BSc in (Hons) Computer Game Development (4 Years with Placement)

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Students should have completed their secondary education with a minimum overall percentage of 60% or above in a relevant qualification equivalent to the UK's General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) or A-levels.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6, with no individual component score below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80, with with no band less than 10.
• PTE: A minimum overall score of 61, 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.

Scholarships for International Students at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan):

Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship awarded to high-achieving international students. This scholarship provides a significant tuition fee reduction for the duration of the student's program. The selection is based on academic merit, and applicants are automatically considered when they apply for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate program at UCLan.

International Excellence Scholarship: The International Excellence Scholarship is aimed at international students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. This scholarship offers a tuition fee reduction for the first year of study and is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The selection criteria include academic achievements, personal statements, and references.

Country-Specific Scholarships: UCLan offers scholarships specifically tailored to students from certain countries or regions. These scholarships aim to promote cultural diversity and encourage international students from specific regions to study at UCLan. The eligibility criteria and award amounts vary depending on the specific scholarship.

Sports Scholarships: UCLan recognizes the achievements of talented student athletes and offers sports scholarships to support their academic and sporting pursuits. These scholarships are available for international students who demonstrate outstanding sporting ability and academic potential. The scholarships provide financial support, mentoring, and access to sports facilities and training programs.

Alumni Loyalty Discount: UCLan values its alumni and offers a tuition fee discount to international students who have previously completed a full degree program at UCLan and wish to pursue further studies at the university. The discount is applied to the tuition fees of eligible postgraduate programs.

External Scholarships and Funding: In addition to the scholarships offered by UCLan, international students can also explore external scholarship opportunities and funding options. Various organizations, foundations, and governments provide scholarships for international students studying in the UK. UCLan's International Office can provide guidance and information on external scholarship opportunities.

It is important to note that the availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines for scholarships may vary each year.

The BSc (Hons) Computer Game Development program at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) offers graduates exciting and diverse career prospects within the rapidly growing gaming industry. This four-year degree, which includes a placement year, equips students with the technical skills, creative abilities, and industry experience necessary to thrive in various roles.  

1. Game Developer: Graduates can pursue roles as game developers, where they design and implement software code for video games. They work collaboratively with artists, designers, and other developers to create engaging and interactive gaming experiences. Proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Java, and Python gained during the program is essential for this role.

2. Game Designer: Those with a passion for game design can become game designers, responsible for conceptualizing game ideas, creating storylines, and designing game mechanics and levels. Game design principles learned during the program, combined with creativity and critical thinking, are key assets for this role.

3. Game Programmer: Game programming is a specialized area within game development that focuses on coding game systems, physics engines, AI algorithms, and user interfaces. Graduates with strong programming skills and a deep understanding of game architecture are well-suited for roles as game programmers.

4. Technical Artist: Technical artists bridge the gap between art and programming, ensuring that game assets are optimized for performance and visual quality. They collaborate with both artists and programmers to implement visual effects, shaders, and animations into games. Knowledge of 3D modeling tools and graphics programming is valuable for this role.

5. UI/UX Designer: User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) designers are responsible for creating intuitive and visually appealing interfaces that enhance the player's experience. Graduates with a strong understanding of human-computer interaction and design principles can excel in this role.

6. VR/AR Developer: With the rising popularity of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies, graduates specializing in VR/AR development can work on cutting-edge projects that push the boundaries of immersive gaming experiences. Skills in game engine development and spatial computing are essential for this niche role.

7. Quality Assurance (QA) Tester: QA testers play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and functionality of games by identifying and reporting bugs, issues, and usability concerns. Graduates with a keen attention to detail and a passion for gaming can start their careers as QA testers and progress into QA management or game production roles.

8. Independent Game Developer: Some graduates may choose to start their own game development studios and create independent games. Entrepreneurial skills combined with technical expertise and creative vision can lead to success in the indie gaming scene.

9. Further Study and Research: Graduates interested in academia or research can pursue postgraduate studies in game development, computer science, or related fields, leading to opportunities in research institutions or academia.