BSc (Hons) Games Programming

Core units

• Games Design Principles: You will discover the basic principles of game design, as well as gain experience in collaborative working and sharing ideas.
• Introduction to Programming: You will develop a sound understanding of fundamental programming principles and practices involved in implementing computer programs using the games industry standard high-level programming language.
• Digital Fundamentals: You will gain knowledge of a wide variety of technologies involved in the creation of a computer-based solution to a real-world problem using several contemporary tools.
• Mathematics for Computer Graphics: You will be introduced to a number of fundamental mathematical concepts that underpin computer graphics used in games development.
• Object Oriented Games Programming: You will extend your programming skills gained in the introductory to programming unit in the first semester by using an object-oriented approach to software development.
• Game Development Pipeline: You will discover the set of techniques and concepts related to the creation of a modern computer game using leading, industry-standard middleware products.

Core units

• Game Audio Techniques: The unit will introduce you to the key concepts in sound and audio manipulation. You will develop skills and techniques in digital audio editing and apply these to real-world problems in game audio creation. The study of game audio will develop editing and production techniques and provide a voice for individual expression.
• Software Architecture and Development Techniques: The unit will provide an understanding of software architecture and the benefits inherent from a well designed system in terms of scalability. maintenance and robustness. You will gain an overview of established programming patterns alongside their potential use-case whilst also identifying any disadvantages within specific problem domains.
• 3D Graphics Programming: You will develop technical knowledge and skills in computer graphics programming and then apply these for 3D graphics rendering, as commonly used in computer games.
• Game Studio Project: You will experience the practicalities of working in a team, simulating a real-world games studio, to plan, design and implement a computer game from concept ideas and all the way to release stage.
• Physics for Games: You will gain practical knowledge of the essential physics simulation algorithms and underpinning mathematics used to program real-time physics in 3D virtual environments and games.
• Programming for Interaction: You will explore multimodal interaction techniques used in computer games through designing gaming interfaces based on the principles of human-computer interaction across a range of input devices.

You have the option to complete an optional 4-week placement between your second and final year or a minimum 30-week work placement in a year, which can be carried out anywhere in the world. The placement year offers a chance to gain experience and make contacts for the future.

Core units

• Individual Development Project: You will apply the methods and techniques to develop your major individual project, through surveying research literature to identify suitable topics for investigation, developing a formal specification; and critically evaluating the project.
• Graphics & Computational Programming: You will gain knowledge of the theories, evaluation methods and implementation solutions required for developing advanced computer graphics applications.
• Game Engine Programming: You will explore the underlying theory used in the design of game engines and investigate the architecture of industry-standard examples in this area through a process of design, development and implementation.
• AI Programming: Develop an understanding and the AI skills needed for games programming. Looking at fundamental AI algorithms in the right context and exploring the implementation of those algorithms in games.
• Contemporary Innovations in Games: The unit will give you an understanding of contemporary games research and innovations. We will equip you with the research skills to explore contemporary innovation and introduce you to contemporary developments and help you synthesize a range of works into an effective review of the state of the art - to develop and refine a range of relevant transferable skills.

Programme specifications provide definitive records of the University's taught degrees in line with Quality Assurance Agency requirements. Every taught course leading to a BU Award has a programme specification which describes its aims, structure, content and learning outcomes, plus the teaching, learning and assessment methods used.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the programme specification, the information is liable to change to take advantage of exciting new approaches to teaching and learning as well as developments in industry.

If you have been unable to locate the programme specification for the course you are interested in, it will be available as soon as the latest version is ready. Alternatively please contact us for assistance.

With practical learning being integral to your degree, we provide industry standard specialist facilities. 
 
We continue to invest in our campuses so all our students can maximise their talents today and into the future. 
 
Visit our virtual tour to find out more and get a feel for where you’ll be studying while you’re based on our Talbot Campus. 

A placement should be a highly rewarding experience for you and the employing company and we do our best to ensure that everyone involved feels that they have got the most that they can from the experience.

Placements provide a great opportunity to make your first career steps and enhance your employability while you’re completing your studies. You’ll get the opportunity to:

Put the theory learnt throughout the course into professional practice
Enhance your study and help you decide on subject options (where appropriate)
Learn a wide range of skills such as time management, problem solving and team work (all of these are important to succeed in any career)
Make contacts, as it is not uncommon for our students to be offered permanent positions to return to after graduating
Gain a real insight into how the industry operates in roles that would be almost impossible to achieve for an outsider.

Many of our students, during their placement, are given responsibilities normally associated with graduate trainees.

The faculty running your course will offer the support of a Placement Co-ordinator.  

Through timetabled sessions and one-to-one appointments, they’ll help support you in your placement search including advice on finding a placement, information and advice on all aspects of job searching and job applications, as well as ensuring your proposed placement meets the requirements of your course.  

Our CareersBU service is also available throughout your time at BU, offering services like CV checking and careers fairs to meet employers.  

Placement Development Advisors will support you once you have started your sandwich placement – so you will be able to maintain contact with the university throughout.

We have regular contact with games developers across the UK and overseas, including Jagex, Lionhead, Marmalade, Goodgame Studios and Climax Studios, some of whom act as industry advisers, offering guidance on course content.

They also regularly host guest talks and Q&A sessions for our students.

In 2018, students from the Department of Creative Technology are on placement in Luxembourg, Holland, Denmark, Bulgaria and Italy.

AccessBU: AccessBU provides you with the opportunity to tell us about your circumstances that are not always evident in your UCAS application. This widening access initiative also considers relevant criteria such as being in care or if you live in an area with a low participation rate in Higher Education - if you are eligible, your offer could be up to 16 UCAS tariff points below the published tariff.

Apprenticeships: We recognise the transferable knowledge and skills gained through apprenticeships and welcome applications from students with a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship recognised by the Institute for Apprenticeships. Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Deferred entry: We are happy to consider eligible applicants for deferred entry. If you have already submitted your application, please submit your deferral request through our website. 

Direct entry: We welcome applications from students who have previously studied at degree level at other institutions and wish to transfer onto a BU course. Our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) procedure enables credit awarded from one institution to contribute to a BU award, subject to an application process. Please visit our RPL webpage for more information.

Mature applicants: We recognise that mature applicants may have a wealth of experience rather than formal qualifications, so we’ll consider your application on these merits if included in your application. You’ll need to apply to BU in the usual way through UCAS and you may be invited to an interview to discuss your suitability for the course based on the experience you tell us about in your application

We select candidates for this course by looking at your application; there are usually no interviews or selection activities needed. For that reason, make sure your application really stands out from the crowd, and leave us in no doubt as to why you should be joining BU. You can find some handy hints about filling in your UCAS form on our how to apply web pages.

We look at individual applications and make a tailored offer based on your potential to succeed on the course considering a range of factors, including your academic achievements, work and other experience, reference and personal statement, and in some cases, your performance at an interview or a portfolio review. Typically, we make an offer at the bottom of the tariff range.

If you are unable to meet the entry requirements, we may be able to make you an offer through AccessBU if you meet certain criteria e.g. you have been in care or live in an area where fewer people typically progress to Higher Education. If you don't meet our published tariff, we will accept you at least 8 points below if your personal circumstances match our AccessBU criteria.

Our offer-making will typically be based on your most recent qualifications, including any required subjects where applicable. We'll consider all qualifications when assessing your application, although these may not be part of our offer.

If you do not meet the criteria of your original offer, we may still offer you a place. We will review your whole application and consider all academic qualifications (including those not in the offer) to see if you have the academic potential to succeed on the course. If we feel the answer is yes, we will confirm your place.

Graduates from previous similar courses have gone on to work for a wide range of renowned studios and developers. This includes:

• Microsoft Rare
• Rockstar Games
• Microsoft Lionhead
• Jagex
• Curve Digital
• Amuzo
• Born Ready Games
• Dovetail Games
• Goodgame Studios
• Ticktock Games
• Creative Assembly
• SEGA
• Hardlight
• Gameloft
• CoolGames
• Marmalade
• Automaton
• NaturalMotion

By following in their footsteps, you could find yourself working on major projects and some of the biggest gaming titles around.

In addition to the games industry, you will develop skills and knowledge during the course that could open up opportunities in a variety of other sectors, including:

• Multimedia
• Technology
• Digital
• Entertainment.

Once you have completed an undergraduate Honours degree, you can further develop your education by studying for a postgraduate degree. Please visit our Postgraduate section for further details about our range of Master’s degrees.

What’s included in your tuition fee?

Your tuition fee covers expenses associated with your course, including tuition materials, access to facilities, mandatory field trips and the following:

• Materials for laboratory and field-based teaching activity
• Support for finding placements (UK or abroad) and fieldwork, and non-financial support whilst on placement if this is part of your course of study
• A range of student services – advisors, help desks, counsellors, placement support and careers service
• The Library – access to a wide range of electronic resources (databases, e-journals and e-books), print and multimedia collections, subject librarians and study spaces
• Access to Brightspace, our virtual learning environment, which offers a responsive and personalised learning experience with powerful learning analytics capabilities, integrated social media and advanced video features
• IT labs (some open 24/7), wireless network, AV equipment to borrow
• Free software download to your personal device of Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus while you are studying, as well as access to applications provided on AppsAnywhere, subject to licensing and compatibility restrictions
• Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) scheme
• Disability and additional learning support, according to individual circumstances
• The BU Language Centre to help you develop/improve foreign or English language skills
• 24 hours a day, 365 days a year security team
• Loan of lab coats and safety glasses.

Additional costs

We are committed to offering you value for money and ensuring there are no hidden costs while you are studying with us, therefore we have listed below any additional costs you may incur that are not covered by your tuition fee:

• Laptops, tablets and mobile devices and any software used on personal devices. Access to a personal computer is strongly recommended for your study. If you are experiencing financial difficulty, visit our website for information regarding hardship funds.
• Textbooks, general stationery and other supplies. Our award-winning library is stocked with a large range of textbooks and online resources, free of charge. The Students’ Union shop stocks a wide range of stationery supplies.
• Accommodation and living costs. Our accommodation price guide can be found on our website. 
• Travel costs to and from the University campus. An annual bus pass is included in your rent if you are living in halls of residence/Unilet accommodation or may be purchased separately.
• Travel costs to and from your placement (both in the UK and overseas). Information about funding your placement year can be found on our website.
• You will need to meet the cost of any Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check if required by your placement setting, including any Post Office verification changes. 
• Clothing or equipment costs required for your placement if this is part of your course of study.
• SportBU membership.

While all aspects of the programme, including required field trips, are included in the fee, additional, optional or extra curricula activities may be available for which a student contribution is required.

If you need to repeat one or more units during your studies (with or without attendance) the pricing will be pro-rata of the full-time fee.

Karsten is the Programme Leader for Game Software Engineering in the Department of Creative Technology at Bournemouth University within the Faculty of Science and Technology.

He has completed his PhD where he was looking into ways to facilitate platform agnostic development of software via the separation of the OpenGL graphical pipeline across a network. This research was pioneered whilst working for 3 years in the games industry as a software programmer.

Dr Charles' main research interests focus on Computational Intelligence applied to Computer Games including Artificial Intelligence combined with Human-Computer Interaction. He has been involved in research on Interactive Storytelling which led to the development of several interactive systems which have won several awards. He has a BSc in Computer Science, followed by a Master’s degree in Computer Aided Graphical Technology Applications. He is also the Head of Department for Creative Technology here at BU.

Dr McLoughlin is a Senior Lecturer in Creative Technology and also Deputy Head of the Department.