FdSc Computer Games Design and Development

The Conservation and Education Centre at the former Bristol Zoo Gardens site remains open to students.

You will have private access to the zoo grounds during lectures, to carry out your observations and data collection, but as more animals are moved, this will gradually be carried out at the Bristol Zoo Project. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Games Design

Our Computer Games Design and Development Foundation Degree programme is an exciting two-year course based in Bristol at our University Centre Wise campus. The course is focused on providing you with the relevant skills to become a computer game designer and developer.

This foundation degree programme will develop professional skills required to create innovative and captivating game content. You will also gain valuable knowledge on how to succeed in the games industry using industry-standard software, methods, and pipelines. Software used includes Unreal Engine game development software; Visual Studios integrated development environment software; Perforce version control software and Ableton audio editing software.

Within the course, you will focus on well-established technical elements of game. You will develop your principles, theories and practices of game design and development skills with the intent on applying these to related elements, such as scripting; programming and user experience & interface. Complementing this learning, you will study emerging and specialist areas within the games industry, providing you with insight into the latest trends, preparing you skillset for jobs now and in the future.

Combining creativity with emerging and established technology, you will be part of a foundation degree offering innovation, imagination, and employability at its heart.

Once you have completed this two-year Computer Games Design and Development Foundation Degree programme you can top-up your qualification by completing our BA (Hons) Game Art and Production.

What projects will you be able to work on?

The Computer Games Design and Development Foundation Degree programme is split into 9 modules over two years. Year 1 will ground you in technical design, development and production; alongside, scripting & programming and the fundamentals of game design and development. Year 2 builds on the skills learned and extends your knowledge base. You will tackle advanced game design and development practices; alongside extended scripting & programming and augmented or virtual reality production.

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Why SGS Higher Education and University Centre?

We have dedicated specialist tutors and smaller class sizes offering you the support you need to help develop at the pace that’s right for you. Alongside this, we have opportunities for industry professionals providing bespoke lectures within different disciplines.

Get Kraken, our in-house studio offers an exciting opportunity for you to work in a real studio alongside your studies. If selected, you will become part of the team designing and developing a game to be released in the 2nd year of the course! We are part of Bristol Academy of Media (BAM) so can offer collaboration between the two departments: Games and Media. This helps expand the reach of the course and provides the opportunity to learn about the wider avenues surrounding the technologies used. Alongside your study you will have the opportunity to get involved in our Sports Academy. Whether you're a top-level athlete or you just want to give something a go, you can get involved with our sports academies, the competing arm of SGS Sport. Students can 'bolt on' a sports academy alongside their full-time study programme.

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Understanding the Games Industry

The games industry is rapidly growing globally. Within the UK, over 44 million people play video games; the industry employs over 47,000 people; and is worth upwards of £4 billion. On completion of the course you can top up to get a BA (Hons) in Game Art and Production or work within the games industry as a freelancer, indie developer, or in a AAA company. Previous students now work for Auroch Digital, Flaming Fowl Studios, Flix Interactive, Double Eleven and many more.

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Studying at our University Centre

We are part of Bristol Academy of Media (BAM) so can offer collaboration between the two subject areas: Games and Media. This helps expand the reach of the course and provides the opportunity to learn about the wider avenues surrounding the technologies used.

Alongside your study you will have the opportunity to get involved in our Sports Academy. Whether you're a top-level athlete or you just want to give something a go, you can get involved with our sports academies, the competing arm of SGS Sport. Students can 'bolt on' a sports academy alongside their full-time study programme.

Understanding the Games Industry

The games industry is rapidly growing globally. Within the UK, over 44 million people play video games; the industry employs over 47,000 people; and is worth upwards of £4 billion. On completion of the course you can top up to get a BA (Hons) in Game Art andProduction or work within the games industry as a freelancer, indie developer, or in a AAA company. Previous students now work for Auroch Digital, FlamingFowl Studios, Flix Interactive, DoubleEleven and many more.

Jobs within the Games Industry include:

· Animator

· Audio Programmer

· Character Artist

· Community Manager

· Concept Artist

· Environment Artist

· Game Programmer

· Gameplay Designer

· Games Publisher

· Lead Game Designer

· Level Designer

· Music Composer

· Producer/Assistant Producer

· QA Tester

· Sound Design & Foley Artist

· Texturing Artist

· Technical Artist

· User Experience Designer

· User Interface Designer

· VFX Artist

· Writer

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"The level of support at the University Centre is amazing"

"The level of support at UCWISE campus is amazing, not just from the lecturers delivering course content, but from everyone. I have had fantastic exchanges with staff in the library, reception, coffee shop and of course the various support staff who will help guide you through things like academic writing. Whilst these exchanges are often casual and brief, they have all contributed towards me regaining my confidence and feeling like I have something to offer again."

Rob

FdSc Computer Games Design and Development

Study Modules

GA4001

Creative Design, Development and Production Techniques for Video Games

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This module aims to introduce you to the theory and practical aspects of design, development, and production of video games, including but not limited to physical prototyping, digital prototyping and the initial stages of the production pipeline. You will enhance your knowledge and understanding of video games and genres as well as development and production methodologies. You will also have the opportunity to explore a range of creative approaches and evolve technical skills using industry standard software.

Assignment: 30% (1,500 words or equivalent)

Practical Assessment: 70 % (3,000 words or equivalent)

GA4003

Introduction to 3D Modelling and Game Graphics

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This module will introduce you to the industry tools and techniques that are involved in 3D Modelling and Texturing for video games. You will focus on asset modelling and texturing for game content in order to create modular components to build game environments.

Portfolio: 50% (2250 words or equivalent)

GA4004

Fundamentals of Game Engines

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In this module you will be developing and producing a range of functioning game mechanic prototypes, that enable gamers’ interaction and experience. Using an industry standard game engine, you will have an opportunity to explore and interact with the software. develop technical skills, and evolve your knowledge and understanding of creative thinking, central to the technical production of video game content.

Portfolio: 50% (2250 words or equivalent)

GA4005

Fundamentals of Games Programming

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In this module you will be developing and producing a range of functioning game mechanics, utilising a programming language, towards a prototype project that enable users’ interaction and experience. Using an integrated development environment and within an industry standard game engine, you will be introduced to the fundamentals and principles of a programming language, allowing the opportunity to explore and interact with the software’s, develop further technical skills and enhance your knowledge and understanding of creative thinking, towards games programming production of video game content.

70% Portfolio 3150 words (or equivalent)

30% Assignment 1350 words (or equivalent)

GA5008

Game Production

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This module will simulate a small ‘Games Studio’ environment where you will work in a team comprised of students from multiple discipline pathways. Building on both interpersonal and technical skills, you will negotiate roles and create a production plan to develop an artefact, which will then form the basis for critical reflection. You will work in your teams under the supervision of staff, to create a vertical slice of a game experience product to include mechanic behaviour, artistic representation and user experience.

30% Presentation 2400 words (or equivalent)

70% Portfolio 3600 words (or equivalent)

GA5007

User Interface & Extended Games Programming

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In this module you will be developing knowledge around interactive user interfaces (UIs) and extending upon programming languages applications, all of which enable gamers’ interaction and experience. Using an industry standard game engine and within an integrated development environment, you will have an opportunity to practically develop both an interactive user interface (UI) and a programmed game experience, both of which will be referenced to an existing video game product. This will allow you to develop innovative techniques, creative thinking and technical skills towards video game content.

50% Portfolio 3000 words (or equivalent)

GA5005

Sector-based Work Placement

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This module aims to prepare you for the industry through practical experience in a sector relevant placement, comprising 20 hours. There will be a clear focus on industry expectations, personal reflection and wider employability skills, ensuring you are prepared to enter the job market and successfully progress with your career.

Portfolio: 100% (3000 words or equivalent)

GA5004

Extended Game Engines

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In this module you will be developing complex scripting skills through practical exploration and apply attention to product detail through design and iteration. Using an industry standard game engine, you will have an opportunity to produce and develop your own designed video game experience, from initial concept to polished product; further develop your technical skills, and enhance your knowledge and understanding of creative thinking, towards the whole production and implementation of video game content.

Portfolio: 70% (4500 words or equivalent)

Assignment: 30% (1500 words or equivalent)

GA5002

Emergent Technology

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The module aims to develop your research abilities and investigative skills in the context of emergent technologies and industry trends. Exploring the production pipeline and production processes you will have an opportunity to explore various innovations and trends in the sector providing you with a platform to make informed discoveries which can then be experimented within. This experience will be reflective of the industry structure and expectations in both content and practical application.

Portfolio: 100% (3,000 words or equivalent)

Course Video

Ben Russell

Programme Lead, Lecturer in Games Design (Game Engines & User Interfaces 'UI') & TDO Get Kraken Games

*This programme is subject to validation and delivery approval by the University of Gloucestershire.

APPLICATIONS FOR SEPT 2024 ENTRY ARE NOW CLOSED FOR THIS COURSE.APPLY VIA UCAS FOR FULL-TIME STUDY_(FULL-TIME)APPLY ONLINE FOR FULL-TIME STUDY_(FULL-TIME)APPLY ONLINE FOR PART-TIME STUDY_{(PART-TIME ONLY)}

Campus:

University Centre WISE

Level:

Foundation Degree

Full-time Duration:

2 Years

Full-time Fee (Per Year):

£8,500

Part-time Duration:

4 Years

Part-time Fee (Per Year):

£4,250

UCAS Application Code:

33ZK

UCAS Entry Tariff:

Entry Requirements

The minimum UCAS tariff entry points from a level 3 qualification, GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4. Please submit a portfolio to be reviewed by Programme Lead. Once your portfolio has been reviewed, you may be invited for an interview. Mature students over 24 without the relevant qualifications will be required to demonstrate previous experience and evidence of academic ability.

CONTACT ADMISSIONS

Awarded by the University of Gloucestershire Awarded by the University of Arts London

Course info last updated:

September 9, 2024

Full-Time

Part-Time

Delivery Format

The delivery format for your degree-level programs is primarily face-to-face and in-person sessions. However, there may be some hybrid sessions offered occasionally, mainly for flexibility purposes, such as tutorials or for larger events like visiting lecturers. Additionally, it's mentioned that all degree programs are well-supported by Virtual Learning Environments, which include Teams or Google Classroom.