Overview
This course covers the production of working digital games in both teams and individually. From the first year students are introduced to the whole production pipeline from initial concept, design documentation, pitching, prototyping, developing, play-testing through to completed working games.
Students gain skills in the production of both 2D and 3D working games. Often the design briefs for these games are supplied by industrial partners who work with students on the degree. Students gain production knowledge by working in a range of 2D and 3D game engines and industry standard software. Students develop a professional portfolio of work across the entire academic degree.
A special feature of the degree is the close links with commercial game developers. for example this academic year 2010-11 our students will be working with Sony Cambridge, Moviestorm, Virtual Learning Labs, Playtech and Real Projects. These companies provide students with direct contact with game developers through guest lectures, workshops and project briefs.
This year final year students have the opportunity for an internship at Moviestorm.
Students undertake various forms of assessment including coursework projects, essays, seminars, presentations, portfolios, 3D models and practical game projects; production of complete Non digital and digital games.
Students can apply for work as games designers and seek work within the games industry generally. Students can also become involved in film and TV production or develop careers in design. Alternatively students can progress to postgraduate level study at UCS.
Content and Modules
First year students are immersed from day one in the game production
pipeline. Students receive a grounding in the key principles and tools of game mechanics, along with the dynamics and aesthetics of games as understood in their wider cultural context. In the second year students continue to deepen their understanding of these processes, along with learning about the key management tools for games production. Final year students engage in larger scale individual and group projects, bringing to fruition a significant body of work to showcase to prospective employers. After completing this degree, students can apply for work as games designers and seek work within the wider games industry.
First year modules include:
Group Project
Introduction to Design Methods
Introduction to 3D Modelling
Digital Production Techniques : Scripting
Introduction to Critical Games Studies
Second year modules include:
Modding
Practical Prototyping
Managing Games Production
3D Modelling for Games
Flash Game Development
Anymation
Third year modules include:
Dissertation
Group Project
Portfolio
Design Masterclass
Machinima
Further Information
Internships and work placements
Students of Computer Games Design receive live briefs from industry partners
who work with us on the degree. Sony Cambridge, Moviestorm, Playtech and
Virtual Learning Labs have all collaborated directly with our students. In addition,
competitive internships have been offered to our students by both Moviestorm
and Sliding Pixel. Industry specialists also deliver guest lectures on a range of
topics. Mike Bambury from Sony London, Paul Wilkes from Escape Studios and
Chiptune artist Matt Applegate have all made contributions to our course.
Assessment
Students undertake various forms of assessment including coursework projects, essays, seminars, presentations, portfolios, 3D models and practical game projects; production of complete Non digital and digital games.
After the course
Students can apply for work as games designers and seek work within the games industry generally. Students can also become involved in film and TV production or develop careers in design. Alternatively students can progress to postgraduate level study at UCS.
Student Testimonials
"The Computer Games Design course at UCS has helped me develop a wide range of abilities that would assist me within the industry as well as giving me a chance to meet people within the games industry to develop contacts. It's an intense course of dedication, but pays off well with the skills you learn, contacts you meet and the friends you make that will stick with you forever. I highly recommend this course for anyone with an interest of making video games for a career." Elliot Baker
"My name is Tom white I am 52 and I am studying at UCS for a degree in computer game design. I am a mature student with no formal education or qualifications and I am dyslexic. I had my doubts about being able to complete a degree course, especially in a subject as complicated as computer game design but I have just completed my first year and I have found the whole process very enjoyable. Any worries I had like acceptance by my peers because of my age or being able to complete modules because of my dyslexia, have been fully put to rest. The whole course has a feeling of nurture about it. Some of the tutors are currently working or have worked in the industry which offers a great insight into what is necessary for a successful career and from contacts acquired on the course I am already making assets for a commercial game. Another aspect of the course is working with and alongside the other students you get to see their strengths and weaknesses, hence I am confident that by the time the course is over I will be part of a team producing successful games." Tom White