Games Software Development

Description

You will develop your expertise in games software design and realisation by getting to grips with Epic’s UDK toolset and UnrealScript. You will move on to use both Microsoft and Sony technologies to develop software on their games consoles.

At the same time the course covers all the fundamentals of computing. Topics include web applications, database systems, programming and software development.

Throughout the course you will have the support of up-to-date teaching and ultra high-tech facilities. We provide access to Sony games console devkit hardware and software packages which are not available to the public and require a licence that is held by the University.

We encourage our students to undertake a year-long placement between the second and final years, although it is not compulsory. It’s a great opportunity to get paid to put your learning into practice and to extend your experience.

Graduates of our course will automatically gain exemption from some of the requirements of the British Computer Society BCS, the UK’s Chartered Institute for IT. Becoming chartered through the BCS is a further way to demonstrate your professionalism and value to potential employers.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline 15th January/October Tuition fee

• GBP 7800 Year (EEA)
• GBP 9500 Year (International)

Start date September 2015 15th Duration full-time 36 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time

Course Content

Year 1 (national level 4)

• Fundamentals of Computing (100 Credits):
• Software Development and Theory – Software Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, Formal Methods.
• Programming – Microsoft C# .NET and Java programming for Robots.
• Web and Multimedia Applications – Markup Languages (HTML 5, CSS 3), Adobe Dreamweaver, Adobe Flash, and Actionscript, Adobe Photoshop, Javascript, Web APIs (such as Google Maps and Yahoo APIs).
• Database Systems – Database Design, Relational Databases and SQL, Database Integrity and Security, PHP and MySQL.
• Computer Systems and Networking – Operating Systems, Networks and Computer Architectures.
• Specialist Mini Project – you can showcase your talents through a project in your chosen area of computing. Past projects have included a Facebook app, a hack challenge and the creation of a retro arcade game.
• Games Technology (20 Credits):

This module introduces games software by using Epic's UDK toolset and UnrealScript.

Year 2 (national level 5)

• Software Engineering Enterprise and Innovation Project (40 Credits):

Choose to develop a software project for a client or yourself. You will gain valuable experience of working within a team-based software development environment.

• Games Development (40 Credits):

This module explores 2-D and 3-D games development using Microsoft C# and the XNA games framework.

Optional modules:

• Multimedia Development (40 Credits):

This module covers web design, Adobe PhotoShop, video production and web frameworks, as well as development in Adobe Flash and Actionscript for professional multimedia projects.

• Software Development (40 Credits):

This module provides additional skills in Microsoft C# .NET programming and software design through further .NET technologies, UML modelling, unit testing, multi-threading and web-based solutions.
Final Year (national level 6)

• Games Console Programming (40 credits):

You will develop your skills in C/C++ programming and 3-D modelling using a modern games console devkit and associated software tools and APIs. Such development is only possible due to the University’s licences for console devkits, which are not available to the public.

• Computing Major Project (40 credits)

You will research a topic and develop software that’s connected to that topic. Past examples include an Android audio application, a Trojan detector and a network monitoring tool.

Optional modules:

• Concurrent and Distributed Systems (20 credits)

This module covers modern multi-processor and distributed system software development using appropriate programming languages, frameworks and APIs.

• Artificial Intelligence (20 credits)

This module develops your knowledge of current AI principles and your skills in this fast-moving area, which is a particular focus of Sunderland’s research.

• User Experience Design (20 credits)

You will study principles and practices that ensure users gain the most appropriate experience when interacting with computer-based software and hardware systems.

• Applied Multimedia (20 credits)

You will develop media and interaction-rich applications on alternative platforms including mobile phones, PDAs, digital TV and mobile games platforms. You will also carry out research into both the hardware and software aspects of such devices, including ones that are not yet released to the public.

• Project Management (20 credits)

You will learn modern approaches to the development and management of IT-related projects, making use of the latest principles and research.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 60(Grade C)

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

take an IELTS test. More About IELTS

Requirements

Our typical offer will be in the region of 260 points from a minimum of two A Levels or equivalent (for example 1 x AVCE double award).

We accept a maximum of 20 points from Level 3 Key Skills qualifications.

Please note we do not accept AS/A Level General Studies.

We also require three passes at GCSE grade C or above, which must include Mathematics and English Language, or a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number.

If you have already covered one or more of the topics covered by the course, and would like to apply for accreditation of prior learning (APL), please contact the course leader.

Other acceptable qualifications

BTEC National: 260 points from a BTEC Certificate or Diploma.

Access Courses: We would require successful completion of an Access to Higher Education course that is accredited by the Quality Assurance Agency. We would also require a minimum of grade C in GCSE in Mathematics and English Language or the equivalent as part of your course.

Scottish Highers: Our typical offer is for 260 points.

Irish Leaving Certificate: Our typical offer is for 260 points.

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 Sunderland.

Funding

Scholarships on offer include cash bursaries, reduced tuition fees, free accommodation and free public transport.

Accreditation

Recognition by the British Computer Society, the UK's Chartered Institute for IT.