About the course
The creation and production of computer games has grown to become a huge, rapidly evolving industry with a growing need for talented individuals to fill technical and creative positions. On this practical course, you work at the cutting edge of games technology, preparing you to hit the ground running when you join the sector.
The course takes a hands-on approach to games development, calling on you to work on games and creative-technology projects from the start, turning game ideas into playable demos. In the first year, you learn a variety of relevant techniques, including programming and 2D/3D graphics for games, as well as researching the market and generating ideas for original games.
You work in our specialist Creative Technologies and games development labs, and use a range of cutting-edge technologies - such as motion capture, green screen, VR and XR - to develop your practice and build a professional portfolio.
From your second year, you select one of three areas in which to specialise:
- games programming - learn industry-standard programming techniques and languages, including C# and C++, so you can turn designed gameplay into a playable form
- games design - design immersive player experiences and game environments, levels, mechanics and game systems, including creating in-game challenges
- games graphics - create artwork, models and animations tailored for use in games, using the latest graphics techniques in game engines
Download the Course Specification for more details of what each specialism covers.
Why choose this course?
- Explore the latest developments in mobile, PC, web, console, virtual reality and augmented reality gaming
- From your second year, become a student member of the industry association Ukie, offering benefits such as attending game conferences; applying for internships and mentorships; joining games-related events such as game jams; and receiving portfolio help and advice
- Study in passionate, dynamic groups as you get to grips with commercially relevant software tools such as Unreal Engine, Unity, Gamemaker Studio 2, 3ds Max, Maya and Blender
- Gain experience with motion capture rigs, virtual reality and 3D sculpting
- Challenge yourself by solving complex creative problems; presenting new game concepts and ideas; and building your team working and project-coordination skills
- Benefit from personal development planning which will help you research companies; formulate your future plans; develop a professional, industry-focused portfolio; and apply for jobs
- Take the option of a fee-free sandwich year in industry, building experience and making contacts for the future
- If you need a step-up into higher education, start with a Foundation Year (see below), which guarantees you a place on the degree course
Course Leader - Dr Marcia Gibson
Marcia began teaching in higher education in 2007 and joined the school of Computer Science and Technology full time in 2013. She has 15 years of experience in teaching and research within the areas of multimedia, computer games, HCI and security (with particular focus on usable security). Marcia currently works as part of the school’s creative technologies subject cluster, is course co-ordinator for BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development and is an academic member of Ukie (the UK Interactive Entertainment association).
A Degree with a Foundation Year gives you guaranteed entry to an Undergraduate course.
Whether you’re returning to learning and require additional help and support to up-skill, or if you didn’t quite meet the grades to pursue an Undergraduate course, our Degrees with Foundation Year provide a fantastic entry route for you to work towards a degree level qualification.
With our guidance and support you’ll get up to speed within one year, and will be ready to seamlessly progress on to undergraduate study at Bedfordshire.
The Foundation Year provides an opportunity to build up your academic writing skills and numeracy, and will also cover a range of subject specific content to fully prepare you for entry to an Undergraduate degree.
This is an integrated four-year degree, with the foundation year as a key part of the course. You will need to successfully complete the Foundation Year to progress on to the first year of your bachelor’s degree.
Why study a degree with a Foundation Year?
- Broad-based yet enough depth to give you credible vocational skills
- Coverage of a variety of areas typically delivered by an expert in this area
- Gain an understanding of a subject before choosing which route you wish to specialise in
- Great introduction to further study, and guaranteed progression on to one of our Undergraduate degrees
The degrees offering a Foundation Year provide excellent preparation for your future studies.
During your Foundation Year you will get the opportunity to talk to tutors about your degree study and future career aspirations, and receive guidance on the most appropriate Undergraduate course to help you achieve this; providing you meet the entry requirements and pass the Foundation Year.
Units
- Fundamentals Of Creative Technologies (CIS085-1) Compulsory
- Games And Digital Asset Design (CIS099-1) Compulsory
- Prototyping And Visual Programming (CIS098-1) Compulsory
- 2d Graphics And Digital Art (CIS100-1) Optional
- Principles Of Games Programming (CIS101-1) Optional
- Professional Industry Portfolio (CIS127-2) Compulsory
- Studio Development Project (CIS128-2) Compulsory
- 3d Graphics And Animation (CIS126-2) Optional
- Applied Games Design (CIS129-2) Optional
- Applied Games Programming (CIS130-2) Optional
- Compositing For Visual Effects (CIS095-2) Optional
- Desktop Applications Development And Software Engineering (CIS116-2) Optional
- Mobile Application Development (CIS099-2) Optional
- User Experience Design (CIS120-2) Optional
- Web Technologies And Platforms (CIS051-2) Optional
- Disruptive Technologies (CIS058-3) Compulsory
- Undergraduate Project For Creative Technologies (CIS059-3) Compulsory
- Advanced Games Design (CIS061-3) Optional
- Advanced Games Programming (CIS062-3) Optional
- Advanced Graphics For Games (CIS060-3) Optional
Students are assessed in a variety of ways. The majority of units are assessed through coursework, group and individual projects, portfolios, essays, presentations or exams. Presentations are usually given and assessed in the context of a group seminar. You will also produce software artefacts in the area of your specialism. Constant feedback and advice from a supervisory or unit team will be provided to support you in your work. At level 4 you are assessed on your understanding of the fundamental concepts of computing and digital technologies and their application. You are required to comprehend the basic range of intellectual concepts which form the foundations of the subject and application area, and will be assessed on your ability to articulate such concepts in a coherent manner, in a variety of project-based briefs. For example, you will learn about digital design and content creation for animation as well as introductory programming, and interactive development. At level 5 you will be specialising in your chosen option subject, and are assessed on your ability to apply the basic concepts of the disciplines introduced in level 4 through further study and development on industry-standard computer games development tools. You should also be able to demonstrate the inter-relationships between technical development and design. At level 6 you will be required to demonstrate independent thinking and initiative. This may be in the form of analysing and criticising current practice and theory in the fields of computer games development. In all cases, you will be expected to show an awareness of the major theories and practices of the discipline. You will progress from well-defined briefs to more open-ended and challenging assessments, which culminate in your major project - the undergraduate project unit where you will individually develop a project with supervision from an appointed mentor, usually a lecturer from the Subject cluster team. The Initial Assessment is in the unit Fundamentals of Creative Technologies, following which several units allow students to use work and feedback from the first assessment to perform best in the second. All units benefit from weekly practical sessions or supervisor meetings that provide a constant learner-teacher interaction process which also serves to reflect on learning styles.
Reasons to study in the School of Computer Science and Technology
- Specialist computing suites in our £40m STEM building
- Our computing courses are BCS and IET accredited
- Dedicated engineering environments & equipment in our new STEM building
- Our Engineering courses are IET accredited
Entry Requirements
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS Tariff Points
- At least 112 points with 96 points from at least 2 A level passes
- At least 112 points with Distinction Merit Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma or Distinction* Distinction* in BTEC Diploma
- A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma (with 12 merits and 12 distinctions at level 3)
- Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.
T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications. See your country page for more details
Check Your Country page to confirm that your local qualifications are suitable or contact your International Admissions Team
Entry Requirements
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS Tariff Points
- At least 112 points with 96 points from at least 2 A level passes
- At least 112 points with Distinction Merit Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma or Distinction* Distinction* in BTEC Diploma
- A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma (with 12 merits and 12 distinctions at level 3)
- Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.
T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications. See your country page for more details
Check Your Country page to confirm that your local qualifications are suitable or contact your International Admissions Team
How will this course improve my career prospects?
Successful graduates may gain employment within the games development industry as well as entertainment and media technology, e-sports or extended reality (XR) applications (VR, AR, MR).
Employment options related to each respective specialism may include: games programmer or game-engine software engineer; games designer or user-experience designer for games and applications; 2D or 3D graphics specialist; animator or technical artist for the games industry.
You may also like to continue your studies with an MSc by Research or PhD in games and interactive media-related technologies.
Fees and Funding
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23 is £13,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2023/24 is £14,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
Fees and Funding
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23 is £13,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2023/24 is £14,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
Extra Costs
Luton Campus Centre
The Campus Centre brings together all our student services under one roof including the Students’ Union and spaces to eat, drink, relax and learn.
There's a large central lecture theatre as well as a range of study rooms & breakout spaces on the upper floors.
Luton Campus Library
The library is a modern 9-storey building dedicated to study and learning.
As well as traditional library provisions it offers individual and group study spaces, a cafeteria on the ground floor and a ‘Study Hub’ offering guidance and workshops on academic writing and research skills to ensure all Bedfordshire students get the help they need to succeed in their studies.
Beds SU
When you join the University of Bedfordshire, you don't just join the university - you also become a member of Bedfordshire Students' Union (Beds SU)!
Beds SU is led by four Student Officers - a President and three Vice Presidents - who are elected annually by University of Bedfordshire students to lead the Students' Union.
We are here to help every student at the University of Bedfordshire get the most out of their university experience. We campaign on issues that you care about, as well as provide lots of opportunities for you to meet new people, develop your skills, campaign for change and try something new.
Aspire Gym
The Aspire Gym has state of the art cardiovascular equipment with smart phone compatibility. There is also an extensive range of fixed resistance machines and a small free weights area.
Changing rooms with showers and lockers are available for members to use.
Luton Campus Accommodation
The University guarantees accommodation to all new students. Fitzroy Court and Wenlock Court, the two main halls of residence, are located on campus so getting to lectures, shopping in town and participating in events and activities is easy.
STEM building
The STEM building is home to courses in the subject areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Opened in Autumn 2019, its cutting edge facilities provides four computer laboratories; workshops for subjects such as automotive engineering, cyber-security and robotics, along with three large teaching labs, and four specialist containment labs.
How to Apply
Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.
Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.
All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.
If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS
EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country
You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
How to Apply
Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.
Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.
All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.
If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS
EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country
You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
