BSc Computer Science for Games Development

Hive

Undergraduate

BSc Computer Science for Games Development

Study at a University with a proud heritage in gaming - on a course that will set you up for a career in this multi-billion pound industry.

Key information

Study mode

Full-time

Course length

3 years

Typical offer

112 points

A Level grades: BBC

UCAS code

G490

Choose an option

Start date

Course overview

We’ve been providing the games industry with quality graduates for more than 15 years.

Many of our graduates are company directors and technical leads. This relationship helps us improve our course and keep it current. It also means there is an extensive network of Hull alumni working in senior positions in the games industry across the world.

This programme offers an inspiring combination of computer science and video games development. We'll give you a solid grounding in computer science, set within the context of games programming – concentrating on programming, artificial intelligence, graphics, games architectures and parallel and concurrent programming. In your third year, you’ll do a large project in an area that interests you. We’ll also teach you how to apply technical game development skills within the context of the commercial computer games industry. The Masters programme will allow you to do more intensive C++ and DirectX.

We are a friendly department, at a friendly university, in a friendly city. There are lots of opportunities to socialise and pursue your interest in gaming beyond the lecture theatre. Games jams, hackathons, programming competitions are all part of the Hull experience and there are numerous societies to get involved with - Hull Computer Science, Hull Gaming Society and the Robotics Society to name just three. We host frequent (online) talks by industry experts, many of them our own graduates.

You'll get the chance to test your skills out in the real world on an optional year-long industry placement at companies such as Unity.

This degree is accredited to the maximum level available by the British Computer Society. The skills, experience and technical expertise you’ll gain will prepare you for a career in the multibillion-pound games industry.

Learn more about your course in our subject sessions

On-demand session

Computer Science

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More to explore
Download your 2021 prospectus Come to our Virtual Open Day Accommodation Fees and finance Choose Hull

Six reasons to study Computer Science for Games Development at Hull

  1. 15-year track record of delivering gaming degrees
  2. Links to top studios like EA, Sony and Microsoft
  3. 95% graduate employability rating†
  4. Access to industry-standard facilities like HIVE*
  5. New robotics lab with humanoid Baxter robots
  6. Accredited by the British Computer Society
This course is British Computer Society (BCS) accredited

What you'll study

The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.

First year modules

The first year of your degree covers many fundamental aspects of computer science. You learn through lectures, small group tutorials and practical laboratory sessions. Assessment is a mix of exams and coursework, generally 50:50 in the first year and with more emphasis on coursework in later years.

Your programming skills will be developed using C# and the paradigm of Object Oriented Programming – there are pathways for those with no or little programming experience, and for those who are already accomplished programmers.

  • Compulsory

    Computer Systems

    Explore the basic hardware of the computer, system architecture and the operating system, as well as the functionalities required to handle and manage memory and processor times.

    Quantitative Methods for Computing

    Learn and understand some of the key mathematical concepts that underpin and provide the theoretical basis of modern computing.

    ​Software Engineering and Human-Computer Interaction​

    Develop your understanding of software engineering, the discipline concerned with all aspects of complex software production.

    Computer Science: The Challenge for Sustainable Computing

    Broaden your horizons beyond just programming by considering the sustainability of computing and the wider impact that computer science has on society.

    Introduction to Programming and Algorithmic Thinking

    Develop a practical skill that requires both logic and creativity, from understanding language syntax to constructing bigger, more complex systems.

    Object-Oriented Programming and Principles

    Build on your knowledge of programming to reinforce fundamental concepts and to develop awareness of the issues involved in the implementation of larger-scale software.

Second year modules

  • Compulsory

    Systems Analysis, Design and Process

    A key skill in software development is working in a team. In this module, you’ll work together to analyse a problem and design, engineer and implement a quality solution.

    2D Computer Graphics and Simulation

    Hone your vector and matrix maths skills and develop a foundation with which to progress into 3D graphics, for which this is a prerequisite.

    3D Computer Graphics

    Develop a solid understanding with practical experience of the concepts, theories, principles and techniques underpinning 3D graphics programming.

    Artificial Intelligence

    Gain an understanding of the basic theoretical issues of artificial intelligence and the making of intelligent agents both for games and more generally.

    Networking and User Interface Design

    An introduction to computer networks and the role technologies play in creating the user interface for enterprise business web applications.

    Advanced Programming (C++)

    Gain an in-depth knowledge of object-oriented programming. You’ll use C++ as a vehicle to explore how language features and your high-level design decisions are executed on the CPU.

Year abroad modules

You will have the opportunity to apply to spend the third year studying overseas at one of our partner universities.

During your year abroad, you will follow a programme of study that will be agreed between yourself and us prior to your departure. You will take all assessments set by the host university while you are abroad, for which marks will be awarded and a final transcript released. The year abroad contributes 10% towards your final degree classification.

Placement year modules

Your placement is your opportunity to get some real-world work experience under your belt.

Just like in the real world, you’ll be responsible for finding and applying for opportunities, with the added benefit of help and support from university services such as the Careers and Employability service based in Student Central.

Final year modules

  • Core

    Honours Stage Project

    Tackle a substantial piece of computer-related investigation or software design in an area of your interest. This includes practical development and evaluation of your designs and implementation.

  • Compulsory

    Games Architecture

    Explore the software architectures used in console and PC platforms. You’ll study game engine technologies that include CPU, GPU, bandwidth, bottlenecks and their solutions.

    Commercial Games Development Process

    Gain the experience and knowledge to be able to apply technical game development skills within the context of the commercial computer games industry.

  • Optional

    Communicating and Teaching Computing

    Undertake a placement in a school or college to develop practical teaching and communication skills, as well as understanding of the education process.

    Mobile Devices and Applications

    Learn and develop an understanding of the application of mobile computing and its place in larger scale computing systems.

    Starting and Managing a High-Tech Business

    Explore the management, planning and development issues concerning information systems used in an organisation.

    Mobile Devices and Applications

    Learn and develop an understanding of the application of mobile computing and its place in larger scale computing systems.

    Virtual Environments

    Learn about the underlying problems encountered in creating and viewing a virtual environment, and cover the issues involved in humans interacting with these environments.

    Distributed Systems Programming

    Explore mechanisms for applying your existing C# knowledge to distributed systems or applications while considering key areas like scalability and security.

    Computer Vision

    An introduction to computer vision. You’ll systematically explore fundamental concepts and important techniques through practical work.

    Parallel and Concurrent Programming

    Utilise multi-core processors and GPUs to design, optimise and program parallel and multi-threaded software. You’ll use performance analysis tools to explore this process.

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

How you'll study

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time’s divided among each of these varies each year and depends on the course and modules you study.

Overall workload

240 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

960 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

53%
7%
40%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Practical

    Practical is an assessment of your skills and competencies. This could include presentations, school experience, work experience or laboratory work.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

288 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

912 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

35%
65%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

1,200 hours

Placement Placement hours typically include time spent on a work placement, studying abroad, or field trips.

Indicative assessment proportions

100%
  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

1,200 hours

Placement Placement hours typically include time spent on a work placement, studying abroad, or field trips.

Indicative assessment proportions

40%
60%
  • Practical

    Practical is an assessment of your skills and competencies. This could include presentations, school experience, work experience or laboratory work.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

Overall workload

168 hours

Scheduled study Scheduled hours typically include lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and supervised laboratory and studio sessions.

1,032 hours

Independent study Independent study is the time outside your scheduled timetable, where you’ll be expected to study independently.

Indicative assessment proportions

17%
83%
  • Examination

    Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

  • Coursework

    Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.

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Josh Naylor Computer Science Graduate

"My time at Hull definitely set me up for success."

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Francisco Inácio, Lead Programmer on Squad

Industry talks

We host frequent talks by industry experts. Want to know how to get into the games industry? Francisco Inacio - lead programmer on Squad and Hull graduate shares some tips and advice.

Games Industry Talks
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Facilities

Get access to the latest industry-standard facilities, from high performance cloud computing systems and 3D projection to VR and humanoid robots.

Discover our Computer Science Facilities

Entry requirements

Typical offer

  • A level grades BBC

  • BTEC grades DMM

  • Points required 112

Work out your estimated points

Don't meet our requirements?

We offer a Foundation Year to boost your skills and knowledge – it’s a great way to make your way into higher education.

Switch to the foundation year

Points can be from any qualifications on the UCAS tariff, but must include at least 80 points from

  • A levels
  • BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • CACHE Diploma or Extended Diploma
  • Irish Leaving Certificate
  • Scottish Highers
  • Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma
  • or a combination of appropriate Level 3 qualifications 

Applicants should also have

  • GCSE Maths at Grade 4 or C or above

Alternative qualifications 

  • IB Diploma: 28 points.
  • Access to HE Diploma: pass with merits in a minimum of 23 credits (including some science or maths) Suitable diplomas include Computing/Science/Maths 

Worried you don’t quite meet our entry requirements?

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it’s not just about the grades – we’ll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

If you have any questions, our admissions team will be happy to help.

Don't meet our requirements?

We offer a Foundation Year to boost your skills and knowledge – it’s a great way to make your way into higher education.

Switch to the foundation year

If you require a Tier 4 student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

This course requires academic IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each skill. See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by this University.

If your English currently does not reach the University's required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Our teaching staff

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Dr David Parker

Lecturer

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Take a tour of the facilities

The Hull Immersive Visualization Environment (HIVE) provides a virtual reality cube, VR theatre, gigapixel wall facilities, plus wearable devices.

Explore the virtual tour

Fees and funding

UK

£9,250 per year*

EU/International
  • EU/International:£17,550 per year

International applicants may need to pay a tuition fee deposit before the start of the course. Visit our tuition fee deposit page for more information.

*The amount you pay may increase each year, in line with inflation - but capped to the Retail Price Index (RPI).

UK students can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of their course and a maintenance loan of up to £9,488 to cover living costs.

Substantial discounts are available for International students.  

More information on fees can be found in the Money section of our website.

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme (including registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examination).

There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make. The list below has some examples, and any extra costs will vary.

  • Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the library, but you may want to buy your own copies
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (including travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (including travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want to buy your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel and food – to name just a few. 

An affordable city for students

From bills, to meals, to pints – you’ll find that your money goes a lot further in Hull.

Your future prospects

  • Games developer
  • Mobile app developer
  • Software engineer
  • IT security specialist
  • Computer systems analyst
  • Web developer

The skills, experience and technical expertise you’ll gain at Hull will put you in high demand when it’s time to enter the job market in this fast-evolving industry.

Our graduates have been recruited by the likes of Codemasters, Criterion (Electronic Arts), Dynamo Games, Eutechnyx, Rare (Microsoft), Lionhead Studios (Microsoft), Pi Studios, Sony and Bohemia Interactive.

Open Day at University of Hull

Ready to apply?

You can apply for this course through UCAS. As well as providing your academic qualifications, you’ll be able to showcase your skills, qualities and passion for the subject.

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A place where we stand up to kings, do deals with the world and take a wrecking ball to the slave trade. A place where culture stands out and the phone boxes are a different colour. A place where we're free-thinking, independent and proud of it.

* Hull Immersive Visualisation Environment (HIVE)

† Percentage of students in work or further study within six months of graduating: UK domicile full-time first degree leavers; Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey for the academic year 2016/17, published by HESA 2018