Computer Games Development (Sandwich)

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Games Development (Sandwich) at Queen's University Belfast offers students a comprehensive education in the design, development, and production of computer games. This program combines rigorous technical training with creative problem-solving, enabling students to develop the skills necessary to succeed in the competitive and rapidly evolving games industry. Over the course of the program, students gain a solid foundation in programming, computer graphics, game design, animation, and interactive media, along with an understanding of the underlying principles of game development workflows. The Sandwich year provides an invaluable opportunity for industry placement, allowing students to gain real-world experience, build professional networks, and enhance their employability upon graduation. Alongside theoretical modules, students engage in hands-on projects and team-based work that simulate real industry scenarios, fostering collaboration and project management skills. The curriculum includes modules on game engines, artificial intelligence, physics for games, and user experience design, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to develop innovative and engaging games across various platforms. Queen’s University Belfast’s state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated teaching staff, many of whom are active researchers and industry professionals, support students’ learning and creative pursuits. The programme prepares graduates for careers in game development studios, independent game design, virtual reality, augmented reality, and related fields such as multimedia and interactive entertainment. Emphasis is placed on both technical expertise and creative storytelling, encouraging students to push the boundaries of digital entertainment. The programme also emphasizes ethical considerations, accessibility, and sustainable game design, reflecting the broader impacts of games on society. Graduates of this programme are well-positioned to contribute to the vibrant and dynamic global games industry, bringing innovative ideas to life through technical skill and artistic vision.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 4160 Year (EEA)
• EUR 13380 Year (Non-EEA)

England, Scotland and Wales £9,000; EU £3,575; International: £11,500

• English

Course Content

These degrees are modular, with core modules defined in each year and pathways that allow an increasing degree of specialism as students progress from Stage 1 to Stage 4. Modules are combined across the stages to reflect the various themes within the degree, and include:

Stage 1

Fundamentals of Programming and Algorithmic Development
Introductory Software Engineering and Project Management
Principles of Computer Architecture
Theory and Development of Multimedia Systems

Stage 2

Advanced C++ Programming
Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis
Games Programming (using XNA)
Networking Theory and Programming Practice
Principles Behind Game Theory and Game Creation
Principles of Software Engineering Explored Through Team-based Game Development
Professional Development

Stage 3

3D Game Engine Design and Development
3D Graphics and Programming
Advanced Topics in Software Engineering
Agile and Component-based Software Development
Artificial Intelligence
Concurrent (multi-core) Programming
Real-time Physics Programming
Year of Professional Experience

Between Stages 3 and 4 students undertake an optional full year's paid industrial placement. This placement year is an opportunity to put into practice the principles learned in the programme, and to gain practical experience in games design and development with an appropriate games development studio where possible. Students will receive assistance in obtaining a suitable placement.

Stage 4

In this stage students develop specialism in games programming through the selection of research-based modules and the completion of a games development research project. Based on current research strengths this would include:

Adaptive and Self-learning
Advanced Algorithmic Analysis
Advanced Computer Vision Techniques
Artificial Intelligence
Distributed/Parallel Programming
Embedded Software Systems
Reasoning Under Uncertainty

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A-level AAB including Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Mathematics.

• Irish Leaving Certificate AB2B2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade B2 in Mathematics or Physics + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade C in Mathematics.

All applicants: Computer Science, Computing Information Technology and Computer Games Development share a common core of modules in the first year. Students may therefore transfer between these courses at the end of first year, subject to meeting the normal progression requirements. Students interested in transferring to the Computer Games Development degree from either Computer Science or Computing and Information Technology will be required to pass an additional Mathematics exam should they not hold an A-level in Mathematics or Physics (or equivalent qualification).

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Queen's University Belfast.

The BSc in Computer Games Development (Sandwich) at Queen's University Belfast is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required for a career in the dynamic and rapidly evolving field of computer game development. This program is structured to provide a strong foundation in core computer science principles, alongside specialized modules focusing on game design, programming, graphics, artificial intelligence, and interactive media. The "Sandwich" aspect indicates that the degree includes a year of paid work placement, typically taken after the second year, offering students valuable industry experience, networking opportunities, and practical application of their academic learning. Throughout the course, students engage with a variety of programming languages commonly used in game development such as C++, C#, and Java, and gain proficiency in game engines and development environments like Unity and Unreal Engine. The curriculum emphasizes a balanced approach to both technical skills and creative design, encouraging students to develop innovative games and interactive experiences. In addition to technical modules, students have opportunities to study topics related to storyboarding, user interface design, user experience, and game production management. The program also stresses teamwork and project management skills, reflecting industry standards where collaborative development is essential. Assessment throughout the course includes coursework, practical projects, group work, and examinations, culminating in a final year project that showcases students’ ability to develop a complete game or interactive application. Queen’s University Belfast’s strong links to the industry through partnerships, guest lectures, and internship opportunities provide students with insights into current trends and future directions of game development. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for employment in the gaming industry, software development firms, or related sectors such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and multimedia entertainment. The program's focus on both technical expertise and creative skills ensures that students are capable of contributing to a variety of roles within the digital entertainment industry, including game programmer, designer, producer, or technical artist.