Games Programming BSc (Hons)

Key Facts

  • UCAS Code

    BSc: I610
    BSc with Foundation: I611

  • Level

    Undergraduate

  • Duration

    Full Time: 3 years
    Full Time Foundation: 4 years
    Part Time: 4 years

  • Starting

    September

  • BCC at A-Level or,
    DMM at BTEC

  • Fees UK 24/25

    Full Time: £9,250
    Part Time: £1,540 (per 20 credits)
    Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250

  • Fees International 24/25

    Full Time: £15,200
    Integrated Foundation Year: £15,200

  • Location

Get in touch


For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK/EU Students enquiries

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

International Students enquiries

international@northampton.ac.uk
+44 (0)1604 893981

Overview


The University of Northampton’s Games Programming BSc (Hons) course is designed in such a way as to provide students with all the knowledge and skills required to have a successful career in the Computer Games industry. The Computer Games industry has developed throughout the decades of its existence a reputation of being one of the most competitive. Companies are constantly looking for highly creative people possessing a passion about creating computer games for gaming programmer jobs.

Our BSc (Hons) Games Programming course will enable you to develop the specialist knowledge and key skills needed to join this thriving industry. You’ll be joining a supportive and friendly community of highly motivated academic staff and games students who work hard to achieve their goals.

Updated 19/03/2024

Highlights


  • Opportunities to enter national game competitions on this BSc games programming course.
  • Internship opportunities for this games programming degree.
  • Put theory into practice in a computer lab.
  • HP Laptop and software included with this course.*  (*Terms and Conditions apply)
  • Guaranteed paid internship with the Northampton Employment Promise.

Course Content


  • In the University of Northampton’s Games Programming BSc (Hons) degree, you will focus on the programming and development of computer games starting from the foundation principles of computer games programming. For game programming courses, we insist also on the principle of “theory put into practice”, and with the assistance of our bright new, state-of-the-art equipped, computer labs, you will have every opportunity to experience this principle materialising, gaining both the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills you need to develop first-rate computer games. You will have an opportunity to fully explore other key computer games elements like development of ideas, planning, problem-solving and the economics of creating a complete computer game ready to be launched in the market.

    You will study core modules on this programmer degree, which cover concepts and skills from fundamental to advance, including:

    • Computer Systems
    • Problem Solving & Programming
    • Computer Games Programming
    • Programming for “Unity3D” Game Engine (fundamental to advance)
    • Programming for “Unreal 4” Game Engine (fundamental to advance)
    • Computer Graphics
    • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Techniques
    • Simulation & Dynamics
    • Internet Technology
    • Computer Games Techniques.

    You will also gain an in-depth understanding of Computer Science in general, this being the field of science that underpins computer software development in the entirety of its spectrum. The advantage of this is that after graduation you will be fully prepared and equipped with all the crucial knowledge required to succeed as a computer programmer of any other kind as well.

    In the second year of this games programming degree, there are two group projects where you will work to produce an innovative solution to a real world problem, and in your final year you will complete an individual research dissertation.

    Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 23/24. The modules relating to the academic year 24/25 will be available from June 2024.

      • Module code: CSY1077
        Status: Compulsory
        This module introduces students to group working practices within the context of a computer game development project. The module encourages the development of key interpersonal skills needed for collaborative work, such as communication, problem solving, respect and consideration of others, and identifying roles and responsibilities within a multidisciplinary group project.
      • Module code: CSY1079
        Status: Compulsory
        This module introduces students to the skills, principles and concepts necessary to develop 2D computer games. Students apply aspects of High-Level Programming Language (HLPL) and development platforms to develop 2D computer games.
      • Module code: CSY1080
        Status: Compulsory
        This module introduces students to computer programming, and the concepts necessary to write a successful piece of code in a High-Level Programming Language (HLPL). Students develop essential skills to solve simple programming problems and are introduced to the principles underlying the design of High-Level Programming Languages.
      • Module code: CSY1081
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is for students to explore 2D game engine functionality and develop skills to manage and work with 2D objects, worlds and spaces. Students will engage with the important technical skills required for programming 2D computer games within a game engine.
      • Module code: CSY1082
        Status: Compulsory
        In this module students apply the principles of database integrity to the design and development of database structures for computer games. Students apply data modelling techniques to establish, modify and maintain database integrity and data structures, using industry software and languages such as MySQL and Structured Query Language (SQL) PHP.
      • Module code: CSY1097
        Status: Compulsory
        This module introduces the main principles of computer games architecture, enabling students to gain practical experience of software engineering. Students explore computer game design, architecture and management, and gain an overview of game development process.
      • Module code: CSY2033
        Status: Compulsory
        This purpose of this module is to understand and implement graphic applications. The module consists of two-dimensional graphics and animation. Such graphics have many uses from medical simulation to computer games. Advances in computer graphics hardware and computer graphics libraries has now made it possible for the production and display of high quality computer graphics on stock hardware.
      • Module code: CSY2034
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to: introduce the skills, principles and concepts necessary to develop high performance 3D computer games; develop essential programming skills to enable the solution of these problems with the construction of appropriate algorithms and a high performance 3D games program. Introduce the principles underlying the design of a high level programming language and development (HLPL) platforms; gain experience and confidence in the use of a HLPL and development platforms to implement computer games.
      • Module code: CSY2035
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is ?To integrate and draw together the various aspects of the programme gained during study at level 4 & 5. Building upon the personal/group lessons learnt in CSY1025 the aim of this team project module is to work ideally in small multi-disciplinary groups of 3-8 students to develop a 3D digital game.
      • Module code: CSY2058
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to: introduce the concepts and the fundamentals of Indie Games design, programming and development; to gain in-depth understanding of real-time animations for computer games applications; to further understand the process of computer games programming and development using game engines; to gain the technical skills by developing a 3D application project.
      • Module code: CSY2059
        Status: Compulsory
      • Module code: CSY2091
        Status: Compulsory
        This module is designed to give an understanding of the technologies (hardware/software) and how these are utilised in a modern networks. This understanding is then use to develop the necessary skills to design and implement (programming) software to be deployed within modern networks.
      • Module code: CSY3025
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is ?To teach students the fundamental theory and practical applications of: knowledge-based systems, artificial neural networks and evolutionary algorithms. The underpinning concepts will be introduced, followed by examples of how intelligent systems are used in engineering or games applications.
      • Module code: CSY3028
        Status: Compulsory
        This purpose of this (Level 5) module is to understand and implement graphic applications. The module consists of three-dimensional graphics and animation. Such graphics have many uses from medical simulation to computer games. Advances in computer graphics hardware and in computer graphics libraries has now made it possible for the production and display of high quality computer graphics on stock hardware.
      • Module code: CSY3030
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to: develop a critical appreciation of the social game development lifecycle; apply complex problem-solving skills to social develop games programs; introduce students to the skills, principles and concepts necessary to develop social computer games; implemente social games programs using an appropriate programming language and development platform.
      • Module code: CSY3031
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is: to emphasie independent learning, development and responsibility, through the creation of a social game following industry practices; implement production process and design of the groups games, through self-directed and supported support from a module supervisor in conjunction with some, tutor lead lectures; implement a game to demonstrate the understanding of the complete development life cycle; publication of the game in the public domain.
      • Module code: CSY3045
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to introduce the basic concepts of computation through modelling and simulation that are increasingly being used by computer games developers/programmers to shorten design/implementation cycles and simulate the impacts of alternative approaches; to introduce students to scientific programming through exploring a range of programming and modelling concepts using the appropriate mathematical software.
      • Module code: CSY4018
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to provide the opportunity for the student to undertake the research and self-management of a Computer Games related problem that permits the integration of the main areas of study in the student?s study programme. The module also permits the development of higher order intellectual skills.
  • A typical offer for this Games Programming degree could be:

    • BCC at A-Level or,
    • DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or,
    • Pass (C and above) at T Level

    You will be expected to have achieved GCSE Mathematics (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above. The University of Northampton welcomes international applicants and applications from students with a range of non-traditional educational or professional qualifications.

    We welcome applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications.

    Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) Entry Requirements

    Admission to this foundation course is normally:

    • DEE at A Level or,
    • MPP at BTEC or,
    • Pass (D or E) at T Level

    However, we would also like to hear from you if you have professional or industry experience instead, a range of other qualifications or self-developed subject knowledge that relates to the course you wish to study.

    English Language Requirements

    All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

    • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
      for study at undergraduate level

    For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

  • 2024/25 Tuition Fees

    Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • UK – Full Time: £9,250
    • UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
    • UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250
    • International – Full Time: £15,200
    • International – Integrated Foundation Year: £15,200
    Additional Costs

    EGX Rezzed Games convention: £20 (annually)

    2023/24 Tuition Fees

    Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • UK – Full Time: £9,250
    • UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
    • UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250
    • International – Full Time: £14,750
    • International – Integrated Foundation Year: £14,750
    Additional Costs

    EGX Rezzed Games convention: £20 (annually)

     

    For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

    For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

  • At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

    If you join this full time Games Programming degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

    Whatever your ambitions in studying a games programming course, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study in games programming you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

    To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

    *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

  • The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree at the University of Northampton, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

    If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

    Our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

  • How will I learn on the Games Programming degree?

    All of the teaching and learning materials that you will need for this games programming course will be available on NILE, our Virtual Learning Environment. All of the software you will be using on this course is free to download.

    Are there any specialist facilities and features of the games programming course?
    • Strong industry links (Unity3D, UE4, Jagex, CinderUK, Evil27 Games) with internship opportunities
    • Opportunities for entry to national games competitions (“Off the Map”, “Make Something Unreal”, “Dare to be Digital”,  Aarvark Swift – “Search for a Star”)
    • Opportunities for course trips to games companies, and national gaming events (EuroGamer, GamesCity)
    • Dedicated Games Labs and Out of Hours Access Labs
    • Up-to-date games programming/development software (Unity3D, Unreal Engine 4, Microsoft C#, Microsoft C++, Microsoft Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code)
    • Yearly group projects, which allow for real life games development experience

Careers and Employability


This course will give you all the skills and experience you need to find work in the broad field of games programming.

Master’s Opportunities

Our master’s courses are a great way to enhance the skills you have already learnt. Benefit from our 20% alumni discount on master’s fees to give you a CV that will catch the eye of employers.