BSc (Hons) Computer Games Options in Art and Animation, Design, Software Development or Indie Development
BSc (Hons) Computer Games Options in Art and Animation, Design, Software Development or Indie Development GCU s Computer Games programmes aim to produce graduates with the right mix of practical skills and technical knowledge to enter the computer games industry, which currently has a high demand for qualified practitioners. We have excellent studio facilities including HD Video Production Suite, Art Studio, Digital Audio Recording Studio, Game Design Studio featuring 3D Laser Scanning tools, Motion Capture tools and a Rapid Prototyping machine. There is a User Experience lab where games can be tested and evaluated and a Virtual Reality lab containing a full-featured Driving Simulator and other VR equipment such as Oculus Rifts. In Years 1, 2 and 3 students in all Computer Games programmes take part in an Integrated Project, an opportunity for students from the different disciplines to make games together, and you ll also enjoy guest lectures by industry experts. Art and Animation will appeal to students who wish to combine their traditional art skills with the latest creative technology in 3D art, animation and motion graphics. The programme is designed for those who want a career as a games artist. It can also lead to opportunities in pre-visualisation for TV and film or in video SFX. Games Design covers Player Centred Design Principles where the player is the focus of the Game Design Process. This approach covers practices taken from Human Computer Interaction(HCI) where you ll learn various tools and techniques such as conceptulisation and evaluation. You ll also study Game Narrative, Serious Games Design, and Player Psychology and computer arts specialist media design and creation,and game asset integration. Games Software Development concentrates on technical programming requirements, including the mathematics and implementation of physical mechanics. Your studies will include the creation of 2D and 3D graphics, the use of 3D animation in games, the creation of thinking creatures, new product development and professional issues involved in the development of software and the core elements of Game Design. The Design and Software Development programmes are accredited by the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS). Professional Accreditation The Design and Software Development degree programmes are accredited by the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS), and students enjoy the benefit of guest lectures by industry experts.
Computer Games students have the option to complete a one-year, paid work placement. after completion of Year 3 of their degree. For more information visit www.gcu.ac.uk/undergraduate
The Computer Games programmes have excellent studio facilities including HD Video Production Suite, Art Studio, Digital Audio Recording Studio, Game Design Studio featuring 3D Laser Scanning tools, Motion Capture tools and a Rapid Prototyping machine. Computer Games Suite
The Indie Development programme aims to produce graduates with the right mix of practical games design and art skills, business skills and technical knowledge to enter this sector, which currently has a high demand for multi-skilled practitioners. Students will choose a two year pathway with a mix of modules which suit their current skillset and at the same is time targeted to their graduate profile skillset. Students may also be interested in the BSc (Hons) in Applied Psychology with Interactive Entertainment. Graduate opportunities Our graduating students will progress on to exciting and challenging careers in the areas of Games Software Development and Design. Our students will be equipped to be employed in organisations where a knowledge of both technical and user/player research skills are very important. Some of our graduates have moved onto to careers with Electronic Arts, Guerrilla Games, Rockstar, Deep Silver, Wee World and Tag. Placement After successfully completing their Level Three studies, our students have the option to participate in an industrial placement for one year which is recognised on the degree certificate on graduation. International Exchange International exchange opportunities are also available, allowing students to spend a semester abroad through the Erasmus Programme or an overseas summer placement through the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) through the British Council. Game Jam Game Jam is an international game design challenge which takes place within GCU every year. It pitches aspiring programmers and designers against the world s rising stars in the industry in a race to develop the best new title with over a 100 of our students and enthusiasts working round the clock to create and programme new video games from scratch in just one weekend. For more information visit www.gcu.ac.uk/undergraduate
Typical entry requirements UCAS code: Art and Animation - GW4G Design - GWK2 Software Development - W280 Indie Development - T4R2 Mode of study: Full-time, four years BSc Computer Games (Software Development) and BSc Computer Games (Design) Year 1: SQA Higher: ABBB including Maths at B plus Nat 5 English A level: BBC including Maths plus GCSE English ILC Higher: ABBB including Maths and Ordinary Level English IB Diploma: 24 points including Maths Year 2: HNC Computer Games Development including Mathematics with A in Graded Unit Year 3: HND Computer Games Development with A in Graded Units BSc Computer Games (Art and Animation) Year 1: SQA Higher: BBB including Art & Design A level: CCD including Art & Design ILC Higher: BBB including Art IB Diploma: 24 points including Visual Arts Year 2: 15 credit HNC 3D Computer Animation with B in the Graded Unit Year 3: HND 3D Computer Animation with B in the Graded Units All candidates are required to submit a portfolio Programme structure overview Computer Games (Art and Animation) Year 1: Drawing for Design, Introduction to Games Design, Digital Photography, Introduction to Animation, Fundamentals of 3D Modelling, Integrated Project (each year of all programmes) Year 2: Introduction to Games Programming, Computer Games Suite Games Design,3D Modelling & Digital Sculpting, Introduction to 3D Animation, Human Computer Interaction Year 3: User Psychology, Advanced Character Animation, Games Pre-production Workshop, 3D Production for Industry, Research Methods and Professional Issues Year 4: Advanced 3D Visualisation and Animation, Creative Practice, Portfolio, Industrial Project, Honours Project Computer Games (Design) Year 1: Mathematics for Computer Games, Introduction to Games Design, Introduction to Games Programming, Fundamentals of Computing, Fundamentals of 3D Graphics Year 2: Game Programming 1, Game Design 1, 3D Modeling and Digital Sculpting or Drawing for Design, Game Content Design, Human Computer Interaction, Year 3: User Psychology, Serious Games Design, Game Preproduction workshop, Usability Year 4: Affective Design, Game Narrative, Design for Change, Honours Project, Game System Design Computer Games (Software Development) Year 1: As Year 1 Computer Games (Design) Year 2: Games Programming 1, Game Design 1, 3D Maths for Simulation & Visualisation, Working with Computer Games, Human Computer Interaction Year 3: Games Programming 2, Game Artificial Intelligence, Game Engine Creation, Graphics Programming, Research Skills and Professional Issues, Integrated Project 3 Year 4: Mobile Game Development 1, Game Programming 3, Artificial Intelligence, Mobile Game Development 2, Honours Project Computer Games (Indie Development) Please note that this programme is for direct entry students and students should refer to modules used in other programmes within the suite for undergraduate module choice.
The Games students have an opportunity to compete in the Global Game Jam, an international game design challenge which takes place within GCU every year. For more information visit www.gcu.ac.uk/undergraduate
School of Engineering and Built Environment Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 0BA, Scotland, United Kingdom T: +44 (0)141 331 3000 www.gcu.ac.uk/ebe How to apply You can apply to an undergraduate programme at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) via UCAS for more information visit www.gcu.ac.uk/undergraduate/howtoapply; alternatively, contact our undergraduate team on +44 (0)141 331 8630 or email studentenquiries@gcu.ac.uk Scholarships Scholarships may be available for this programme. Visit www.gcu.ac.uk/study/scholarships for details. Fees and funding Visit www.gcu.ac.uk/student/money/undergraduate for details. Whilst the information presented here is correct at the time of publication, prospective applicants should consult www.gcu.ac.uk/study for the most up-to-date information before applying. Full Student Terms and Conditions can be found on the University website at: www.gcu.ac.uk/student/regulations Glasgow Caledonian University is a registered Scottish charity, number SC021474. Designed and printed by Print Design Services, Glasgow Caledonian University Glasgow Caledonian University 2015. 85924_03/15