effects may choose to specialize as graphics programmers or engineers. Graphics programmers develop rendering algorithms, shader code, and optimization techniques to create realistic graphics and immersive visual experiences in video games. They work on technologies such as real-time rendering, lighting, shadows, particle systems, and post-processing effects to enhance the visual fidelity and realism of games. Graphics engineers may also work on game engines, developing tools and frameworks to support artists and designers in creating visually stunning game environments.
Gameplay Engineer: Gameplay engineers focus on implementing and optimizing gameplay features, mechanics, and systems that define the interactive experience of a video game. They work on player controls, character movement, combat systems, artificial intelligence, and game physics to create responsive, immersive, and engaging gameplay experiences. Gameplay engineers collaborate with designers to iterate on gameplay prototypes, fine-tune game mechanics, and address player feedback to ensure a satisfying and enjoyable gaming experience. They may also work on multiplayer networking, user interface design, and player progression systems.
Tools Programmer/Developer: Graduates interested in software development tools and pipelines may pursue careers as tools programmers or developers. Tools programmers create custom software tools, plugins, and utilities to streamline game development workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and improve productivity for game development teams. They work on integrated development environments (IDEs), asset management systems, version control software, and debugging tools tailored to the needs of game developers. Tools programmers may also contribute to game engines or middleware, developing features that empower developers to create high-quality games efficiently.
