BSc (Hons) Computer Game Development (with Foundation Year)

What you will study

YEAR 1 (FOUNDATION YEAR)

The foundation year of study provides a platform to build skills and confidence in the wider practice of game design. You will start with building up awareness of key pillars of what it means to design and produce games while testing out your own ideas and reflecting on how effective they are. 

Following that you will explore game development, design, and art fundamentals by using industry standard software to create characters and mechanics. You will also engage with your first games project module on the foundation year to demonstrate the full life cycle of making a game.

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 4)

Level 4 introduces both theoretical and practical skills as you will work as part of a small game development team and learn the basics of production management along with building knowledge of 2D & 3D design and development. You will also expand your knowledge of C++ Programming and exploring the relationship between visual and non-visual scripting in game engines such as Unreal Engine 5.

You will also explore the broader context of game development and the critical issues facing the industry today.

MODULES

• Game Design and Interaction
• Game Asset Production
• Game Environments and Narrative Design
• Games Technology
• Game Industry and Agile Production
• Programming Fundamentals

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 5)

Level 5 builds on and expands your portfolio of skills and knowledge, adding to your digital sculpting and modelling skills along with audio design and production for games. You will also expand your knowledge of C++ Programming and exploring the relationship between visual and non-visual scripting in game engines such as Unreal Engine 5.

Critically, during the second semester, you will further enhance your development and management skills by working on two substantial group game projects utilising industry standard management methodologies and supporting tools.

MODULES

• Asset Production for Game Engines
• Games Programming
• Mobile Game Development
• Serious Games Design
• Indie Studio Management
• Group Project

YEAR 4 (LEVEL 6)

Level 6 further expands on the previous skills acquired, with a focus on professional quality and management alongside advanced practical skills.

The innovative final year group project is designed to deepen your understanding of your chosen role and responsibilities as a professional developer, further preparing you for the workplace. You will form a game development team and specialise in a technical role of your own choosing for a full academic year. You and your team will present the finished game at the annual game expo event attended by both members of the public and industry representatives.

We have strong industry links and our final year modules are designed to focus on career development to prepare you for the transition from graduation to full-time work.

Students will have the opportunity to further enhance their career opportunities by engaging with the Games Talent Wales and Tranzfuser development programmes.

MODULES

• Advanced Asset Production and Technical Art
• Advanced Games Programming
• Advanced Game Design and User Engagement
• Game Industry Specialist
• Project

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

Our general requirement for the foundation year is 48-72 UCAS tariff points but all applications are considered individually and we consider work experience, vocational training/qualifications, as well as motivation and potential to succeed.

Teaching & Assessment

Game development students are assessed in a variety of ways over the course of their undergraduate studies. The balance between the different forms of assessment is determined by the different aims and learning outcomes of the modules.

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.

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 world's 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.

Programme specification

View the full programme specification here

Accommodation

If you’re looking for a place to stay while you study then take a look at our accommodation pages to get more information on your options, including our on-campus halls of residence Wrexham Village.