Computer Games Design

Program Title: Bachelor of Arts in Computer Games Design

Course Description: The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Games Design at the University of Suffolk offers a comprehensive and innovative curriculum designed to prepare students for a successful career in the dynamic and rapidly evolving games industry. The programme combines creative storytelling, technical skills, and industry-standard practices to equip graduates with the necessary expertise to develop engaging, immersive, and commercially viable games across various platforms. Throughout the course, students will have opportunities to work on real-world projects, collaborate with industry partners, and develop a professional portfolio that showcases their talents and versatility. The programme emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the competitive gaming sector. Students will explore core topics such as game design principles, 3D modeling, animation, programming, storytelling, user experience (UX), and sound design. Additionally, the course provides insights into industry tools, project management, marketing strategies, and ethical considerations relevant to game development. The programme is taught by experienced academic staff and industry professionals, fostering a supportive environment that encourages creativity and innovation. Students will benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, including computer labs equipped with the latest hardware and software tools used in the industry. The programme also encourages international perspectives and the development of transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, and project management. Upon graduation, students will be well-equipped to pursue careers in game design, development, production, and related fields within the global entertainment industry. The University of Suffolk’s strong links with industry partners and alumni network provide valuable networking opportunities and practical experience, giving students a competitive edge in their careers post-graduation.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 9240 Year (EEA)
• EUR 10360 Year (Non-EEA)

Students starting at UCS in September 2013 will be charged £8,000 for a full-time Bachelor degree.

Tuition fees for full-time undergraduate overseas fee payers for the academic year 2013-2014 are:

• Classroom-based 9,000 GBP (£)
• Laboratory-based 10,500* GBP (£)

• English

Course Content

First year students are immersed from day one in the game production pipeline. Students receive a grounding in the key principles and tools of game mechanics, along with the dynamics and aesthetics of games as understood in their wider cultural context.

In the second year students continue to deepen their understanding of these processes, along with learning about the key management tools for games production. Final year students engage in larger scale individual and group projects, bringing to fruition a significant body of work to showcase to prospective employers.

After completing this degree, students can apply for work as games designers and seek work within the wider games industry.

First year modules include:

• Group Project
• Introduction to Design Methods
• 3D Modelling for Games
• Introduction to Digital Production Techniques: Scripting
• Introduction to Critical Games Studies

Second year modules include:

• Modding
• Practical Prototyping
• Managing Games Production
• 3D Modelling for Games
• Flash Game Development
• Anymation

Third year modules include:

• Dissertation
• Game Project
• Portfolio
• Design Masterclass

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 TOEFL iBT® test : 87

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

Requirements

All students are expected to be able to understand and express themselves fully in English in order to succeed on the course. Applicants whose first language is not English are welcome to apply but expected to undertake one of the Secure English Language Test (SELT) specified by the UKBA before joining the course. Non-EU applicants are required to submit SELT scores before a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued. Depending on your choice of course you are required to secure a minimum of CEFR B2 or C1 level.
Typically the following test scores are acceptable:

Undergraduate Courses:

• IELTS (academic): 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
• TOEFL: IBT (Internet Based Test) 87 overall
  (a minimum of 17 in listening 17 in writing; 18 in reading; and 20 in the speaking component) or equivalent Computer based/Paper based test
• Pearson PTE: 51 overall
• Diagnostic Radiography, Radiotherapy and Oncology, ODP and all Pre-Registration Nursing and Midwifery courses require IELTS 7.0 overall or CEFR C1 equivalent (minimum 5.5 in all components)
• Cambridge ESOL at CEFR B2 level

Typical Offer:

280 UCAS tariff points (or equivalent)

Applications are welcome from all who can benefit from and successfully complete the course.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

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 University Campus Suffolk.

Funding

UCS Financial Support

UCS Bursary 2013 Entry

From September 2013, UCS is introducing a new bursary scheme for students living away from the parental home, to help with accommodation costs while studying.

Successful applicants will receive a £1,000 bursary in their first year of study and a £500 bursary in both their second and third years of study.

National Scholarship Programme

The National Scholarship Programme (NSP) has been created to offer support to students from lower income backgrounds. The Government has awarded a number of Scholarships to UCS for students starting an undergraduate degree in September 2013. UCS has committed to matching these Scholarships, providing fee waivers to a larger number of students.

Successful full-time applicants will receive a total fee waiver of £6,000; £3,000 in their first year of study and £3,000 in their second year of study.

Successful part-time applicants will receive a fee waiver on a pro rata basis for their first and second years of study. For example part-time students studying 50% of the full time equivalent course in their first year will receive a fee waiver of £1,500.

Suffolk Access Champion Scheme

The Suffolk Access Champion Scheme is open to students who have studied in Suffolk and are applying to study a full-time undergraduate degree programme at UCS in 2013/14.

Successful applicants will become Suffolk Access Champions and will work over two years mentoring Year 10 and 11 students to encourage progression on to higher education.

In return for their participation in the scheme, Access Champions will receive a total fee waiver of £8,000; £5,000 in their first year of study and £3,000 in their second year of study.

UCS Science Fee Waiver

UCS is introducing a new Science fee waiver for students starting one of the four year science programmes in 2013. This scheme entitles successful applicants to a fee waiver of up to £1,500 across years two and three of their degree.

Ipswich Borough Council and UCS Bursary

Ipswich Borough Council (IBC) is working in conjunction with UCS to offer a non-repayable bursary scheme to selected full and part-time students from lower income backgrounds to help with costs associated with their course of study.

A total of four IBC and UCS bursaries are available in 2013/14. Successful applicants will receive £1,000 in their first year of study. Awards are expected to continue into Year 2 of study on the condition that household income remains within the scheme threshold.

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Computer Games Design at the University of Suffolk is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to succeed in the dynamic and rapidly evolving field of game development. This programme combines theoretical understanding with practical application, enabling students to create engaging, innovative, and technically sound computer games. Throughout the course, students explore various aspects of game design, including game mechanics, storytelling, user experience, and visual aesthetics, ensuring a well-rounded education that addresses both creative and technical challenges.

The curriculum covers core topics such as programming languages relevant to game development, 3D modeling, animation, sound design, and interactive storytelling. Students also gain experience with industry-standard software and development tools, fostering important technical competencies. The program emphasizes teamwork and project management skills through collaborative projects, mirroring working environments in the gaming industry. Additionally, students have opportunities to develop portfolios of their work, which are crucial for employment prospects after graduation.

The programme benefits from the university's strong links to the gaming industry and creative sectors, providing students with networking opportunities, guest lectures from industry experts, and potential work placements. The teaching staff consists of experienced professionals and academics who bring practical insights and current industry trends into the classroom. The university also offers a variety of support services, including access to facilities like dedicated gaming labs and advanced computer workstations, as well as career advice and development resources.

Students who complete the degree will be prepared for roles such as game designer, game programmer, level designer, or visual artist in the gaming and entertainment industries. The course's blend of creative and technical elements ensures graduates are versatile and adaptable, capable of designing and developing complex interactive experiences. The program aims to foster innovative thinking, problem-solving abilities, and technical proficiency, making graduates highly competitive in the global digital entertainment market. Overall, the Computer Games Design programme at the University of Suffolk provides a solid foundation for aspiring game developers seeking to turn their passion for gaming into a professional career.