Computer Games (including Year Abroad)

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Games at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive education in the design, development, and analysis of computer games. This innovative programme combines computer science, creative arts, and interactive media to equip students with the skills necessary to succeed in the rapidly evolving gaming industry. Throughout the course, students explore various aspects of game development, including programming, game design, user experience, graphics, and sound design, fostering both technical proficiency and creative expression.

The curriculum is structured to provide a solid foundation in computer science principles, covering programming languages, algorithms, and software engineering. Specialised modules focus on game-specific topics such as game physics, artificial intelligence, game engines, and virtual reality. Students are encouraged to develop their own projects, working individually and in teams, to create engaging and innovative games. The programme emphasizes practical learning through hands-on experience in industry-standard tools and technologies, preparing graduates for careers in game design, development, testing, and production.

A distinctive feature of the programme is the Year Abroad opportunity, where students can enhance their linguistic skills and cultural awareness by studying at a partner university abroad. This experience broadens their perspective and provides valuable intercultural competence, which is highly valued in the global gaming industry. Additionally, students can undertake optional modules in related disciplines such as animation, storytelling, and computer graphics, further enriching their skill set.

The programme also emphasizes employability and real-world readiness. Students benefit from guest lectures, industry placements, and collaborations with gaming companies, enabling them to build professional networks and gain practical insights. The University of Essex’s strong links with the tech sector and creative industries ensure that the programme remains aligned with current industry trends and demands.

Graduates of the Computer Games programme will be well-positioned to pursue diverse careers within the gaming sector and beyond, including roles in game design, programming, quality assurance, and multimedia development. They will possess a blend of technical expertise, creative talent, and cultural awareness, making them valuable contributors to the digital economy. Whether aspiring to develop cutting-edge virtual experiences or work in multimedia content creation, students emerge from this programme ready to innovate and excel in the dynamic world of computer games.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking science and engineering subjects, then these options are slightly restricted because our science modules tend to rely on previous knowledge of the subject.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BSc, then you are qualified to enter the second year not only of that course but also of a range of other courses: for example, if you are a BSc student who takes economics, politics, philosophy and sociology in your first year, then you have a choice of at least two courses and, in some cases, as many as five. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available.
We offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you. Some of our science courses offer an optional extra year of an industrial placement.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1
Professional Development;
Mathematics for Computing;
Introduction to Programming;
Object-Oriented Programming;
Introduction to Databases;
Web Development;
Network Fundamentals; and
Digital Systems Architecture

Year 2
Group Project and Industrial Practice;
Application Programming;
Data Structures and Algorithms;
Artificial Intelligence;
Computer Game Design;
Computer Game Programming;
C++ Programming; and
one second-year option

Year 3
Year studying abroad

Year 4
Individual Project (double module);
Intelligent Agents;
Virtual Worlds;
Games Console Programming;
3D Computer Graphics; Distributed Computing Systems; and
two third-year options
We offer you a wide range of interesting modules to choose from throughout your time at Essex. All modules include a significant coursework element, while teaching draws on the most up-to-date and exciting research. (Please note that modules with a 4 in the middle of their module code are for first-year undergraduates, those with a 5 are for second-year undergraduates and those with a 6 are for third-year undergraduates).

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

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

Requirements

A-levels: ABB-BBB
GCSE Mathematics: C
GCSE English: C
BTEC National Diploma: DDM
IB: 32-30 points, including Standard Mathematics grade 4, if not taken at the Higher Level (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis)
Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

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 of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Games at the University of Essex offers students an in-depth understanding of the design, development, and analysis of computer games. This programme is designed to equip students with a comprehensive skill set that covers programming, game design, graphics, artificial intelligence, and user experience. The course emphasizes practical knowledge through project-based learning, allowing students to develop their own games and participate in collaborative projects.

Throughout the programme, students gain exposure to modern game engines, such as Unity and Unreal, and learn to implement complex algorithms and systems essential for game functionality. The curriculum also covers important theoretical aspects, including gaming history, narrative development, and the psychological effects of games. With a focus on innovation and creativity, students are encouraged to develop original game concepts, prototype ideas, and refine their work through iterative processes.

An integral part of this degree is the Year Abroad, which provides an exceptional opportunity for students to study at partner institutions abroad, enhancing their intercultural communication skills and gaining international experience. During the Year Abroad, students can deepen their understanding of global game development trends, expand their professional networks, and explore different gaming markets and cultures.

The programme is suitable for students interested in both the technical and creative sides of game development, offering a balanced curriculum that fosters teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Graduates of this course can pursue careers in game design and development, multimedia production, interactive entertainment, and digital media industries. The University of Essex supports students with dedicated career services, industry placements, and access to a vibrant community of researchers and developers in the field of computer games.

Overall, the Computer Games degree at Essex prepares students for a rapidly evolving industry by combining academic rigor with practical experience, ensuring they are ready to contribute to innovative game development teams worldwide.