MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
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BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Game Development) (with a Placement Year)
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Game Development) (with a Placement Year) at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, is an intensive four-year undergraduate degree specifically designed to immerse students in the dynamic world of interactive digital entertainment. This specialist program provides a robust foundation in core computer science principles, coupled with a deep dive into the technical and creative aspects of game development. A distinctive and integral component is the compulsory year-long industrial placement, typically undertaken between the second and final academic years, offering invaluable real-world experience within a game studio or related industry. The curriculum is highly practical, with assessments focusing on individual and collaborative game development projects, game demonstrations, and assessed workshops, rather than traditional exams. This approach reflects industry practices and ensures graduates are equipped with in-depth knowledge of modern game development technologies, mobile application development, and advanced game concepts, preparing them for leadership roles in the fast-paced gaming sector.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Game Development) (with a Placement Year) is meticulously 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. In the second year, students delve into 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 third year is dedicated entirely to the compulsory industrial placement, offering a critical opportunity to apply learned game development skills and gain professional exposure within an industry setting. The final academic 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 practical application.
Research Focus: While the BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Game Development) (with a Placement Year) is a hands-on undergraduate program, its curriculum at St. Mary's University is continuously informed by current research and cutting-edge developments within the game development and broader computer science fields. The academic staff, many of whom possess significant 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 and integrated aspect of the BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Game Development) (with a Placement Year) program at St. Mary's University, designed to ensure graduates are highly employable and possess relevant, real-world skills for the gaming industry. The compulsory year-long industrial placement is a pivotal feature, providing students with unparalleled hands-on experience within a game development studio or related interactive entertainment company. Beyond the placement, the university actively 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 also includes team projects where students develop games, providing direct exposure to collaborative development practices. The university's location near London further provides exceptional access to networking opportunities and potential career pathways within the UK's thriving gaming sector.
Global Perspective: The BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Game Development) (with a Placement Year) program at St. Mary's University integrates a strong global perspective, preparing graduates for the inherently 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, reinforced by the compulsory placement year, ensures that the expertise developed is highly relevant and transferable across international markets. Moreover, the placement 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) (with a Placement Year) at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, offers graduates 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 integrated year-long industrial placement provides invaluable real-world experience, significantly enhancing their practical abilities and commercial awareness. Graduates from this program are exceptionally well-prepared for a wide range of high-demand roles in the rapidly evolving interactive entertainment sector.
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, honed during their placement, 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, often a responsibility they gain exposure to during their placement.
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, augmented by real-world problem-solving on placement, 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, coupled with practical application during their placement, 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. The placement offers opportunities to work on live AI systems.
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. Practical experience from their placement is highly valued here.
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, often directly applying skills gained during their placement.
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, systematically identifying bugs, glitches, and performance issues. Their placement often provides direct experience in industry-standard QA methodologies.
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. The transferable skills and professional network from the placement are highly beneficial.
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, often honed through placement experience.
