Computer Games Development

Description

This prestigious integrated degree programme in Computer Games Development (including an optional placement year) will foster strong programming, content management and architectural design skills, and provide students with a full development experience, from concept to software design to final implementation, in preparation for a development-oriented career in the industry. Additionally, the skill set gained fully prepares graduates for a programming-oriented career within the wider software engineering industry.

Note: 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 degrees 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).

The School has a world class reputation for research and provides excellent facilities, including access to major new research centres in Secure Information Technologies, Electronics, Communications and Information Technology and Sonic Arts. A number of modules on the course are closely linked to the research expertise of these centres and evolve and change rapidly to reflect some of the current, emerging and exciting developments in the field.

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.

The MEng in Computer Games Development provides a range of learning experiences which enable students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

• Lectures: introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).

• Practicals: where you will have significant opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts.Comprehensive demonstrator support is provided – typically one demonstrator per 8-10 students. You will be expected to attend approximately six hours of practicals per week for your modules.

• E-Learning technologies: Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree through, for example: interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space; IT and statistics modules; podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities; opportunities to use IT programmes associated with design in practicals and project- based work etc.

• Seminars/tutorials: A number of modules will make use of seminars/tutorials (typically 10-20 students). These provide opportunity for students to engage with staff and to assess your own progress and understanding with the support of peers. You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups.

• Self-directed study: This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.

• Projects and teamwork: A number of modules throughout the degree will use supervised projects as a means of enabling you to put your technical understanding into practice. The extensive use of team based projects from first year will provide you with the opportunity to develop skills widely used by employers. In final year, you will be expected to carry out a significant piece of research on a topic or practical methodology. You will receive support from a supervisor who will guide you in terms of how to carry out your research and will provide feedback to you.

• Personal Tutor: Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic development.

• Peer Mentoring: Queen’s runs a peer mentoring scheme for Computing students – a group of students from all year groups (except first year) are trained to provide support for the 1st year students, in terms of offering advice and guidance, organising social events etc. The School also has a Computing Society (QCS – Queen’s Computing Society) who organise a range of activities, including social events and more formal activities such as industry lectures, for all Computing students. A computer games club also meets once a week and this is open to all computing students in the School.

Careers

Overview

On graduating with an MEng degree (and a year's experience), students will be able to take development jobs in the computer games industry or other computer-based creative industries. As competent programmers, graduates will also enjoy the same range of employment opportunities available to Software Engineers. In addition, the course will equip graduates to pursue research/further study in Computer Science and related disciplines.

Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well-regarded by employers (local, national and international) Job opportunities within the computing sector are truly outstanding, with the local job demand for professionalism software engineering outstripping supply

Consultations

We regularly consult and develop links with a large number of employers including, for example, Liberty IT and Asidua who provide sponsorship for our Computer Science degree as well as Citi and Kainos who are members of the employer liaison panel for the course.

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.

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.