• Undergraduate

Computer Games Technology BSc (Hons)

Overview

Overview

Why study at UWL? 
  • In the top 30% of universities nationwide - The Guardian University Guide 2024
  • University of the Year for Social Inclusion - Daily Mail University Guide 2024
  • Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
  • Number 1 London university (non-specialist) - National Student Survey 2023**
  • Our Games and Animation courses were ranked #2 in London for overall student satisfaction in this year's NSS
Why study this course?

Join the thriving and in-demand industry of game development and game design in the UK and across the world.

As a qualified developer, you could find yourself working on games for a wide range of purposes including entertainment, education and business.

This course will cover the theory, practice and application of computer game development. You will learn industry-standard development tools and will explore specialist areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the economic and social impact of games. 

We encourage a highly practical approach to games and game asset development, so during the course you will be able to create a portfolio of your work. This will be showcased online and you can share it with future employers to demonstrate your talent and experience. 

A group of people looking at games design online.

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Computer Games Technology with us?

Why study Computer Games Technology with us?

What our students say…

I picked UWL because the facilities looked amazing and I loved the focus on helping students secure the right career once they graduate.

Damian Pop
Next
There are seven labs and studios in the School
Tile: Mac and PC Labs
Industry focused teaching
Lifelong careers support from the UWL Careers Service.
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

On this game design course you will develop your knowledge, understanding and practical skills to harness technology and create compelling gaming environments. 

During the course you will work on:

  • professional development tools, such as Unreal Engine 4
  • current game design techniques
  • key team skills 
  • related topics, such as artificial intelligence (AI), human computer and interaction design. 

From the start, you will gain a good foundation for game development and start building your digital identity and online portfolio.

 As you progress, you will enhance your skills in computer graphics and your understanding of how they work. You will also examine specialist topics in computer games technology, including mobile application development and simulation and virtual worlds (GSVW). Your studies in the latter will give you the chance to work on serious games.

There will also be an opportunity to work on group projects. One example could be developing a game or simulation together, which will also test your ability to work as part of a team.

As you approach the end of your course, you will focus on a range of advanced games technology topics, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber security. You will also have the chance to develop your own complete game, application or simulation. This personal project will form a key part of your assessment at the end of the year.

Compulsory modules

  • Programming

    This module covers basic programming concepts and fundamentals using Java programming language. Content includes:

    • an overview of programming paradigms and techniques
    • analysis of problems and design using pseudo-code and flowcharts
    • basic program elements and structure
    • development supported by version-controlled code repositories.
  • Mathematics for Computing

    This module will introduce students to the main concepts and techniques of discrete structures and their applications in computer science. Main areas covered by the course include logic, set theory, relations and functions and combinatorics.

  • Computer Architecture

    This module will help you to learn the basic concepts behind current computer hardware, software and supporting technologies. As you learn these principles, you will understand how computers work beyond the statements of their high-level language, and this will allow you to write more efficient code.

  • Game Programming

    You will learn about the creation and development of computer games using the Unreal Engine 4 (UE4) and C/C++ which are primary software development tools currently used in the industry. You will be expected to use the introduced programming tools to develop an interactive artefact as well as use symbolic interfaces to create simple programs in games. Topics will include:

    • Introduction to programming in games
    • Introduction to C/C++ programming
    • Introduction to programming in UE4
  • Information Systems and Databases

    You will gain the knowledge and skills to design and implement a relational database. It will cover information security and database management issues and an awareness of the central role of relational and other types of databases.

  • Developing a Digital Identity

    In this introductory module, you will create a website. Along the way, you will learn the basic principles and practical skills of good design and apply these in an appropriate layout that visually communicates your own online identity. In building your site, you will use popular web development software and gain background knowledge of underlying technologies such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript.

Compulsory modules

  • Game Design

    This module will provide an insight into the games development process. You will investigate and understand the key elements involved in the process of games design, and apply these in the construction of a Game Design Document; a substantive technical document which combines concept and treatment, detailing aspects such as game logic, mechanics, balance, rules and objectives. As part of the module, you will develop a playable prototype to showcase your design.

  • Games Business

    This module covers the history and the state of the current computer games industry. It will provide insight into the operational structure and development work of today’s game studios. Of particular interest, is the workload distribution between departments in a game studio as well as the different levels of managing within a game studio. Further, the module covers the economic and social impact of the game industry and computer games themselves. Topics will include:

    •     History of game development

    •     Economic and social impact of computer games

    •     The games industry: How does a game studio work

    •     Departments and inter-departmental corporation in game studios

    •     Roles in game studios, specialisation of developers

    •     Management of complex game development projects

  • Artificial Intelligence

    In this module you will gain insights into key techniques within the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Aspects of AI you'll cover include agents, environments and learning as well as techniques such as regression, classification, clustering, reinforcement learning, learning recommendation and decision support systems.

  • Computing Group Project

    The aim of this module is to provide you with the experience of working collaboratively as part of a project team. The module will provide opportunities for you to adopt different project team roles in order to deliver a solution for a real-world client.

  • Games, Simulations and Virtual Worlds

    The third graphical dimension adds further potential in both visualisation and interaction. This module focuses on utilising a popular 3D games engine to produce an immersive interactive artefact. Drawing on your previous experience of games design and programming, you will create an arena that demonstrates an understanding of 3D space.

  • 3D Modelling and Visualisation

    This module covers the generation of 2D and 3D computer graphics. The module will cover the basic principles of computer graphics (CG) as well as advanced aspects, such as scene composition, measurement and resolution, polygon modelling and optimisation, NURBS modelling, texture painting and mapping, the use of shaders and lighting.

You must take all compulsory modules and will choose two optional modules.


Compulsory modules

  • Applied Software Engineering

    Software engineering is concerned with the construction of large software programs. This module will bring together the tools and techniques you covered in earlier modules that deal with software development, drawing on concepts from object-oriented and relational design.

  • Interactive Computer Graphics

    This module will teach the fundamental concepts of computer graphics, and in particular 3D computer graphics and 3D image generation.

    Module content will include essential mathematics for computer graphics including 2D and 3D transformations, standard and basic algorithms and concepts, standard hardware and software concepts, and the application of standard 3D graphics libraries/frameworks for the practical implementation of 2D and 3D graphics.

    A list of indicative topics is as follows:

    • Line-drawing and surface filling algorithms
    • Tessellation
    • GPU pipeline
    • Geometry data structures
    • Texture and bump mapping
    • Basic shading techniques
    • 3D graphics APIs (OpenGL and DirectX)
    • Primitive objects - Polygons
    • Level of detail
    • Rasterisation
    • Z-Buffers
  • Project

    You will investigate a topic of interest and prepare a project proposal. You will then present your ideas to the school for approval and once this has been approved, you will begin a detailed literature review of your chosen field. You will choose and follow a suitable development methodology leading to an implementation which you will evaluate.

Optional modules

  • Cyber Security

    You will be introduced to fundamental cyber security concepts including Cryptography, Authentication, Authorisation, and Auditing with an emphasis on their application.

  • Human-Centred Computing

    This module is about human and technical aspects of interactive computing systems and organisations. In the course of taking this module, you'll consider the interplay between human users, designers, developers and computers. Therefore, its basis is in psychology and human factors as well as in software engineering and interaction design.

  • Databases and Analytics

    There has been an explosion in data, much of which is not fully structured, but contains valuable information such as search trends, consumer behaviour and other patterns. This module aims to cover some of the developments in the broad range of "Big Data" problems. It will give you a good understanding of data structures, software development procedures and the range of analytical tool used to undertake a wide range of standard and custom analyses to provide data solutions to these issues. 

  • Machine Learning

    This module is intended to cover fundamental theory and algorithms of machine learning, as well as recent research topics.

    Machine learning is an application of artificial intelligence that provides systems with the ability to automatically learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed.

    Machine learning focuses on the development of computer programs that can access data and use it to learn for themselves.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

112 UCAS points required from level 3 qualifications

These can include:

  • A Levels at grade B, B and C, or above
  • BTEC Extended Diploma with Distinction, Merit, Merit
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T Levels

You also need GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents.

 

Looking for BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

Level 5 (year 2) entry
To directly enter the second year of this course you will need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 120 undergraduate credits at Level 4 or a CertHE in a related subject area.

Level 6 (year 3) entry
To directly enter the third year of this course you need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 240 undergraduate credits (at Levels 4 and 5), a DipHE, Foundation Degree or HND in a related subject area.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
6.0 IELTS or above

You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the 4 individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept. 

You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents

We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.

Find out more about our English Language courses.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

Level 5 (year 2) entry
To directly enter the second year of this course you will need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 120 undergraduate credits at Level 4 or a CertHE in a related subject area.

Level 6 (year 3) entry
To directly enter the third year of this course you need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 240 undergraduate credits (at Levels 4 and 5), a DipHE, Foundation Degree or HND in a related subject area.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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The fee above is the cost per year of your course.

If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.

Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.

If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

We offer generous bursaries and scholarships to make sure your aspirations are your only limit. In recent years, hundreds of students have received our Full-time Undergraduate Student Bursary.

Additional scholarships specifically for computing and engineering students are also on offer.

View full details, including conditions and eligibility.

{{ formatCurrencyValue(currentVariantData.field_p_cv_int_main_fee.name) }} per year

The fee above is the cost per year of your course.

If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.

Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.

If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

International students - funding your studies

We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships. 

Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

 

Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Malte Ressin

Dr Malte Ressin

I have extensive experience of working within the Software development industry and academia; academic authoring and publication review for journals and conferences.

I have extensive experience of working within the Software development industry and academia; academic authoring and publication review for journals and conferences.

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

Four people testing games and making notes

Once you graduate you could go on to work as a game developer or designer in a variety of businesses here and abroad – from technology start-ups to publishers. 

There will also be career opportunities in the public sector where departments may wish to develop virtual and augmented reality (AR) applications. 

You may also want to progress your studies to explore a related field or specialise on a postgraduate course.

How to apply

How to apply

Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.

**The National Student Survey 2022 and 2023 - Based on an average of all 27 questions. Excludes specialist institutions.

Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.