Computing (Games Development) (Full-time) (BSc Hons)
Are you fascinated by computer games and the technology behind them? Our Computing (Games Development) degree focuses on software development, computer graphics, and computer games. This programme is designed to give you the technical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the games industry and specialist software organisations.
Software development is at the heart of this course. You will learn the technical aspects of games programming and games development techniques. This includes understanding game mechanics, and honing your programming skills. By the end of the course, you will be able to design, develop, and implement complex software for games and other related industries.
Throughout your studies, you will build a solid foundation in software development and gain comprehensive knowledge of the Computer Games area. This will include up-to-date insights into the current state of the industry, ensuring you are well-prepared for a successful career. The programme also places a strong emphasis on lifelong learning, equipping you with the skills needed to continuously update and adapt your abilities throughout your career.
The course is structured to help you develop a broad range of skills while also allowing you to pursue more specialist interests. You will learn about game project management, enabling you to lead and collaborate on game development projects effectively. This programme is ideal for those who wish to explore various aspects of game design and development, offering a well-rounded education that covers both the creative and technical sides of the industry.
As a graduate of this course, you can expect to start your career as a member of a team, working on the designing, developing, and implementing of complex software for games or other related industries. Your role may involve collaborating with other programmers, designers, and artists to bring game concepts to life. This experience will not only prepare you for immediate employment but will also set the stage for future career growth within the games industry or specialist software organisations.
Choosing this programme means committing to a pathway that is both challenging and rewarding. The skills and knowledge you gain will open doors to exciting opportunities in the world of computer games development. Whether you aim to work in games programming, design intricate game mechanics, or manage large-scale game development projects, this course will provide you with the tools and experience needed to excel.
Course details
- On-campus
- Full-time
- English
- Bilingual
Undergraduate Fees
Home (Full-time): £9,535 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £15,525 per year
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
Our philosophy in the Computing (Games Development) course is to blend theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring students develop both the creative and technical skills needed for the games industry. We emphasise hands-on experience, industry relevance, and lifelong learning to equip you with a comprehensive and adaptable skill set.
In the first year, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of software development, computer graphics, and games programming. Modules will cover programming skills, game mechanics, and basic animation, providing a solid foundation in the technical aspects of computer games. You will also begin to understand game project management and develop lifelong learning skills.
Compulsory
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
The second year focuses on advancing your knowledge and skills in games development techniques and software development. You will delve deeper into complex software design, developing your ability to implement sophisticated game mechanics and interactive elements. This year also includes opportunities to work on collaborative projects, enhancing your teamwork and project management abilities.
Compulsory
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
In your final year, you will specialise in areas of interest, applying your technical skills to create a comprehensive portfolio. You will work on major projects that simulate real-world games industry environments, preparing you for employment. Emphasis is placed on industry relevance and specialist interests, ensuring you are ready to enter the workforce or pursue further studies.
Compulsory
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(40 credits)
Course Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
testimonial
UWTSD is proud to be a Cisco Premier+ Partner, recognising our expertise in networking and cybersecurity. This partnership provides our students with access to industry-leading technology, hands-on training, and globally recognised certifications, enhancing their career prospects in the IT sector. As a Premier+ Partner, UWTSD benefits from exclusive resources, expert support, and research collaborations, ensuring we remain at the forefront of digital innovation.
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
FACILITIES
Further information
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104 UCAS Tariff Points
- e.g. A-levels: BCC, BTEC: DMM, IB: 31
The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a  for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff.
GCSEs
GCSE grade A*-C (grade 9-4 in England) in English and Mathematics is also required.
Alternative entry routes
If this course interests you, but you don’t have the entry requirements to join our bachelor’s degree you could consider:
- ‘with Foundation Year’. This route is designed to give you extra support as it provides you with an additional year (full-time) of supported study.
Once you successfully complete your Foundation Year studies, you will automatically advance onto the main degree. 
- Certificate in Higher Education (CertHE). This is a one-year course and is equivalent to the first year of the three year, full-time bachelor’s degree.
Once you have successfully completed your CertHE studies, you will be eligible to progress for the remaining two years of the bachelor’s degree.
These are ideal routes if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. 
Admissions Advice and Support
We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, such as your background, experiences and individual circumstances. This is known as ‘Contextual Admissions’. For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa.
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship.
For full information read our visa application and guides.
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.
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The School of Applied Computing aims to produce graduates that help shape the future of software engineering. The course content is contemporary and shaped for employability through close links with local and national employers.
Students are assessed through a combination of worksheets, practicals, presentations, projects and examinations. Module assessment is often by assignment, or assignment and examination. The final mark for some modules may include one or more pieces of coursework set and completed during the module. Project work is assessed by written report and presentation.
Students are encouraged to use our links with Software Alliance Wales and Go Wales to work on commercial schemes for their Major Project module. Go Wales provides the opportunity of paid work placements with local businesses.
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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies.
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.
Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities
There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch.
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills.
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It is possible to complete this programme of study without any additional costs.
Students may wish to purchase materials for modules, such as Major Project but this is not a requirement and will have no bearing on the final grade achieved.
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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Our graduates have excellent employment prospects in the computing, teaching, lecturing and ICT industry, as well as in other areas of the economy. Recent statistics show that the vast majority are following their chosen career paths within six months of graduating.
Graduates would seek positions as Junior Programmer, Lead Programmer, Engine/Tools Programmer, Graphics/Special Effects/Rendering Programmer, Audio Programmer/Engineer, Artificial Intelligence Programmer, Networking/Multiplayer, Networking Programmer, Mobile Games Programmer, Physics Programmer, Software Engineer, Software Developer, etc.