BSc Hons Computer Games Design

This three-year (or four-year with an optional placement year) program provides a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of computer games design. It aims to develop students' understanding of game mechanics, narrative design, level design, user experience (UX), and the aesthetic elements that contribute to a compelling game. Students will gain proficiency in using industry-standard software and hardware, and will have opportunities to work on individual and collaborative projects, simulating a real-world studio environment. The program encourages a balance between creative vision and technical understanding, preparing graduates for a variety of roles within the games industry.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BSc (Hons) Computer Games Design program is structured to build a strong foundation in the initial year, followed by more specialized and advanced topics in the subsequent years. Core modules in the first year typically cover the fundamentals of games production, game design theory and practice, an introduction to 3D modelling, and potentially 2D game creation, allowing students to explore different areas and find their strengths. As the course progresses, students can often choose optional modules to specialize in areas such as level design, character design, animation, or interactive design. The final year often involves a significant individual or group project where students apply their accumulated knowledge and skills to create a substantial game or a specific aspect of a game, demonstrating their abilities to potential employers. The curriculum often incorporates industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk 3ds Max, and game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine.

Research Focus: While the BSc (Hons) in Computer Games Design is a practically oriented program, it is underpinned by academic rigor and a focus on research relevant to the games industry. Students are encouraged to engage with the theoretical underpinnings of game design, including player psychology, game mechanics, and the history of games. The final year project often involves an element of research, where students may need to investigate user behavior, market trends, or explore innovative game design concepts. The program's faculty often have industry experience and may be involved in research themselves, bringing current knowledge and real-world case studies into the classroom, enhancing the learning experience and encouraging a critical and analytical approach to game design.

Industry Engagement: The University of Gloucestershire places a strong emphasis on industry engagement in its Computer Games Design program. Being a TIGA-affiliated university and a PlayStation First member often signifies strong links with the UK games industry. The program frequently offers opportunities for students to work on real business briefs provided by industry partners. Guest speakers from game development studios and related industries are often invited to share their experiences and insights, providing students with valuable networking opportunities and a better understanding of the industry. The University may also host events like COMX and GAMEX, where students can showcase their work to potential employers. The optional placement year (if chosen) provides an extended period of professional experience within a games company or a related industry, significantly enhancing a graduate's employability.

Global Perspective: The Computer Games Design program at the University of Gloucestershire often incorporates a global perspective to prepare students for an industry with a worldwide reach. Students may explore the international games market, different gaming cultures, and the challenges and opportunities of global game development. Opportunities for international trips to games events (though these might incur additional costs) can further broaden students' horizons and expose them to the global games community. The diverse backgrounds of both students and faculty contribute to a more globally aware learning environment, equipping graduates to work in multinational companies or on projects with international appeal.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.

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 80.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 64.
• Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

The University of Gloucestershire offers a range of scholarships designed to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are aimed at making education more accessible and affordable, allowing students to focus on their studies and enjoy their time in the UK without financial stress. The university provides several merit-based, need-based, and country-specific scholarships to help ease the cost of tuition fees for international students.

International Scholarships: The University of Gloucestershire offers International Scholarships for students coming from various countries across the globe. These scholarships typically range from £1,000 to £3,000 per year, based on academic achievement and the chosen course of study. The scholarship is automatically awarded to eligible students upon acceptance of their offer to study at the university. These awards are designed to make studying in the UK more affordable and are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.

Excellence Scholarships: For international students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, the University of Gloucestershire offers Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to students who have achieved exceptional academic results in their previous studies. The Excellence Scholarship can be worth up to £3,000 and is designed to recognize and support high-achieving students who show great potential in their chosen field of study.

Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, the University of Gloucestershire offers country-specific scholarships to students from certain regions. These scholarships are tailored to students from specific countries, helping to promote international diversity at the university. The scholarships vary in amount, eligibility criteria, and application processes.

Here are 10 potential career options for graduates with a BSc (Hons) in Computer Games Design from the University of Gloucestershire:

The University of Gloucestershire's BSc (Hons) Computer Games Design program offers a comprehensive and practical education, preparing graduates for a variety of creative and technical roles within the dynamic computer games industry. With a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with hands-on project work, and strong links to the industry, the program equips students with the skills and portfolio necessary to launch a successful career. Graduates are not just game players, but skilled designers, artists, and technical professionals ready to contribute to the development of engaging and innovative games across various platforms. The program's focus on practical skills, industry-standard software, and the opportunity to build a strong portfolio significantly enhances graduate employability in this competitive field.

Game Designer: This is perhaps the most direct path. Game Designers are responsible for the overall concept and rules of a game, including gameplay mechanics, level design, character design, and narrative. Graduates from this program will have a strong understanding of game design theory and practice, having worked on various game projects throughout their studies. Their portfolio, likely to include playable prototypes and design documentation, will be crucial for showcasing their creative vision and design abilities to potential employers.

Level Designer: Level Designers specialize in creating the environments, challenges, and experiences within a game. This role requires a strong understanding of spatial design, pacing, and how to guide the player through the game world. The program's focus on level design principles, potentially with dedicated modules or projects, and the use of industry-standard level design tools (often within game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine) will provide graduates with the necessary skills to excel in this specialized role.

UI/UX Designer (Games): UI (User Interface) and UX (User Experience) Designers in the games industry focus on making the game's interface intuitive and the overall player experience enjoyable. This includes designing menus, HUDs, and ensuring smooth navigation. The program would likely cover aspects of user-centered design and interface principles, and graduates would have had to consider the UX of their own game projects, making them suitable for this increasingly important role.

3D Artist/Modeller: For graduates with a strong interest and talent in visual arts, this role involves creating 3D models of characters, environments, props, and other assets for the game. The program's inclusion of 3D modelling modules, likely utilizing software like Autodesk Maya or Blender, will provide the fundamental skills required. A strong portfolio of 3D models will be essential for securing a position as a 3D artist.

Technical Artist: This is a hybrid role that bridges the gap between artists and programmers. Technical Artists help with the more technical aspects of game art, such as setting up art pipelines, creating shaders, and ensuring that art assets are optimized for performance. Graduates with a good understanding of both the artistic and technical aspects of game development, possibly gained through working closely with programming students on projects, could find this a rewarding career path.

Animator: Animators bring characters and objects to life through motion. This can include character animations, environmental animations, and in-game cinematics. If the program offers animation modules or opportunities to work on animation in projects, graduates with a knack for motion and storytelling would be well-suited for an animation role in a game studio.

Game Tester/QA Analyst: While perhaps an entry-level position, it's a vital one. Game Testers rigorously test games to find bugs, glitches, and gameplay issues before release. Graduates with a keen eye for detail, a thorough understanding of game mechanics, and experience playing and analyzing a wide range of games (as is likely for a Games Design student) can excel in this role, which can also be a stepping stone to other positions in the industry.

Production Assistant/Associate Producer: These roles support the production team in managing the game development process. This can involve scheduling, communication, and ensuring that the project stays on track. Graduates who demonstrated strong organizational and teamwork skills during their university projects and who have a good overall understanding of the game development pipeline would be suitable for these roles.

Indie Game Developer: The program's emphasis on hands-on project work and potentially modules on enterprise or indie development could inspire graduates to start their own independent game studios. The skills gained in game design, art, and potentially a basic understanding of programming would be crucial for developing and releasing their own games.

Related Creative Industries: The skills learned in a Computer Games Design program, such as 3D modelling, animation, and potentially some programming, are transferable to other creative industries. Graduates could find opportunities in film and television (e.g., visual effects), advertising, architectural visualization, or virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) development, broadening their career prospects beyond the traditional games industry.