Developed in consultation with the games industry, our computer games technology degree focuses heavily on programming and combines in-depth academic knowledge with the practical skills that employers are looking for in computer scientists , games developers and games designers.
We work closely with companies such as Microsoft, Sony and Kwalee, as well as with our fast-growing, local independent game studios which are within a few minutes walk from our City Centre Campus.
What's covered in the course?
On this course, you’ll have the opportunity to study an enviable range of disciplines that include the production of both entertainment and educational ‘serious games’.
We have worked closely with the games industry to develop a comprehensive course that covers the essential subject areas for anyone wanting to work in the sector: computer programming, ‘coding’ and basic programming, as well as the concepts behind game engine development, working with game consoles and associated hardware.
As part of your studies, you will have the opportunity to work with both 2D and 3D game worlds, to learn how to programme game engines, work with augmented and virtual reality and study mobile technologies, graphics programming and artificial intelligence.
Associated with the curriculum is the opportunity for students from all years to participate in internationally recognised game development competitions, for example Global Game Jam and the Microsoft Imagine Cup, which is one of the world’s premier technology competitions. This gives you the chance to showcase your technical and creative skills to a wider audience. Our students have twice gone on to represent the university at the national finals of the Microsoft Imagine Cup, an extremely prestigious contest that sees an incredibly high quality of entries.
The course also prepares you for life in the real world, so you’ll learn how to work effectively as a team player, and develop skills in evaluating and communicating information effectively both verbally and in a written form. Several modules use a work-based learning approach to equip you with the skills needed to work as part of game development teams.
As part of the real-world preparation, you will also have the chance take part in a year-long work placement in the games and associated industries and we have a dedicated placement office who can help you find a suitable post. Having industry experience can really help to boost your CV.
Throughout your course, you’ll receive the support of expert teaching staff, all of who are authorities in their industry, having worked in computer science and software development. We have internationally recognised research and practice based interests which include applying computer games technology to healthcare, engineering and the built environment.
I enjoy spending time with my new found colleagues during and after class. I find working as a team to be a great and enjoyable experience thanks to them. Radu Dumitriu
Why Choose Us?
- We are home to both a Cisco and Microsoft Academy –one of Microsoft’s top UK university-based academies – and we are a member of the Microsoft Developer Network Academic Alliance. We are also part of Sony’s PlayStation First academic programme.
- We have strong links with Birmingham’s independent games industry, which has enabled us to organise many internship and graduate opportunities for our students. We are actively involved with many of their professional ‘LAUNCH’ game events, as well as working with several companies to promote and educate the next generation of game developers.
- The School is based at Millennium Point, part of the state-of-the-art City Centre campus, which has outstanding resources and facilities, including a dedicated games studio with specialist game development software.
- The course involves project-based learning, which enables you to work in teams while developing games and solving technical problems – as you would in the workplace.
- You have the opportunity to work with programmers, artists and sound engineers to reflect professional practice.
Entry Requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
UK students
| Essential | ||
|---|---|---|
At the point of application, you must have GCSE at Grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics. Equivalent qualifications will be accepted. | ||
280 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level with a minimum of 2 A Levels | ||
| Typical Offers | ||
| UK Qualification | Requirements 2016/17 | |
| GCE A Level/ AS Level | BBC at A Level or 280 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level with a minimum of 2 A Levels, at least one from a Science, Technology, Mathematics or Computing subject. | |
| Access to Higher Education Diploma | Pass overall with 60 credits, 45 at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2, including with a minimum of 12 credits achieved from any Technology units awarded at Merit or Distinction | |
| BTEC National Diploma (12-units not including early years) | D*D* or combined with other level 3 qualifications to achieve a minimum total of 280 UCAS points | |
| BTEC Extended Diploma (18-units not including early years) | DMM - 280 UCAS points | |
| BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/ National Award (6-units not including early years) | Combined with other level 3 qualifications to achieve a minimum total of 280 UCAS points | |
| BTEC Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art and Design | Distinction | |
| International Baccalaureate Diploma | 30 points overall | |
| Irish Leaving Certificate | 280 UCAS points - Higher Levels | |
| Scottish Higher/ Advanced Higher | 280 UCAS points | |
| Welsh Baccalaureate (core plus options) | 120 tariff points combined with other level 3 qualifications to achieve a minimum total of 280 UCAS points | |
| Other qualifications | ||
| If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. | ||
EU/International students
| Essential | ||
|---|---|---|
| EU/Non-EU (International) Qualifications | Requirements 2015/16 | |
| IELTS | 6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands | |
| International Baccalaureate Diploma (or equivalent, including internationally accredited Foundation courses). | 30 points overall Country-specific entry requirements and qualifications. | |
International students who cannot meet the direct entry requirements can begin their degree studies at Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC).
Additional Requirements
As part of the application process you will be invited to attend an applicant visit day where you will undertake a short one-to-one interview with an academic member of staff. This is your chance to show us how passionate you are about the subject and it will help us make a decision on your application.
This will provide you with more information about the Faculty and your course. In addition, it will give you a chance to meet and our staff and students to gain a better understanding of what it is like to be a student here.
We think it’s important that you are assessed in a number of different ways during your Computer Games Technology BSc (Hons) studies. These will include continuous assessment, in-class tests, examinations, laboratory exercises and project work.
The bulk of your assessments – 70 per cent – will be via coursework, with 30 per cent being assessed by formal examination.
You will also benefit from industry-led events, on areas such as quality assurance and play-testing, and guest speakers throughout your studies, which give you an additional and valuable dimension to your learning.
This course focuses on computer programming, a skill that is in high demand in the computer games industry.You will start by studying the C# programming language in the first year and move on to C++, the industry standard language, in the second and third years.
You will learn to make games from first principles through to the underlying technologies used in game engine design and you’ll also acquire a range of other computer science skills,as well asmaths and physics-based skills,which are applicable to other areas of IT.
Course breakdown
The course comprises five main themes:
Business
This theme aims to give you an understanding of market-led innovation planning and management. It also develops your team working skills.
Toolbox
This focuses on the analytical skills you will need for a career in computer game development.
Computer Technologies
You focus on computer hardware and software, as well as the distribution of data through computer networks with applications to mobile computing. There are further elements associated with operating systems and programming.
Game Development
As part of this theme, you examine game design concepts, and the processes involved in developing and implementing games that are widely used in industry standard game engines.
Game Programming
This offers an introduction to games programming, together with an understanding of performance and optimisation issues with respect to graphics and audio.
Enhancing your employability
Your studies will arm you with the practical and academic skills that will help you to stand out when you look for your first professional role.
These events offer the ideal platform for showcasing your programming ideas and also give you the opportunity to pick up practical and academic knowledge, and to meet with top employers.
We pride ourselves on our strong links with companies such as Sony, Microsoft Studios, Samsung, Intel and IBM, all of whom you have the chance to work with from early on in your degree studies.
You might even have the opportunity to make incredible contributions to industry while you are still studying, like Jake O’Connor, a second year student who had the opportunity to work with Birmingham City Hospital and developed an innovative virtual reality simulation for teaching doctors to perform eye examinations.
Placements
We aim to have you employer-ready by the time you graduate and as part of your Computer Game Technology course, you have the option of undertaking an industrial placement with either a small, independent studio or large commercial team.
You will do your placement after the second year of study, which will extend the duration of your course to four years.
Thanks to our excellent partnerships and working relationships with some of the UK’s leading companies, you have the chance of a work placement with innovative organisations such as Jagex, Sumo Digital, Microsoft Studios, , Rebellion, Kwalee, Sega Hardlight, and Mixed Reality Studios, as well as local independent game studios at Innovation Birmingham Campus, for example Team Football, Sync Interactive, Dojit and Soshi Games.
Placements such as these will give you the workplace experience that many employers look for and will also provide an invaluable opportunity to develop your practical expertise, earn money and try out a potential career path. It will also boost your CV.
The Faculty's placements team will give you every support throughout the placement process.
Learn more about some of the prestigious organisations that our students are placed with:
Full details can be found on the School placements page.
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campusensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles
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