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Undergraduate

Computer Games Programming BSc (Hons)

What is Computer Games Programming BSc (Hons)?

Become a multi-skilled games programmer, by getting hands on and making real games from your first year of study with a course designed and delivered by industry professionals. Games aren’t made in a vacuum – you’ll work alongside Games Design students to create worlds. You’ll develop your games programming knowledge of gameplay systems, rendering pipelines, virtual reality, artificial intelligence and procedural content generation.

Developed by industry veterans, this course gives you the skills and an edge in the competitive world of video games programming. Your mentors have a combined experience of over 30 years in the games industry, having worked on AAA franchises including Crysis, Star Wars: Battlefront, Prey, Sniper Elite, Aliens vs Predator and Bioshock.

Study style

Through our membership of the PlayStation First Academic Programme, you’ll have access to Sony PlayStation Development tools for PlayStationVita, PlayStation4 and PlayStationVR platforms.

There’s also the option to undertake a year’s work placement within the games industry as part of your study. Games Programming students have previously undertaken placement with games studios like Unity, Sumo Digital, Team17 and Neon Play.

You can apply to study this course on campus at the University of Gloucestershire, or at the Swindon Institute of Technology (ioT).

Get Computer Games Programming BSc (Hons) course updates and hear more about studying with us.

Entry requirements

    • 104 UCAS tariff points, BCC at A levels, DMM at BTEC or a Merit in your T-Level.

      If you are unsure whether we could make you an offer or you have any questions, just get in touch with our admissions team who will be able to advise you.

    • English Language or Literature and Maths Grade 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent) are normally required.

    • This course is available with an integrated foundation year to help you prepare. A degree with an integrated foundation year starts your studies with a year spent learning the skills required to progress onto a full honours degree. You will develop valuable study skills, communication, team work and problem-solving techniques which help to build your confidence and prepare you for the rest of your course.

      Typical offers
      48 UCAS tariff points, DD at A levels, PPP at BTEC or a Pass in your T Level.

      GCSEs
      Grade C/4 in English Language/Literature and Mathematics, or equivalent (e.g. Level 2 Functional Skills).

    • We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 and over) and do not necessarily require the same academic qualifications as school leaving applicants, although some entry requirements may still apply for Professionally Accredited Courses. We accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas and make offers on an individual basis.

Course modules

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Fees and costs

See the further details of fees and potential extra costs when studying a course at the University of Gloucestershire.
Start date Location UCAS code Fee (UK)
per year
Fee (international)
per year
Sep 2023 Park, Cheltenham I610 £9,250 £15,450
Sep 2024 Park, Cheltenham I610 TBC TBC

Ready to apply?

Possible careers

Graduates from this course can go on to work as:

  • Games Programmer
  • Mobile Applications Developer
  • Software Engineer.

Industry links

With close industry links you’ll have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers from games studios like Rebellion, Microsoft Rare, Codemasters and Slightly Mad Studios. You can participate in field trips to Games Industry events such as Reboot Develop in Dubrovnik, EGX & EGX Rezzed in London, Comic Con London and Digital Bristol, where you can meet and network with industry professionals.

With close industry links to the UK games development community you will have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers and to showcase your work to talent from the UK games industry

Visit national and international games events

You’ll have the opportunity to take part in field trips to destinations like Reboot Develop in Dubrovnik, Everything Procedural Conference in Breda NL, vEGX & EGX Rezzed in London and Digital Bristol.

Showcase your work at COMX

Exhibit your final year project at COMX. Sponsored by the Institute of Engineering (IES), this is your final year exhibition held on campus. You’ll showcase your technical, aesthetic and project management skills in games programming to visiting industry professionals who are talent-scouting for soon-to-be graduates.

Trips and experiences

You’ll have opportunities throughout your course to showcase your work to industry professionals – as well as participating in Games Jams, challenging yourself to create a game in 48 hours. You’ll be able to showcase your final year project at our own COMX event, a university exhibition sponsored by the Institute of Engineering (IES).

You’ll also have chances to visit national and international games events.

Placements

  • Duration – 12 months, full-time (minimum 35 hours a week)
  • Location – popular destinations include the UK, USA, China and Europe
  • Visa – you may need a visa if you’re on placement abroad
  • Finance – your tuition fee is reduced for your placement year – and you can still apply for a maintenance loan and get money advice
  • Placement support – we’ll help you find a great placement and get the most out of the experience

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