BSc (Hons) Computer Game Development

What you will study

YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4)

In the first year of study, you will be introduced to a variety of themes that relate to the development of game products across technical and design modules along with opportunities expand on your skills in a full game project. You will begin studying game design, 3D software and C++ programming in the first semester, and build on this to utilise Unreal Engine in semester 2 to create narratively inspired environments and trailers. 

MODULES

• Game Design and Interaction: In this module, you will design and create a vertical slice of a 2D Indie Game in a collaborative group. You will be facilitated to make fun and bitesize 2D gameplay in simplified game creating software. This module is paired with Game Industry and Agile Production to replicate a full game production process. 
• Game Asset Production: This Module introduces you to the fundamentals of 3D modelling and engine integration with asset development through developing a modular ‘Dungeon’ environment. A simple 3D workflow pipeline is introduced with primitive modelling, UVs creation and texturing. You will finalise the game asset pack by demonstrating it in Unreal Engine.  
  
• Programming Fundamentals: This specialist module is designed to be an introductory module for traditional programming methods for Game Development. You will study the programming language of C++ and the basics structures of creating game-based programs and technical demos.   
• Game Environments & Narrative Design: This is a multi-disciplinary module where you will utilise Unreal Engine to construct a 3D environment with narrative and artistic themes. You will use this environment to create a game trailer for a game you have yet to produce. 
• Games Technology: This specialist module focuses on some key aspects of the development side of creating games and focuses on key STEM themes and how they related to real-world technical game problems. 
• Game Industry and Agile Production: This module is an introduction to a range of themes across game industry and production. This module pairs with Game Design & Interaction to allow you to deliver Agile production against a live game project. 

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)

The second year of study will build of the foundations of the first and will encourage you to start to specialise in a specific area. In the first semester, you will study two specialist modules and explore the world of programming and developing games in a more detailed way, including starting to create C++ based game projects with Unreal Engine. In the second semester, the focus will shift to student-led, multi-disciplinary 3D game project in which you will be required to manage and deliver a significant vertical slice of a 3D game whilst maintaining a professional management methodology. 

MODULES

• Games Programming: This specialist module builds upon your previous knowledge of C++ to develop technical demos that demonstrate concepts of Object-Oriented Programming within game engines such as Unreal Engine in C++. Work will build sequentially in this module to resolve into a polished technical portfolio piece. 
• Mobile Game Development: This specialist module explores themes of optimised game development through the lens of creating smaller technical demos that can be demonstrated on mobile hardware. You will produce technical portfolio items that demonstrate a balanced approach to visual and non-visual scripting. 
• Asset Production for Game Engines: This module introduces the full development pipeline for high to low poly modelling focusing on optimisation and texturing. You are facilitated through the full workflow pipeline with a small asset, then are tasked with reapplying the workflow from a 2D concept of your choice. This will reinforce your knowledge of the workflow and provides two opportunities for portfolio work. 
• Serious Game Design: This module aims to introduce concepts of serious game design and development whilst relating it to the wider context of the games industry. This module examines the subject of serious games and its related terms such as gamification, applied games and simulation. You will demonstrate and apply your knowledge and understanding of traditional game design through a development prototype with a real-world serious application. 
• Group Project: This module is the first of two significant games projects in the programme. This module will require you to develop a vertical slice of a 3D game in Unreal Engine. You will demonstrate work through collaborative teamwork that showcase diverse set of skills across game design, art, development and enterprise.
• Indie Studio Management: This module is designed to implement and facilitate management of a games project (Group Project) through the lens of an Indie Game studio. This module will discuss agile, reflective and collaborative work through a series of production meetings to discuss ongoing practice. You will be challenged with demonstrating your project as an industry standard indie games product. 

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6)

The final year of the course will further build on your subject specialisms, as the course starts to explore what graduate opportunities you have in the games industry – whether that be in a larger studio or in your own indie studio. You will have final core and specialist training modules; however, the area of development will be through the large-scale games project which will run from the start of the year until the summer.    

MODULES:

• Game Industry Specialist: This module will task you to break down and analyse job roles and areas within the contemporary games industry. This will include action planning for the last year of undergraduate study and will be finalised in a formal simulated interview process for a specific contemporary game industry position.   
• Advanced Games Programming: This specialist module is designed to further explore your technical knowledge of C++ to develop game mechanics and systems in game engines. You will also be challenged to maintain and enhance existing code, along with implementing new features in C++. You will create polished portfolio pieces that demonstrate technical skills with an engaging and enterprising attitude. 
• Advanced Asset Production and Technical Art: This module tasks you to produce a project with a focus on your own developing specialism in line with contemporary job roles within the games industry. This module will allow you to approach 3D technology and asset production from a range of design and technical perspectives to support your ongoing specialist practice. The projects must be showcased as a portfolio piece and demonstrated with rational on how the project benefits your chosen specialist area. 
• Advanced Game Design and User Engagement: You will prepare, setup, test and gather data through user testing/ play testing of a live project (Project) and produce improvements based on the outcome of the tests. The benefit of this module is that it will allows you to fine tune the project through your own roles within the development. 
• Project: This module is designed to be the pinnacle of student achievement across the programme. You will create a substantial games project that will require a wide range of skills from a collaborative group. You will act as Indie Studios and be encouraged to pursue regional and national funding schemes to produce a well-rounded games product and release it on a portfolio platform. 

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Entry requirements & applying

The academic requirements for the course are 96-112 UCAS tariff points at GCE A-level or equivalent including a good pass in IT, Computing, Maths or Physics.

Teaching & Assessment

This course is portfolio focused and as such, there are no formal exams. Instead, students will focus on developing technical and theoretical skills via practical assignments and research & development activities.

Assessment methods include the production of digital (and non-digital) games, writing technical and academic reports, compiling and analysing production data, giving presentations, writing code, producing 3D models and audio files.

At higher levels of the course, students will also be required to provide statistical evidence of work hours with supporting evidence as part of key assessment outcomes.

TEACHING AND LEARNING

Independent learning is an important aspect of all modules, as it enables students to develop both their subject-specific and key skills. Independent learning is promoted through the use of digital management tools such as Jira, and through feedback given to students, which takes several forms including small group and one-to-one discussions.

Wrexham University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.

Career prospects

Our Careers & Employability service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

Students completing this course may forge successful careers as game programmers, games technical artists/animators, level designers/developers, producers or scrum masters, app designers/developers.

Our graduates are employed by some of the worlds most recognisable brands such as Ubisoft, Sony, Nintendo, Rockstar and Travellers Tales. We also work hard to support graduates who choose to set up their own games studios based within our innovative business incubation centre.

This course delivers practical skills in programming, 3D modelling, game design and project management which will qualify you to work in a variety of roles within the industry.

Given the technical skills acquired on the course, some graduates opt to pursue careers in many mainstream computing areas such as IT support, programming and technical development, consultancy and internet and e-commerce applications development.

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our undergraduate fees.

For international students looking to study this course please see our international fees.

Programme specification

Accommodation

At Wrexham University, we offer on-campus en-suite rooms within our Wrexham Student Village. These private, fully furnished spaces are conveniently located, providing easy access to campus facilities, study areas, and social spaces. Plus, you’re just a 10-minute walk from the city centre!

With all bills included, free Wi-Fi, 24/7 security, and large social areas, you’ll find everything you need for a great student experience.

Explore our student accommodation options to find your perfect home away from home.

International

If you are applying as an European / International Student, and live outside of the UK, you should make your application through our online application system, Centurus.

For information about the university’s entry requirements for EU/international students, please visit our international section.