Computer Games Development (Sandwich)

The BSc in Computer Games Development (Sandwich) at Queen’s University Belfast offers a comprehensive and immersive education for students passionate about creating innovative and engaging digital games. Designed to blend rigorous academic coursework with practical industry experience, this programme prepares graduates to excel in the competitive field of game design and development. Over the course of the programme, students are introduced to a wide range of subjects including computer programming, 3D modelling, animation, artificial intelligence, physics, and user experience design, enabling them to develop the technical skills necessary for modern game development. The curriculum emphasizes both the creative and technical aspects of game creation, encouraging students to think critically about game mechanics, storytelling, and player engagement.

A distinctive feature of this programme is the sandwich year, which provides students with an opportunity to acquire valuable work experience through placements in leading gaming companies or related industries. This year of industry placement not only enhances employability but also allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings, forging important professional connections that can be instrumental in future careers. Throughout their studies, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated software for game development, including industry-standard tools such as Unity and Unreal Engine. They are also encouraged to participate in collaborative projects, hackathons, and game jams, fostering teamwork and creative problem-solving skills.

Graduates of the programme are well-positioned for careers in various areas within the gaming industry, including game design, programming, graphics, testing, and project management. Many alumni go on to work for major companies across the UK and internationally, contributing to the development of next-generation video games, mobile applications, virtual reality experiences, and interactive media. The programme also provides a solid foundation for those interested in pursuing postgraduate studies or research in related fields. With its combination of theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and industry engagement, the BSc in Computer Games Development (Sandwich) at Queen’s University Belfast offers an excellent pathway into the dynamic and expanding world of digital gaming.

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

Our Computer Science degree programmes aim to teach the fundamental principles of Computer Science, together with the necessary skills, tools and techniques to enable our graduates to embark on careers as professional software engineers, or to become suitably qualified to undertake research in Computer Science. These programmes involve extensive practical work in the School's laboratories.

Stage 1

Computer Architecture
Fundamentals of Programming
Multimedia Design and Authoring
Programming Challenges
Introduction of the Science of Computing
Introductory Software Engineering and Project Management

Stage 2

Advanced Programming using C# and C++
Computation Theory
Data Structures and Algorithms
Database Systems
Networks and Communications
Professional Computing Practice
Software Engineering and Group Project

Students taking Single Honours BEng/BSc are required to spend a year gaining professional experience in industry in a paid full-time post. Students are helped to obtain suitable places and the School has excellent links with over 500 local, national and international employers such as BT, Liberty, Asidua and Kainos in Belfast, IBM in England, Microsoft and Sun Microsystems in Dublin, Fujitsu in Japan and Siemens in Germany. It is expected that students will gain a Licentiateship of the City & Guilds from this period of work experience.

Stage 3

Agile and Component-Based Programming
Artificial Intelligence
Computer Science Project
Concurrent Programming
Design Principles and Patterns
Formal Methods
Operating System Concepts
Research Topics

These modules enable each student to pursue their own interests. A student who is fluent in French may spend the final year of study at the University of Rennes and take the final examinations in the French language.

MEng

This is a four-year extended degree programme. It has been established to provide a supply of particularly well-qualified graduates who will become industry leaders, and it contains an appropriate blend of knowledge and skills in Computer Science with business practice and management as well as skills in conducting state-of-the-art research. Students have the option of a year's professional experience in industry. The first two years and much of Stage 3 are common with the BSc/BEng degree. Transfer to the MEng is possible for selected students at the end of Stage 2, subject to satisfactory performance.

Modules taken in Stage 4 are:

Algorithms: Analysis and Applications
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
High Performance Computing
Plus a research project.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

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

Requirements

BEng/BSc Single Honours (including sandwich options)

• A-level BBB including Computing or Mathematics + GCSE Mathematics
  OR
  ABB including Chemistry, GCE A-level ICT (not Single Award Applied ICT), Physics, Technology or Double Award Applied ICT + GCSE Mathematics
• BTEC Extended Diploma A relevant computing, engineering or scientific BTEC Extended Diploma with 10 Distinctions and 8 Merits + GCSE Mathematics
• BTEC Higher National Diploma Those with good grades in a relevant Higher National Diploma will be considered individually on their merits for entry to Stage 2
• Irish Leaving Certificate B2B2B2B2CC/B2B2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade B2 Mathematics
  OR
  B2B2B2B2B2B2/AB2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade B2 in Chemistry or Physics + Ordinary Level grade C in Mathematics

MEng

• A-level AAB including Computing or Mathematics + GCSE Mathematics
  OR
  AAA including Chemistry, GCE A-level ICT (not Single Award Applied ICT), Physics, Technology or Double Award Applied ICT + GCSE Mathematics
• BTEC Extended Diploma A relevant computing, engineering or scientific BTEC Extended Diploma with 16 Distinctions and 2 Merits + GCSE Mathematics
• Irish Leaving Certificate AB2B2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade B2 in Mathematics
  OR
  AAB2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade B2 in Chemistry or Physics + Ordinary Level grade C in Mathematics

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.

The BSc (Hons) in Computer Games Development (Sandwich) at Queen's University Belfast is a comprehensive undergraduate programme designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to succeed in the dynamic and rapidly evolving gaming industry. This programme combines academic study with practical experience, structured over four years, with the third year typically dedicated to a professional placement, providing invaluable real-world experience and industry connections. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including programming, game design, 3D modelling and animation, artificial intelligence, physics, mathematics for games development, and the use of industry-standard tools and engines such as Unity and Unreal Engine. Students also explore narrative development and user interface design, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of game development from initial concept to final product.

Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on both technical proficiency and creative skills, fostering innovation and problem-solving abilities. Students undertake individual and team projects, often collaborating on multidisciplinary teams akin to real industry scenarios, to enhance teamwork and communication skills. The inclusion of a sandwich year allows students to gain valuable industry experience, develop professional networks, and apply their academic learning in a practical context, thereby significantly increasing their employability upon graduation.

Queen's University Belfast is committed to providing state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated labs, motion capture equipment, and access to industry-standard software. The programme is supported by a team of experienced industry practitioners and academic staff who are actively engaged in research and consultancy within the fields of game development and multimedia computing. Graduates of this programme have gone on to pursue careers in game design, programming, project management, multimedia content creation, and related sectors.

The course is accredited by relevant professional bodies, ensuring that the education provided meets high industry standards and academic excellence. Entry requirements typically include strong GCSEs and A-levels or equivalent qualifications, with particular emphasis on subjects such as ICT, mathematics, or computing. The programme prepares students for the competitive global job market and aims to foster entrepreneurial ventures and innovative developments in the gaming industry. Overall, the Computer Games Development (Sandwich) degree at Queen's University Belfast offers a balanced and thorough education designed to develop the next generation of skilled game developers capable of contributing creatively and technically to the entertainment and digital media sectors.