Computer Games Programming and Design

Southampton, Solent University
Undergraduate BSc (Hons) Full-time 3 Years Computer games and animation

A-Level Entry

See entry requirements

UCAS Points

104 - 120 points

Avg. Graduate Salary

£27,000

About this course

The BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming and Design is a creative Computer Games course with an emphasis on technical expertise (programming) as well as the game design skills required by programmers to write their own video games.

WHO IS THE COURSE FOR?

This course has three main pillars:

  • Programming Skills

  • Game Design Skills

  • Studio Skills

    For the first one, you will be writing code for video game prototypes, demos and digital products using established game engines as well as graphics libraries.

    For the second one, you will also study design skills such as level design, narrative or user experience.

    For the third one, you will experience collaborative learning through our in-house simulated studio environments that replicate the games industry.

    While the Studio Skills learning pillar is critical for either discipline (Programming or Games Design), you are also able through multiple optional modules across the course to tailor your learning experience towards being more "Programming" or "Game Design" focused, giving more depth and customization of the course experience.

    On top of that, further customization may be offered in the ways certain modules are assessed. While they may appear as a "Core" module, some may offer multiple "assessment streams" within the same assessment briefs, allowing you to hit the learning outcomes in multiple ways, depending on your own preferences.

    WHAT DOES THIS COURSE LEAD TO?

    Graduates will be able to seek employment in Computer Games through various pathways, always depending on their tailored course experience, picked modules and assessment preferences.

    For those with more "Programming" focused experience, these are the possible jobs:

  • Gameplay Programmers

  • AI Programmers

  • User Interface Programmers

  • Physics Programmers

  • Graphics Programmers

  • Animation Programmers

  • Network Programmers

  • Engine/Tools Programmers

  • Unity / Unreal Engine Developers

    Some of the programming skills are also transferrable in careers beyond Games Programming:

  • Software Engineers

  • Information Systems Professionals

  • Web Developers

  • Computer Scientists

  • Mobile Developers

  • XR/AR/VR Developers

    While for those with more "Game Design" experience, here are the possible jobs:

  • Level Designers

  • User Experience Designers

  • Games User Researchers (GUR Experts)

  • UI Designers

  • Narrative Designers

  • Game Writers

  • Gameplay Designers

    Regardless of the course experience, students who favor either discipline will enjoy potential future careers:

  • Indie Game Developers

  • Producers

  • Technical Trainers

  • Teaching Professionals / Academics

  • Researchers
  • Entry Requirements

    A-Level Grades See entry requirements
    UCAS Tariff Points 104 - 120 points
    BTEC DMM

    Career Prospects

    Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations:

    2134 Programmers and software development professionals
    2139 Information technology professionals
    2141 Web design professionals
    2136 IT quality and testing professionals
    3132 IT user support technicians
    2137 IT network professionals

    Course Details

    Qualification
    Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
    Study Mode
    Full-time
    Duration
    3 Years
    Start Date
    2025
    Academic Year
    2025
    Campus / Location
    Southampton
    Scheme
    Undergraduate
    Subjects
    Computer games and animation
    Avg. Graduate Salary
    £27,000