MSc Engineering Management
The MSc Engineering Management program at the University of South Wales is a prestigiou...
BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development
Treforest
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development program at the University of South Wales (USW) offers students a comprehensive education in the theory and practice of game design, development, and production. Situated in Cardiff and Newport, UK, USW is renowned for its commitment to providing industry-relevant education. This program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the fast-paced and dynamic field of game development. With a focus on both technical expertise and creative innovation, students learn to design, program, and publish games across various platforms, preparing them for careers in the global gaming industry.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development program covers a wide range of topics essential for understanding the game development process. Students study modules in game design principles, computer graphics, game programming, artificial intelligence, and interactive storytelling. Additionally, they learn about game engines, game physics, multiplayer networking, and user interface design. The program emphasizes practical skills development through hands-on projects, game development workshops, and industry-led initiatives. Students have the opportunity to work on collaborative projects, develop their own game prototypes, and showcase their work at industry events and game expos.
Research Focus: The BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development program at USW integrates research into the curriculum, allowing students to explore emerging trends and technologies in the gaming industry. Research-focused modules provide opportunities for students to investigate topics such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), procedural generation, or player analytics. Students collaborate with faculty members on research projects and may contribute to industry partnerships or research centers focused on gaming technology and innovation. Through research projects and dissertations, students develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a deeper understanding of game design principles and methodologies.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a key component of the BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development program at USW. The university has strong connections with game development studios, publishers, and industry professionals involved in the gaming industry. Guest lectures, industry workshops, and game jams expose students to real-world challenges and best practices in game development. Additionally, students may undertake placements or internships with game companies, gaining practical experience and building professional networks. Industry mentors provide guidance and support, helping students transition from academia to the gaming industry and secure employment opportunities.
Global Perspective: The BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development program at USW incorporates a global perspective to prepare students for careers in the global gaming market. Modules within the program may include discussions on international gaming trends, cultural influences on game design, and global distribution platforms. Students may have the opportunity to participate in international game development competitions, study abroad programs, or collaborative projects with international partners. This global perspective equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to work on multinational game development teams, address diverse player preferences, and compete in the global gaming market effectively.
Location
Treforest
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 14400
Undergraduate Entry Requirements:
Academic Requirements: International students applying for undergraduate programs at University of South Wales should have completed their secondary education with a minimum of 65% or above in their respective national 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 score of 72, with a minimum of 17 in each component.
- PTE Academic: A minimum score of 64, with no component 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 South Wales offers several scholarships and financial support opportunities to both domestic and international students. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, support students from underrepresented backgrounds, and assist those who may face financial barriers in pursuing their education.
Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship: This scholarship is available for international students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It offers a significant reduction in tuition fees.
International Merit Scholarship: This scholarship is open to international students and provides a reduction in tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs based on academic merit.
Academic Achievement Scholarship: This scholarship is available for full-time undergraduate students who have achieved excellent academic results. It offers a reduction in tuition fees.
South Wales Business School Scholarships: The Business School offers a range of scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing business-related programs. These scholarships may provide financial assistance or work placements.
Sports Scholarships: The university offers sports scholarships to support talented athletes in their academic and sporting pursuits. These scholarships may include financial support, access to training facilities, and mentoring.
Alumni Discount: The University of South Wales provides a discount on tuition fees for eligible alumni who wish to pursue further studies at the university.
Country-Specific Scholarships: The university may offer scholarships specifically targeted at students from certain countries or regions. These scholarships aim to promote diversity and internationalization.
Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development program at the University of South Wales (USW) possess the skills and expertise to pursue diverse and exciting career opportunities in the global gaming industry. With a solid foundation in game design, programming, and development, graduates are well-equipped to contribute to the creation of innovative and engaging games across various platforms.
Game Developer: One of the primary career paths for graduates is becoming a game developer. Game developers are responsible for designing, programming, and implementing game mechanics, features, and systems. They work collaboratively with designers, artists, and audio engineers to bring game concepts to life. Game developers may specialize in areas such as gameplay programming, graphics programming, or artificial intelligence (AI) programming. They work for game development studios, indie game companies, or as freelance developers, creating games for consoles, PC, mobile devices, and emerging platforms like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
Game Designer: Graduates may pursue careers as game designers, shaping the overall vision and gameplay experience of video games. Game designers are responsible for conceptualizing game ideas, creating game mechanics, and designing levels, puzzles, and missions. They analyze player feedback, iterate on game designs, and balance gameplay elements to ensure a fun and engaging experience. Game designers work closely with artists, programmers, and producers to bring their vision to fruition. They may work for game studios, publishers, or as independent designers, creating original game concepts or working on established franchises.
Game Programmer: Another career option is becoming a game programmer, specializing in coding and software development for video games. Game programmers write code in programming languages such as C++, C#, or Java to implement game features, optimize performance, and debug issues. They may focus on areas such as graphics programming, physics programming, or network programming, depending on their interests and expertise. Game programmers collaborate with designers and artists to integrate gameplay elements and ensure smooth gameplay experiences. They work for game development studios, technology companies, or as freelance developers, contributing to the creation of cutting-edge games.
Technical Artist: Graduates may also pursue careers as technical artists, bridging the gap between art and technology in game development. Technical artists use their knowledge of art and programming to create tools, scripts, and pipelines that streamline the game development process. They optimize game assets for performance, implement visual effects, and create shaders and materials to achieve desired aesthetics. Technical artists work closely with artists, animators, and programmers to ensure the seamless integration of art assets into game engines. They may work for game studios, animation studios, or as freelance artists, contributing to the visual quality and technical efficiency of video games.
Quality Assurance Tester: Another entry-level career option is becoming a quality assurance (QA) tester, responsible for testing and debugging games to identify and report defects and issues. QA testers playtest games, perform regression testing, and verify fixes to ensure the overall quality and stability of the final product. They work closely with developers and designers to provide feedback on gameplay, user experience, and performance. QA testers may work for game studios, quality assurance companies, or as freelance testers, helping to deliver polished and enjoyable gaming experiences to players.
