MSc Human Resource Management (Top Up)
The MSc Human Resource Management (Top-Up) program at the University of Gloucestershire...
BSc Hons Computer Games Programming (Placement)
Park, Cheltenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
This extended degree program is tailored for students with a strong aptitude for mathematics and problem-solving who are passionate about the technical aspects of game creation. The program's primary focus is on developing high-level programming skills relevant to game development, including areas like game engine architecture, artificial intelligence (AI) for games, physics simulation, and graphics programming. The most significant feature is the compulsory or optional placement year, typically undertaken after the second academic year. This year provides a structured opportunity for students to work as programmers within a game development studio or a related tech company, gaining a full year of professional experience. This practical immersion not only solidifies their technical skills but also develops crucial workplace competencies and industry connections.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming (Placement) is designed to progressively build a strong foundation in programming and computer science principles, with a specific emphasis on their application in games. Early modules typically cover core programming concepts, mathematics for games, data structures and algorithms, and an introduction to game development using industry-standard engines like Unity and Unreal Engine. As students progress, the curriculum delves into more advanced programming topics directly relevant to games, which may include: game engine architecture, AI programming for non-player characters, real-time graphics rendering, physics engines, and network programming for multiplayer games. Many modules will involve practical programming projects, allowing students to apply their learning and build a portfolio of code. The placement year provides a real-world context for this learning, and the final year often involves a significant individual or group project where students can specialize in an area of interest and demonstrate their advanced programming abilities. The use of programming languages like C++, C#, and potentially others relevant to the industry is a core component of the curriculum.
Research Focus: While the program is highly practical, it is grounded in the academic principles of computer science and software engineering. The curriculum often incorporates the latest research and developments in game programming. Academic staff may have industry backgrounds or be actively involved in research in areas such as AI for games, procedural content generation, or advanced graphics techniques, bringing cutting-edge knowledge into the classroom. The final year project often involves an element of research, where students may need to investigate and implement advanced algorithms or explore novel programming solutions to complex game development challenges, fostering a spirit of inquiry and innovation.
Industry Engagement: The integrated placement year is the most significant form of industry engagement in this program. The University of Gloucestershire typically has strong links with the games industry, and often provides support to students in finding and applying for placements with game development studios of various sizes, or in related technology companies where their programming skills are transferable. This year provides an unparalleled opportunity to work on real commercial projects, under the guidance of experienced programmers, gaining a deep understanding of industry workflows, coding standards, and team collaboration in a professional setting. Beyond the placement, the program may feature guest lectures from industry professionals, opportunities to attend industry events, and potentially collaborative projects or briefs set by companies. These interactions provide valuable networking opportunities and ensure the skills students develop are highly relevant to the needs of the industry.
Global Perspective: The BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming (Placement) program often incorporates a global perspective, acknowledging the international nature of the games industry. Students may learn about the global games market, the technical challenges of developing games for a worldwide audience (including localization and online infrastructure), and the global nature of game development teams. The placement year could potentially offer opportunities for international placements, further broadening students' experience of working in a global context. The diverse backgrounds of both students and faculty within the program contribute to a more globally aware learning environment, preparing graduates to work in multinational companies or on projects with international scope.
Location
Park, Cheltenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 16600
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.
The University of Gloucestershire's BSc (Hons) in Computer Games Programming with a placement year is a highly practical and industry-focused degree, designed to equip graduates with the advanced programming skills critically needed by the computer games industry. This four-year program provides a rigorous education in the fundamentals of computer science and software engineering, with a strong emphasis on their application within the unique context of game development.
Gameplay Programmer: Gameplay Programmers are responsible for implementing the core mechanics and interactive elements of a game. The placement year provides an unparalleled opportunity to work on real gameplay systems in a professional studio. Graduates would likely have contributed to implementing player controls, character behavior, or specific game features under the guidance of senior programmers. This direct experience with a studio's codebase and development pipeline makes them highly attractive candidates for gameplay programming roles.
Engine Programmer: Engine Programmers work on the underlying technology that powers a game, such as the rendering engine, physics engine, or audio engine. A placement year could offer a unique chance to contribute to the development or maintenance of a commercial game engine. This would provide invaluable experience with low-level programming, performance optimization, and working with complex software architectures, setting them apart when applying for specialized engine programming positions.
AI Programmer: AI Programmers develop the artificial intelligence that controls non-player characters (NPCs) and other in-game entities. During their placement, a student might work on implementing or improving AI behaviors for enemies, allies, or the game world itself. This practical experience in developing and debugging AI systems in a real game environment provides a significant advantage over graduates with only academic AI projects.
Graphics Programmer: Graphics Programmers are responsible for rendering the visuals in a game, including 3D graphics, lighting, and visual effects. A placement in a studio could involve working on shaders, optimizing rendering performance, or implementing new graphics features. This hands-on experience with advanced graphics techniques and a studio's rendering pipeline would be highly beneficial for securing a role in graphics programming.
Network Programmer: For online or multiplayer games, Network Programmers handle the complexities of network communication and synchronization. If a student's placement was with a studio developing online games, they could gain experience with network protocols, client-server architecture, and handling latency and data synchronization – skills that are in high demand in the industry.
Tools Programmer: Tools Programmers develop the software tools used by other members of the development team, such as level editors or animation tools. A placement year might involve contributing to the development or maintenance of such tools, working closely with designers and artists to understand their needs. This experience in creating user-friendly and efficient tools is highly valuable to game studios.
Physics Programmer: Physics Programmers implement the physics systems that govern how objects move and interact in a game world. A placement could provide the opportunity to work with a game's physics engine, implementing realistic or stylized physics for objects and characters. This specialized experience is particularly relevant for studios developing games with complex physical interactions.
Mobile Game Programmer: With the boom in mobile gaming, there's a demand for programmers skilled in developing for iOS and Android platforms. A placement with a mobile game development studio would provide specific experience in mobile-specific programming languages (like Swift or Kotlin), optimizing performance for mobile devices, and working with mobile game development frameworks.
Software Engineer (General): The strong programming foundation and practical experience gained from this degree with a placement make graduates highly employable as general software engineers in various industries beyond gaming. The placement year demonstrates their ability to work in a professional software development environment, making them attractive to a wide range of tech companies.
Indie Game Developer: The comprehensive programming skills and the first-hand experience of the game development process gained during the placement year are incredibly valuable for aspiring indie game developers. Graduates will have a much stronger understanding of the technical challenges involved in creating and shipping a game, and the professional skills to manage the development process, increasing their chances of success in the independent game development scene.
