BSc in Computer Game Development. Modular programme, minimum one year part-time. Development. Division; Pass

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1 REPORT ON PROGRAMME VALIDATION Draft Q 3 report Part 1 Programme details Proposed title Nature and duration of programme DIT awards sought Classifications of awards BSc in Computer Game Development Modular programme, minimum one year part-time Bachelor of Science in Computer Game Development Distinction; Merit Upper Division; Merit Lower Division; Pass Professional/external accrediting body N/A Background Forfás has identified that the mobile, web and online games market is the fastest growing game sector and one which promises the most opportunity for development and growth with a low barrier of entry suiting small development teams who can produce games at low cost. While the context of the programme is geared towards game development and the needs identified in the Forfás report on the games industry, many of the modules are also relevant to other ICT areas, including many of the areas identified in the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs. This programme addresses the goal of significant shortage of major awards at NFQ levels 7 while providing a pathway for students to convert into computing and software development programmes at level 8. Forfas also states that while the Irish game industry develops primarily for ios, Android and online it has also been linked with other activities such as consumer internet, film and multimedia. With an expected mix of interdisciplinary backgrounds in the class a variety of possible entry points to employment exist and so supports the national action plan for skills conversion. The target market for this Bachelor of Science in Computer Game Development is students who wish to pursue a career in game development or gain a qualification in ICT to expand their career or educational opportunities in IT or in further education. This programme builds on an existing CPD Diploma programme. Stated aims and learning outcomes of the programme The Bachelor of Science in Computer Game Development aims to provide an opportunity for students to acquire computing knowledge and skills needed to form a foundation for a career in game development. In particular, the programme will encourage students to consider innovating in the independent mobile game development industry.

2 Programme learning outcomes Knowledge On successful completion of the programme, the graduate will: have a thorough understanding of the context and range of digital games technologies, and their relevance in the game industry; have a detailed knowledge of ludology, game design theory and the game design processes; have an understanding of the techniques, issues and decisions involved in designing developing and testing game prototypes; have an understanding of the processes involved in the commercialisation of digital games including coming up with innovative gaming concepts, securing start-up funding, preparing a portfolio, entering competitions and the use of disruptive distribution models such as the iphone App store, Steam or the Web. Know-How and Skill On successful completion of the programme, the graduate will be able to: comprehend and articulate the range of gaming technologies and techniques available to create digital game content; create and/or justify game designs to satisfy given requirements, sensitive to core issues, deliverables, techniques and rules; develop digital games using object orientated approaches, tools, software and methodologies; distribute and promote their games through the channels such as the iphone App store, Steam or the web; prepare a portfolio of work to show potential employers; transfer the software development skills they learn on the course to a variety of problem domains in computing and information technology. Competence On successful completion of the programme, a graduate will be able to: engage in the successful specification and completion of game design prototype in technical and, design roles; discuss how games are used in a variety of different serious applications to entertain, educate, train and simulate; work effectively as an individual and as a member of a team; take significant responsibility for the work of individuals and groups; take partial responsibility for leading and initiating game design activities; demonstrate an awareness of the resources available to keep up to date with new developments in the games industry; demonstrate the ability to comprehend multiple perspectives; demonstrate an awareness of the resources available to keep up to date with new developments in the field; take responsibility for their own learning. 2

3 Programme structure The programme is an advanced entry programme of 60 ECTS credits. The programme is modular and therefore flexible in nature. The minimum duration for a student enrolled in the programme to be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Science in Computer Game Development is one year. Entry Requirements Applications will be sought from those who possess a certificate, Higher Certificate or Level 6 equivalent in computing, information technology, animation, design, mmedia or engineering with some computing components. Non standard applicants from other disciplines or with substantial relevant work experience will be assessed through the School s Recognition of Prior Learning processes. Student assessment In accordance with DIT s General Assessment Regulations, except for the derogation outlined below. Derogations from the General Assessment Regulations No compensation is normally allowed between modules. The rationale given is that, as the programme is a one-year conversion programme, students must prove themselves proficient in all modules in order to meet the programme learning outcomes and be eligible for the award. The Panel supports this derogation. It also makes a recommendation, in Part 4 below, that the word normally should be removed from the statement. Part 2 Validation details and membership of panel Date of Validation Event Thursday 21 st June hrs Introductory meeting between Panel, the Director of the College of Arts and Tourism, Head of School of Media and Programme Chair hrs Private meeting of Panel to discuss agenda hrs Meeting of Panel with Chairperson and appropriate members of the Programme Committee to discuss specific issues raised by the Panel and the module descriptors hrs Panel visits facilities available to the programme at DIT Aungier Street hrs Lunch hrs Private meeting of Panel to consider draft report hrs Final meeting of Panel with Head of School and Programme Chair. 3

4 Panel membership Internal members Dr Chris Hills (Chair) Dr Niamh Ann Kelly Dr Barry Duignan Head of School of Mathematical Sciences, DIT Kevin Street School of Art, Design and Printing, DIT Mountjoy Square School of Civil and Building Services Engineering, DIT Bolton Street External Members Brendan Fields Damien Costello Development Engineer, Demonware Department of Computing, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology Officer Jan Cairns Quality Assurance Officer Part 3 Comments on documentation and arrangements for event Documentation provided The documentation provided for the Validation Panel included Part A Background Information, Part B the Programme Document. Extracts from the Handbook for Academic Quality Enhancement in relation to programme validation were also circulated to Panel members. Part 4 Findings of the Panel Findings and Recommendations of Panel in relation to awards sought The Panel is pleased to recommend to Academic Council approval of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Game Development, at Level & within the National Framework of Qualifications, with one condition and several recommendations. The Panel considers that this programme is a natural and worthy successor to the successful CPD Diploma programme which this programme builds on, and it welcomes this development. It also encourages the School in its intentions to develop a level 8 add-on to this programme. The Panel would particularly like to thank the Programme Chair Hugh McAtamney for his work in the development of the programme and his input into the validation event. Condition In relation to those existing approved modules included within the programme, the Panel considers that these modules should be presented as new module descriptors, to allow for the different learning outcomes and assessments appropriate to this programme. References to co-requisites and other stages/modules should be 4

5 removed as appropriate. However, the Panel notes and supports the intention to codeliver these modules with other student cohorts. The Panel also makes the following recommendations: 1. In the admissions section of the Programme Document, reference to the interview should be removed and exemptions removed from the role of the admissions committee. The statement on exemptions should be clarified to state that exemptions will not be considered, apart from in exceptional circumstances. 2. The Panel recommends that the Programme Team should develop clear criteria and scoring in the selection process for entry to the programme. 3. The Programme Document should refer to total contact hours for modules rather than weekly hours, as this will allow for flexibility in module delivery. The newly approved module template will help in this regard. It should be ensured that the table of contact hours is consistent with the module descriptors and the delivery of the modules. 4. The table within the Programme Document on assessment should include the type of coursework and forms of assessment that will be used each module. A more detailed schedule and weighting of assessments should be provided in the Student Handbook. 5. Module reading lists should be updated. Database references should be added to appropriate module recommended reading lists. 6. The Revision Tool for Source Code should be explicitly mentioned within the Team Game Development Project module descriptor and should be introduced at an early juncture within the code-based modules. 7. Students should be made aware in the Game Production module of online environment/network separation when producing a game. 8. The Programme Document should be revised to refer to the possibility of block delivery of modules and to refer to the possibility of any slight imbalance of ECTS across semesters. 9. Students should be made aware where they may receive advice in relation to copyright issues that may arise. 10. The Programme Document should include an explicit statement in relation to the award, award classification and pass mark. 11. The Panel would encourage, as part of the further development of programme, greater integration of peer assessment within group project assessments. 12. The word normally should be removed from the compensation derogation statement. 13. The Programme Document should include possible progression routes for students having completed the programme, whether in the workplace or via further study and a possible new level 8 programme. 5

6 14. The Programme Document, in particular the module descriptors, should be consistently presented. 6