MSc Accounting and Finance
The MSc Accounting and Finance course at the University of Northampton offers a compreh...
BSc(Hons) Games Programming
Waterside
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Games Programming program at the University of Northampton, UK, offers students a comprehensive education in game development and programming. This undergraduate degree program is designed to equip students with the technical skills, creative abilities, and industry knowledge necessary to pursue careers as game developers, software engineers, or technical artists in the gaming industry.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BSc (Hons) Games Programming program covers a wide range of topics relevant to game development and programming. Students study modules such as programming fundamentals, game design principles, graphics programming, artificial intelligence for games, game engine development, and interactive storytelling. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through practical projects, where students design and develop their own games using industry-standard tools and technologies.
Research Focus: The University of Northampton integrates research-focused learning into the BSc (Hons) Games Programming program, encouraging students to explore cutting-edge technologies and emerging trends in the gaming industry. Students have the opportunity to conduct research projects on topics such as virtual reality, augmented reality, procedural generation, and user experience design in games. Through research modules and independent study, students develop critical thinking skills and deepen their understanding of advanced concepts in game programming and design.
Industry Engagement: The BSc (Hons) Games Programming program fosters close collaboration with the gaming industry through guest lectures, industry workshops, and studio visits. Industry professionals from leading game development studios share insights into current trends, best practices, and career opportunities in the gaming industry. The program also offers internship placements or industry projects, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and build connections with potential employers.
Global Perspective: In an increasingly globalized gaming industry, the BSc (Hons) Games Programming program encourages students to consider global perspectives on game development and cultural influences on gaming. Students explore case studies of successful games from around the world, analyze cultural representations in games, and examine global gaming markets and distribution channels. The program also addresses ethical and social issues in gaming within a global context, preparing students to navigate diverse audiences and markets.
Location
Waterside
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 14750
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs at the University of Northampton are typically required to have a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their secondary school or equivalent qualifications.
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 70, with at least 17 in Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 65 with no individual score below 59.
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 Northampton offers various scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships aim to recognize outstanding academic achievements, promote diversity, and provide assistance to those who may face financial constraints.
International Scholarships: The university offers a range of international scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships are merit-based and provide partial tuition fee waivers. The eligibility criteria, award amounts, and application processes may vary.
Chancellor's Scholarships: The Chancellor's Scholarships are prestigious awards offered to high-achieving international students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and potential. These scholarships provide a significant reduction in tuition fees and are highly competitive. Eligible students are automatically considered for this scholarship based on their application for admission.
Country-Specific Scholarships: The University of Northampton also offers scholarships specifically tailored to students from certain countries or regions. These scholarships may be in partnership with governments, organizations, or educational institutions from those countries. The eligibility criteria, application process, and award amounts may vary depending on the specific scholarship.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Some academic departments at the university may offer subject-specific scholarships to international students. These scholarships are typically based on academic excellence in a particular field of study. Students pursuing specific courses or disciplines may be eligible for these scholarships.
External Scholarships and Funding: In addition to the university's own scholarships, international students can also explore external funding options, such as government scholarships, corporate sponsorships, and charitable organizations. The university's international office or scholarship team can provide guidance and information on external funding opportunities available to international students.
It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may change from year to year.
Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Games Programming program at the University of Northampton, UK, have diverse career opportunities in the gaming industry and related fields.
Game Developer: One of the primary career options is to work as a game developer, responsible for designing and programming video games. Game developers work on various aspects of game development, including gameplay mechanics, graphics rendering, user interfaces, and game physics. They use programming languages such as C++, Java, or Python to create interactive and immersive gaming experiences.
Game Programmer: Graduates can pursue roles as game programmers, specializing in coding and software development for games. Game programmers write and debug code, implement game mechanics, optimize performance, and integrate audio and visual assets into game engines. They collaborate with designers, artists, and other team members to bring game concepts to life and ensure smooth gameplay experiences.
Game Engine Developer: For graduates interested in software engineering and technology, careers as game engine developers are viable options. Game engine developers design and develop game engines, which are software frameworks used to build and run video games. They optimize engine performance, add new features and tools, and support integration with hardware platforms and external software libraries.
Technical Artist: Graduates with strong artistic and technical skills can pursue roles as technical artists in the gaming industry. Technical artists bridge the gap between art and programming, working to optimize visual assets, create shaders and special effects, and ensure that art assets are integrated seamlessly into game engines. They collaborate with artists and programmers to achieve visual excellence in games.
Gameplay Programmer: Another career option is to become a gameplay programmer, focusing on implementing and refining gameplay mechanics, player interactions, and user interfaces in video games. Gameplay programmers work closely with game designers to translate design concepts into code, iterate on gameplay features, and enhance player engagement and immersion through intuitive and responsive gameplay experiences.
Tools Programmer: Graduates can explore roles as tools programmers, developing software tools and utilities to support game development workflows. Tools programmers design and implement level editors, asset pipelines, debugging tools, and performance analysis tools to streamline the game development process and empower developers to work more efficiently.
Mobile Game Developer: With the increasing popularity of mobile gaming, graduates can pursue careers as mobile game developers, specializing in developing games for smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. Mobile game developers optimize games for mobile platforms, design intuitive touch-based controls, and leverage mobile-specific features such as accelerometer and GPS for innovative gameplay experiences.
Independent Game Developer: For graduates interested in entrepreneurship and self-publishing, careers as independent game developers are viable options. Independent game developers create and publish their own games, often working in small teams or as solo developers. They develop unique game concepts, build prototypes, and distribute games through digital platforms such as Steam, App Store, or Google Play.
