BSc Computer Science for Games Programming

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Undergraduate

BSc Computer Science for Games Programming

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 20 years, so 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.

All our Computer Science undergraduate courses offer a guaranteed, paid year in industry, between the second and third year, as a recognised part of your degree.

This programme offers an inspiring combination of computer science and games programming. 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. The Masters programme will allow you to do more intensive C++ and DirectX.

Benefit from facilities like the Computer Science Superlab. The refurbished lab is part of a significant investment in high-performance workstations, servers and social spaces. The Superlab has around 150 seats and is used for tutorials, workshops, extra-curricular activities and is open to students outside of teaching hours.

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

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

Hear from our students and alumni

Computer Science

Reasons to choose Computer Science at Hull

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Six reasons to study Computer Science for Games Programming at Hull

  1. Guaranteed, paid year in industry
  2. Access to industry-standard facilities like HIVE* and the refurbished Superlab
  3. 2nd in the UK for overall student satisfaction**
  4. Links to top studios like EA, Sony and Microsoft
  5. 94.4% graduate employability rating†
  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

    Programming Portfolio

    This module provides the required practical knowledge for Computer Science students to design, implement and test algorithms. The module uses lectures to deliver concepts, a practice lab to apply the programming concepts learnt by developing programs to solve problems. You will take part in hands-on practical assessments, which will enable you to acquire extensive programming skills in an industry standard programming language. We will support you whether you are new to programming or have existing skills.

    Algorithms and Data Structures

    Start to think like a computer (bleep bloop)! This module explores logic, data storage and algorithms with the use of practical demonstrations and activities. Operating in parallel with programming-focussed modules, we will develop a toolkit of key concepts from a theoretical (non-code) perspective, facilitating a better understanding of these fundamentals. Topics to expect include pseudocode, state machines, essential keywords, common data structures, sort algorithms and search algorithms. You will learn methods to analyse and compare algorithms and their constituent parts in order that you may better design, evaluate and develop effective, efficient and performant software solutions.

    Computational Thinking

    This module will enable you to develop your knowledge and understanding of the key mathematical underpinnings of computer science, to aid you in problem solving and programming. The development of your competence in logic, mathematics and statistics will also provide evidence of your numeracy and more advanced skills and is valued by employers.

    Architectures, Operating Systems and the Cloud

    Explore the fundamental properties of computers that allow them to execute programmes. You will learn about how Computers are made to work in hardware and simulation (Virtual Machines). A collection of Virtual Machines is a cloud, and this module allows you to get experience with the development of your own cloud using appropriate platforms.

    Professional Development (Computer Science)

    Employers want much more than discipline specific skills. This module sets you up to grow your professional skills and awareness, when working both individually and as part of a team. You will also develop your appreciation of the challenges within the sector, and how technology can help to solve worldwide issues. You will begin a personal portfolio that you will add to over your degree and you will work as part of a team to produce a design prototype, demonstrating your personal professional development. Through researching your discipline, you will understand the range of career roles available and what you need to do to progress in them.

Second year modules

  • Core

    Design, Develop, Deploy

    Our flagship software development module. You'll use contemporary software development tool chains to experience authentic software creation and deployment, applying techniques such as agile project management, test-driven development and continuous integration and deployment.

    Graphics and Physical Simulation 1

    Programming 3D graphics and simulating physics in a virtual world is a cornerstone of games programming. In this module, you'll use the Unity Game Engine to begin to learn about the graphics pipeline, render and animate models in 3D space, and apply a physically based model to simulate physics of simple 3D shapes.

    Advanced Programming

    In this module you will explore advanced techniques in programming as well as building an understanding of how high level objected-oriented languages are executed on a modern CPU.  C++ will be used extensively, but we with reflect back on C#, as well as throwing in some assembly language.

    Artificial Intelligence for Games

    Artificial intelligence in games is often overlooked, and frequently is only noticeable when it goes wrong - when a non-player character’s head rotates 360 degrees and they start floating up into the air! In this module you will answer questions like “how do they know to do that?”, or “how do they know to go there?”. You'll implement a variety of techniques from decision making to pathfinding and crucially you will ask the question “what makes an artificial intelligence fun to compete against?".

    Mixed Reality Development

    Mixed Reality is a blend of physical and virtual environments, unlocking natural and intuitive 3D human, computer, and environment interactions. Learn concepts and techniques in the field of mixed reality and user-centred testing and implement mixed reality applications using technologies applicable to the problem domain. You will use a mixed reality application to conduct a user test, analyse and report on results.

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.

All our Computer Science undergraduate courses offer a guaranteed, paid year in industry, between the second and third year, 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 (select one)

    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.

    Communicating and Teaching Computing

    This module enables you to undertake a placement in a school, college or other educational establishment where you can develop your practical teaching and communication skills, as well as extending your knowledge of the education process. These skills are valued by employers, whether you are interested in potentially going on to train or teach others or not. You will also have the opportunity to develop an educational project to demonstrate your skills in practice.

  • Compulsory

    Graphics Programming and Simulation 2

    Programming 3D graphics and simulating physics in a virtual world is a cornerstone of games programming. In this module, you'll program graphics and physics modules to plug in to your own bespoke games engines, incorporating advanced graphical and simulation techniques.

    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.

    Games Architecture 1

    Gain the skills and knowledge to design and develop your own game engine and produce your own game. You'll develop practical skills and domain knowledge, including hardware and software architectures, which will increase your professional skillset for the industrial job market.

    Games Architecture 2

    Video games are built using a game engine. You'll gain the skills and knowledge to work on developing and extending an existing professional game engine and understand the networking architectures of these engines.

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

If you’re enrolled on a full-time programme of study, you’ll be expected to complete about 40 hours of academic work each week.

How you’ll learn

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

If you’re enrolled on a full-time programme of study, you’ll be expected to complete about 40 hours of academic work each week.

How you’ll learn

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

If you’re enrolled on a full-time programme of study, you’ll be expected to complete about 40 hours of academic work each week.

How you’ll learn

Indicative assessment proportions

100%
  • Coursework

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

Overall workload

If you’re enrolled on a full-time programme of study, you’ll be expected to complete about 40 hours of academic work each week.

How you’ll learn

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

If you’re enrolled on a full-time programme of study, you’ll be expected to complete about 40 hours of academic work each week.

How you’ll learn

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.

JoshNaylorphoto
Josh Naylor Computer Science

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

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Francisco Inácio, Lead Programmer on Squad

Guaranteed, paid year in industry

Spend a year in industry getting real world experience with the added benefit of help from our award-winning careers service.

Explore our Placement Years
students in the robotics lab

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
  • Pass Access to HE Diploma overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points

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 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 lecturers

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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.

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Fees and funding

UK

£9,250 per year*

EU/International

£18,300 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 £9,978 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.

Computer Science graduate Adrian Hirst, founder of Leeds-based Weaseltron Entertainment, blogs about his unique career in games and what it takes to succeed in the industry. 

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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* Hull Immersive Visualisation Environment (HIVE)

**National Student Survey (NSS) 2022, HEIs only

† Percentage of students in work or further study within 15 months of graduating: UK domicile full-time first degree leavers, Graduate Outcomes survey for the academic year 2018/19, published by HESA July 2021.