MSc Engineering Management
The MSc Engineering Management program at the University of South Wales is a prestigiou...
BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development with Placement year
Treforest
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development with Placement year program at the University of South Wales (USW) offers students a comprehensive education in game design, development, and production, enhanced by a valuable placement year experience. Situated in Cardiff and Newport, UK, USW is recognized for its commitment to providing industry-relevant education. This program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the competitive gaming industry. With a focus on practical experience and industry engagement, students learn to create immersive and innovative games for various platforms, preparing them for successful careers in the global gaming market.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development with Placement year program covers a broad range of topics essential for understanding the game development process. Students study modules in game design principles, game programming, computer graphics, artificial intelligence, and interactive storytelling. Additionally, they learn about game engines, multiplayer networking, game physics, and user interface design. The program emphasizes practical skills development through hands-on projects, game development workshops, and collaborative assignments. Students have the opportunity to work on real-world game projects, develop their portfolios, and showcase their work to industry professionals.
Research Focus: The BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development with Placement year program at USW integrates research into the curriculum, allowing students to explore cutting-edge technologies and trends 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 behavior analysis. 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 development methodologies.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a key component of the BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development with Placement year program at USW. The university has strong connections with game development studios, publishers, and industry professionals involved in the gaming industry. The placement year allows students to gain practical experience and insights by working with leading game companies. Students undertake placements or internships with game studios, indie game developers, or technology companies, gaining valuable industry experience and building professional networks. Industry mentors provide guidance and support, helping students develop employability skills and transition smoothly into the gaming industry.
Global Perspective: The BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development with Placement year 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 undertake placements or projects abroad, gaining exposure to different gaming markets, cultural preferences, and industry practices. This global perspective equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to work on international game development teams, cater to diverse player demographics, and succeed in the competitive global gaming industry.
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 with Placement year program at the University of South Wales (USW) are equipped with the skills and experience to pursue rewarding careers in the gaming industry. The combination of academic knowledge and practical industry experience gained during the placement year prepares graduates for a variety of roles within the dynamic and competitive field of game development.
Game Developer: One of the primary career paths for graduates is becoming a game developer. Game developers are responsible for designing, programming, and implementing various aspects of video games. They collaborate with designers, artists, and other team members to create engaging gameplay experiences. Graduates with a BSc in Computer Games Development are well-versed in game programming languages, development tools, and industry-standard practices, making them valuable assets to game development studios.
Game Designer: Graduates may also pursue careers as game designers, where they focus on the creative aspects of game development. Game designers are responsible for crafting game concepts, designing levels, mechanics, and gameplay systems. They work closely with developers to ensure that the gameplay experience aligns with the vision of the game. With a strong foundation in game design principles and practical experience gained during the placement year, graduates are well-prepared to excel in this role.
Game Programmer: Another career option is to specialize as a game programmer. Game programmers are responsible for writing code to implement game features, mechanics, and functionality. They work with game engines, scripting languages, and development tools to bring game designs to life. Graduates with a BSc in Computer Games Development have a solid understanding of programming concepts and algorithms, making them well-suited for roles in game programming.
Technical Artist: Graduates may pursue careers as technical artists, combining artistic skills with technical expertise to optimize game development pipelines. Technical artists are responsible for creating tools, shaders, and scripts to streamline the production process. They collaborate with artists and programmers to ensure that art assets are integrated seamlessly into the game engine. With experience gained during the placement year, graduates are well-equipped to excel in technical artist roles.
Quality Assurance Tester: Another entry-level career option is to start as a quality assurance (QA) tester. QA testers are responsible for testing games to identify bugs, glitches, and other issues. They playtest games, report bugs, and provide feedback to developers to improve the overall quality of the game. Graduates with a BSc in Computer Games Development have a deep understanding of game development processes, making them effective QA testers.
