Bachelor of Science in Computer Games Development

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Games Development program at Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Ireland, is designed to prepare students for careers in the rapidly growing and dynamic field of game development. This program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills to equip students with the expertise needed to create engaging and immersive gaming experiences across various platforms. Students learn about game design, programming, graphics, artificial intelligence, game engines, and interactive storytelling. The curriculum covers both technical aspects of game development and creative aspects of game design, allowing students to develop games that are not only technically proficient but also innovative and compelling. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and industry-standard tools, students gain hands-on experience in game development from concept to completion.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Games Development program at ATU is carefully crafted to cover a wide range of topics relevant to game development. Core courses include game design principles, computer graphics, programming fundamentals, game physics, and user interface design. Students also study specialized topics such as game engine development, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), multiplayer game programming, and mobile game development. Practical projects and studio courses allow students to apply their skills in designing and developing games, from concept creation and prototyping to alpha and beta testing. Elective courses offer students the flexibility to explore specific areas of interest such as game AI, level design, narrative design, or game marketing and entrepreneurship. The program culminates in a capstone project where students work in teams to develop a complete game, showcasing their skills and creativity.

Research Focus: ATU encourages students in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Games Development program to engage in research activities that explore emerging trends, technologies, and methodologies in game development. Research areas may include procedural content generation, player behavior analysis, game analytics, serious games for education or healthcare, and interactive storytelling techniques. Through research-focused coursework, independent study projects, and collaboration with faculty members, students develop critical thinking skills, research methodology, and a deeper understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of game development.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is an integral part of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Games Development program at ATU. The university collaborates closely with game development studios, software companies, and industry organizations to ensure that the curriculum reflects current industry standards and practices. Guest lectures, workshops, and industry visits provide students with insights into the latest trends, tools, and technologies in game development. Internship and work placement opportunities allow students to gain hands-on experience and build professional networks within the game industry. Industry-sponsored projects and competitions provide students with opportunities to work on real-world game development projects and showcase their talents to potential employers.

Global Perspective: ATU promotes a global perspective in its computer games development program, recognizing the global nature of the gaming industry and the importance of cultural diversity and international collaboration in game design and development. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Games Development program includes coursework that explores global gaming trends, cultural influences on game design, and the impact of globalization on the gaming industry. Opportunities for international study exchanges, participation in global game jams and conferences, and collaboration with international game developers expose students to diverse cultural perspectives and gaming markets worldwide. This global outlook prepares graduates to work effectively in multinational game studios, collaborate with international teams, and create games that resonate with global audiences.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements 

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 70 with a minimum of 17 in each section.
• PTE: Overall score of 51 with a minimum of 49 in each section.
• DET: Overall score of 95 with no section score below 90 is required.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It's important to note that entry requirements can vary by program and may change over time. Additionally, some programs may have additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or work experience.

Atlantic Technological University is dedicated to supporting international students in their pursuit of higher education. To this end, the university offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to help make studying in Ireland more affordable.

Merit-Based Scholarships: Atlantic Technological University offers merit-based scholarships for outstanding international students. These scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance and achievements.

Need-Based Financial Aid: The university provides financial aid to international students based on their financial needs. This assistance is designed to help students who may face financial challenges in pursuing their education.

Country-Specific Scholarships: Some scholarships may be available to students from specific countries. These scholarships are often established through government partnerships or institutional collaborations.

Research Scholarships: For students interested in research programs, Atlantic Technological University offers research scholarships that support research projects and endeavors. These scholarships can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and research-related costs.

Sports Scholarships: If you are a student-athlete with exceptional sporting talents, you may be eligible for sports scholarships. These scholarships can help you balance your academic and athletic pursuits.

External Scholarships: Atlantic Technological University encourages students to explore external scholarship opportunities provided by governments, foundations, and organizations in their home countries.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Games Development program from Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Ireland, possess a unique skill set that prepares them for exciting career opportunities in the rapidly expanding field of game development.

Game Developer: Design, develop, and program video games for various platforms such as consoles, PCs, mobile devices, and virtual reality (VR) platforms. Game developers work on all aspects of game creation, including game mechanics, graphics, audio, user interface, and gameplay programming, using programming languages such as C++, C#, or Java and game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine.

Game Designer: Create and conceptualize game ideas, gameplay mechanics, storylines, and level designs. Game designers work closely with artists, programmers, and producers to define the vision and direction of a game, ensuring that it is engaging, immersive, and enjoyable for players. They also conduct playtesting and iterate on game designs to improve player experience.

Game Artist: Create visual assets such as characters, environments, animations, and special effects for video games. Game artists use tools such as Photoshop, Maya, Blender, or ZBrush to produce high-quality 2D and 3D art assets that bring game worlds and characters to life, following art direction and style guidelines provided by the game design team.

Game Programmer: Write code and scripts to implement game features, mechanics, and systems. Game programmers specialize in areas such as gameplay programming, graphics programming, AI (artificial intelligence), physics simulation, networking, or tool development, using programming languages and APIs (application programming interfaces) specific to game development.

UI/UX (User Interface/User Experience) Designer: Design and create intuitive and user-friendly interfaces for video games, including menus, HUDs (heads-up displays), interactive elements, and navigation systems. UI/UX designers focus on optimizing the player's interaction with the game, ensuring that it is easy to learn, visually appealing, and accessible across different devices and platforms.

Level Designer: Design and build game levels, environments, puzzles, and challenges that contribute to the overall gameplay experience. Level designers use level editors and game engines to create layouts, place assets, define gameplay mechanics, and balance difficulty curves, creating engaging and immersive game worlds for players to explore.

Game Producer/Project Manager: Oversee the development process of video games from concept to release, ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Game producers or project managers coordinate team members, manage resources, track progress, and communicate with stakeholders throughout the development cycle.

Quality Assurance (QA) Tester: Test video games to identify bugs, glitches, and issues that may affect gameplay, functionality, or performance. QA testers conduct thorough testing, write bug reports, and provide feedback to the development team to ensure that games meet quality standards and deliver a polished and bug-free experience to players.

Game Audio Engineer/Sound Designer: Create and implement audio elements such as music, sound effects, and voiceovers for video games. Game audio engineers and sound designers use digital audio workstations (DAWs) and audio middleware tools to compose, edit, and mix audio assets, enhancing the immersive and emotional impact of games.

Indie Game Developer/Entrepreneur: Start your own game development studio or indie game company to create and publish original games independently. Indie game developers take on multiple roles and responsibilities, including game design, programming, art, marketing, and business development, to bring their creative vision to life and launch successful games in the competitive gaming market.