MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
St Mary's University Twickenham, London, offers a highly regarded MSc Applied Sport...
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Game Development)
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Game Development) at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, offers a dynamic and immersive pathway for students passionate about creating interactive digital experiences. This specialist degree provides a robust foundation in core computer science principles while delving deeply into the technical and creative aspects of game development. The curriculum is highly practical and hands-on, with assessments focusing on individual and collaborative game development projects, game demonstrations, and assessed workshops, rather than traditional exams. This approach is designed to reflect industry practices and prepare graduates for the fast-paced and innovative gaming sector, equipping them with in-depth knowledge of modern game development technologies, mobile application development, and advanced game concepts.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Game Development) is structured to provide a comprehensive and progressive learning experience in game creation. The first year establishes foundational computer science skills with core modules such as Computer Systems and Networks, Mathematics for Computer Science, Programming Principles and Techniques, Database Systems, Object-Oriented Programming, 1 and Web Design and Development. As students advance, the second year introduces core game development concepts through modules like Data Structures and Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, Web Application Development, and Mobile Application Development, alongside specialist game development modules focusing on game design principles and engine usage. The final year culminates in a significant Individual Project, allowing for specialised game development or research, complemented by advanced modules such as Software Testing and Quality Assurance, Advanced Topics in Computer Science, and specialist modules directly related to game engine programming, graphics, or AI for games, ensuring students are at the forefront of game development knowledge and application.
Research Focus: While the BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Game Development) is a highly practical undergraduate program, its curriculum at St. Mary's University is continuously informed by current research and ongoing developments within the game development and broader computer science fields. The academic staff, many of whom possess industry experience, actively integrate the latest insights in areas such as game AI, advanced graphics rendering, game engine architecture, and innovative interactive technologies into their teaching. Students are consistently encouraged to develop strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities throughout the program, particularly through various game development projects, game jams, and their culminating final-year individual project. This project often involves developing original game concepts or advanced game features, enabling students to engage in applied research and contribute to the evolving landscape of interactive entertainment.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a fundamental aspect of the BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Game Development) program at St. Mary's University, designed to ensure graduates are highly employable and possess relevant, real-world skills for the gaming industry. The university fosters strong connections with the tech and gaming industries through various initiatives. Students benefit from engaging lectures delivered by industry guest speakers, participate in game jams, hackathons, and tech meetups, and have opportunities for field trips to leading game studios and industry events. The curriculum includes team projects where students develop games, providing direct exposure to collaborative development practices. Furthermore, students can undertake an optional industrial placement year, offering invaluable professional experience within game development studios or related interactive entertainment companies. The university's location near London provides unparalleled access to networking opportunities and potential career pathways within the UK's thriving gaming sector.
Global Perspective: The BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Game Development) program at St. Mary's University integrates a strong global perspective, preparing graduates for the international nature of the video game industry. The curriculum explores universal game development principles, technologies, and design philosophies that transcend geographical boundaries, such as global gaming trends, international development pipelines, and the cultural impact of games worldwide. Students gain an understanding of how diverse cultural contexts influence game design, marketing, and player engagement. The program's emphasis on practical, industry-aligned skills ensures that the expertise developed is highly relevant and transferable across international markets. Moreover, the optional industrial placement year can expose students to multinational gaming companies or international development teams, fostering an understanding of diverse working environments and cross-cultural collaboration within the global gaming community.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 17100
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% 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 55.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
St. Mary’s University Twickenham offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in financing their education and rewarding academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden and recognize the talents and hard work of students coming from all over the world.
International Student Scholarships: St. Mary’s provides International Student Scholarships for students from a range of countries. These scholarships are typically partial fee reductions, aimed at making education more affordable. Eligible students are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their potential to contribute to the university community. The scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to international students at St. Mary’s University. This scholarship offers a significant reduction in tuition fees for high-achieving students, with eligibility determined by academic performance and specific course requirements. Students from a variety of regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are encouraged to apply for this highly competitive scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, St. Mary’s offers country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions. These scholarships provide additional financial assistance and are designed to support students from areas where educational opportunities may be limited. International students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas are often eligible for these specialized scholarships.
Sports Scholarships: For students excelling in sports, St. Mary’s University provides Sports Scholarships. These awards are available to talented athletes who demonstrate the potential to represent the university in competitive sports. Sports scholars benefit from personalized coaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and financial support to help balance academic and athletic commitments.
The BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Game Development) at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, provides graduates with a robust blend of foundational computer science knowledge and highly specialised skills in game creation. This immersive degree prepares individuals to contribute to the exciting and dynamic video game industry, leveraging an understanding of programming, game design principles, modern game technologies, and mobile application development. The program's hands-on approach, focusing on practical projects and industry-relevant skills, ensures that graduates are not only academically proficient but also possess the practical experience and portfolio needed to enter this competitive field.
Gameplay Programmer: Graduates are ideally suited to write the code that brings game mechanics to life, including character controls, combat systems, physics interactions, and AI behaviours. Their strong programming foundation and understanding of game logic are critical for this core development role.
Engine Programmer: These highly skilled individuals work on the core game engine itself, optimising its performance, graphics rendering pipelines, memory management, and overall stability. They ensure the underlying technology can support the game's design and features across various platforms.
Tools Programmer: Specialising in efficiency, graduates can develop and maintain custom software tools and pipelines that streamline the workflow for game designers, artists, and other developers. Their computer science expertise allows them to create bespoke solutions that enhance production.
Graphics Programmer: Focusing on the visual aspects of games, these professionals develop and optimise rendering techniques, shaders, visual effects, and 3D graphics engines. Their understanding of computational geometry and graphics APIs is key to creating stunning game visuals.
AI Programmer (Games): With a specialisation in game development, graduates can create the artificial intelligence systems that control non-player characters (NPCs), enemy behaviours, pathfinding, and decision-making processes within the game world, enhancing player experience and challenge.
Mobile Game Developer: Leveraging skills in mobile application development and game programming, graduates are well-prepared to design, develop, and publish games specifically for iOS and Android platforms, catering to the rapidly growing mobile gaming market.
Technical Game Designer: This hybrid role combines creative game design principles with strong technical understanding. Graduates can focus on implementing game mechanics, scripting events, balancing systems, and ensuring the technical feasibility of design choices within game engines.
Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer / Game Tester: Graduates with a keen eye for detail and a technical understanding of game development processes can excel in testing roles, identifying bugs, glitches, and performance issues. They often help refine the user experience and ensure game stability before release.
Software Engineer (Interactive Entertainment): Beyond traditional video games, graduates can apply their expertise to broader interactive entertainment sectors, developing simulations, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences, or interactive installations that require real-time rendering and complex programming.
Technical Artist (with programming skills): Bridging the gap between art and technology, graduates can work as Technical Artists. They assist artists with complex technical issues, create tools for content creation, develop shaders, and optimise art assets to perform efficiently within the game engine, requiring a blend of artistic sensibility and programming proficiency.
