Games Technology BSc (Hons) Please login to Apply

The video games market will more than double to become a $300bn-plus industry by 2025, according to GlobalData, constantly challenging the capabilities of consumer-grade hardware and charting the evolution of that hardware.

All of this is made possible by talented programmers with a passion for the games they create. The professionally accredited BSc (Hons) in Games Technology at Coventry University has been designed to equip people, who can bring that enthusiasm to their studies, with the tools to succeed in a fast-paced and ever-changing industry, upon successful completion of this course.

This degree is designed to be a highly focused programming course aimed at producing specialised software developers for the games industry world-wide. The technology, practices and challenges involved in game development are continually evolving, therefore the courses content reacts dynamically to reflect the complexities of this modern and increasingly interconnected sector. Course content is complemented by diverse teaching and learning methods that aim to equip you with the academic, professional and intercultural skillset required to succeed in this industry going forward.

Upon successful completion of this course, you should gain skills in technical games production, critical analysis, application of theories and concepts to real-world scenarios, localisation and digital literacy. The course is primarily focused on the technical elements of game engineering such as simulation programming and high performance software engineering. In addition, you will be expected to study supplementary subject areas such as games design, usability and asset generation, which aims to deepen your understanding of the industry as a whole.

The course aims to empower you with the fundamental capabilities needed to pursue independent game development, as well as giving you the opportunity to gain professional tools and wider contextual understanding of game engineering upon successful completion, to succeed in larger studios. The current course team recognises the ever-changing nature of games technology, including the emergence of new and disruptive technologies, policy design processes and the impact of ethical debate upon the sector. As a result, the Games Technology BSc (Hons) course strongly relies on research-led teaching, industrial engagement and international perspectives which aims to teach you how to analyse these topics in contemporary and relevant settings.

Overview

The first year lays the foundation for the study of computer science, which is essential to computer games and interactive media programming. It also gives you the opportunity to build your portfolio of skills and software development.

Modules

• Programming for Game Development

• Software Design

• Mathematics for Game Development

• Game Development Activity-Led Learning 1

• Computer Architecture and Networks

• Object Oriented Programming

• Social, Ethical and Legal Issues in Game Design

• Game Development Activity-Led Learning 2

Add+vantage

The focus on preparing students for successful futures sets Coventry apart as a university.

The Add+vantage modules teach a range of work experience and extra-curricular activities that are taken each year, and broaden students knowledge and skills within a work focused environment. There is a very wide range of Add+vantage free-choice subject areas, and they are arranged in themes.

Overview

By Year 2 you should have developed the core programming and technical skills which are the foundations of game development in Year 1. You will proceed to explore the various technologies which underpin game engines, while having the opportunity to consolidate your skills as a programmer. You will have the chance to continue to develop your portfolio and transferrable skills.

Modules

• Physics for Game Development

• Graphics Programming for Interactive Simulations

• 3D Modelling

• Emerging Technologies for Interactive Simulations

• Artificial Intelligence for Game Development

• Live Project

Add+vantage

The focus on preparing students for successful futures sets Coventry apart as a university.

The Add+vantage modules teach a range of work experience and extra-curricular activities that are taken each year, and broaden students knowledge and skills within a work focused environment. There is a very wide range of Add+vantage free-choice subject areas, and they are arranged in themes.

Overview

Following your second year, there is an option to apply for a one-year professional work placement or study abroad in a partner institution.

If you wish to undertake the optional study abroad/placement year, you will take either the Placement Year module or the Study Abroad Year module which both typically run for a full academic year between years 2 and 3 of your course. You are normally able to progress onto the relevant module if you have successfully completed the first two years of the course (i.e. having accumulated 240 credits) and have a confirmed opportunity two weeks prior to the start of the academic year, however we encourage international students to confirm their placements earlier to ensure they are able to meet any applicable visa requirements.

Students opting for either the work placement or study abroad will take an academic module in which they reflect on their experiences. The module appears on a student’s transcript as a zero credit module. They will be supported by the university’s Talent Team throughout the process and will be allocated a tutor who will keep in touch. No tuition fees apply to the placement or study abroad year.

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.

Modules

• Professional Placement

• Study Abroad

Overview

In your final year, you will consolidate your studies with exploration of middleware integration and brownfield development, the cornerstones of any programming career but especially applicable to game development. You will have the option to study GPU/Heterogeneous computing, or to focus more on designing for user experience.

In addition, you will have the chance to undertake an individual research project, which provides you with the opportunity to bring the skills you should have learnt to bear on a problem or issue which is important to you and relevant to your studies. Again, the focus of your work is on trying to develop your skills and portfolio.

Modules

• Computing Project Preparation

• Understanding Commercial Game Engines

• Advanced GPU Programming (Optional)

• User Experience Design (Optional)

• 3D Rendering and Animation

• Advanced Programming for Game Development

• Individual Project

Add+vantage

The focus on preparing students for successful futures sets Coventry apart as a university.

The Add+vantage modules teach a range of work experience and extra-curricular activities that are taken each year, and broaden students knowledge and skills within a work focused environment. There is a very wide range of Add+vantage free-choice subject areas, and they are arranged in themes.