Computer Science with Games Technology

Certificate of Higher Education

Diploma of Higher Education

Bachelor of Science (Ordinary)

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Certificate of Higher Education, Diploma of Higher Education, Bachelor of Science (Ordinary), Bachelor of Science (Honours)

USGTEC

Students will take the following 2 core modules.

Core

Compulsory

This Programme Stage consists of 5 compulsory modules, worth 15 credits each, and 2 core modules, worth a total of 45 credits 

Stage 1

Students will take the following  2 core modules.

Students will take the following 6 compulsory modules.

This Programme Stage consists of 6 compulsory modules, each worth 15 credits, and 2 core modules, including a project module, which are worth 15 credits each. 

Stage 2

Students will take following core project module.

Students will take the following compulsory module.

Students will take 4 elective modules.

Only one option of IN3200 and IN3062 can be selected. These modules have the same learning objectives, with different assessments (see module specifications). These modules are available in different terms for convenience to provide flexibility in elective selection.

Elective

This part consists of 1 compulsory and 4 elective taught modules worth 15 credits each plus 1 core project module worth 45 credits. Elective choice may be constrained by timetabling requirements. The full range of electives may not be available in all years

Stage 3

Computer Science with Games Technology (with Integrated Foundation Year)

Computer Science with Games Technology with Placement

Computer Science with Games Technology (Professional Pathway)

Programme Structure

The BSc (Hons) in Computer Science with Games Technology will prepare you for a successful career in technical areas of the computing profession, specialising in computer games technology. You will develop expertise in programming and the design and build of a broad range of computer systems; core skills that are sought after throughout the computing industry &amp; games development businesses. 
The programme establishes the theoretical underpinning of computer science and builds practical skills such as programming and software engineering as a foundation to enable you to progress onto advanced topics with a focus on practical application for games development and wider computing roles whilst maintaining a strong theoretical underpinning.  A 450 hour individual project will allow you to carry out an extended piece of work under the supervision of one of our specialist academic and research staff, applying your skills in games technology The programme will also provide you with the professional skills essential for developing your career in todays computing industry. 
The BSc (Hons) in Computer Science with Games Technology is a full-time three-year Undergraduate Programme, with the option of a one-year industrial placement and a place on our Professional Pathway Scheme. The programme consists of three Programme Stages, each corresponding to an academic year. The programme shares Programme Stage 1 with the BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Games Technology, the BSc (Hons) and MSci (Hons) in Computer Science, the MSci (Hons) in Computer Science with Cyber Security and you can transfer to/from these programmes at the end of Programme Stage 1.  The programme also shares Programme Stage 2 with MSci (Hons) Computer Science with Games Technology and it is possible to transfer to this programme at the end of Programme Stage 2.  Additionally, it is possible to transfer from this programme to the BSc (Hons) or MSci (Hons) Computer Science programmes and to the MSci (Hons) Computer Science with Cyber Security at the end of Programme Stage 2.  These transfers allow you to choose your final degree programme based on at least a year’s experience of university study. 
Each of the three Programme Stages of the programme consists of 120 credits: 
<ul><li>Programme Stage 1 consists of compulsory foundational material, including programming and databases. </li></ul>
<ul><li>Programme Stage 2 consists of further compulsory core computer science subject matter, specialist games technology and includes a 15-credit team project. </li></ul>
<ul><li>You may elect to take an industrial placement between Programme Stage 2 and Programme Stage 3. </li></ul>
<ul><li>Programme Stage 3 consists of one core module and four elective modules allowing you to develop specialisms in computer games technology, and a large, 45-credit, individual project supervised by a member of academic staff. </li></ul>

Accrediting Body: British Computer Society 
Nature of Accreditation 
Partial CEng accreditation 
Certificate
Diploma 
Professional Graduate Diploma 
PGD Project (on condition that students pass at the first attempt a practical problem-solving project) 

Develop games software using appropriate programming languages and concepts 

Skills

Discuss scientific and engineering practice and theory in computing and extend your knowledge through self-led study 

Knowledge

Use appropriate theories, practices and tools for the specification, design, implementation and evaluation of computer-based systems 

Synthesise information from disparate sources to compose systems and documents 

To work as a member of a development team recognising the different roles within a team  

Apply controlled compromise in meeting requirements 

Analyse, develop and select algorithms for computational tasks 

Explain security issues in relation to the design and use of computer systems 

Understand, evaluate, synthesise and apply complex ideas 

Discuss management issues concerning the planning, design and delivery of computer-based systems 

Explain techniques used in games development 

Analyse and solve problems based on theoretical considerations 

Demonstrate advanced, specialist theoretical and practical knowledge in a range of computer science sub-fields  

Apply knowledge of computer games technology to manage and execute a practical applications of computer games technology  

Apply techniques and tools for modelling and managing information  

Design and execute methodologically sound scientific and engineering studies 

Explain the concepts of computer programming and critically evaluate and predict their utility in models, tools and applications  

Assess the nature of intellectual property and its ownership, and respect it accordingly 

Values and attitudes

Use and explain the core concepts and theories of computer science and computer applications 

Identify and model requirements for specialised computing systems and propose and evaluate solutions to fulfil them 

Design and construct computer systems from given specifications  

Plan and manage a large scale problem solving computing project 

Explain the legal, social, ethical and professional issues involved in the exploitation of computer technology with respect to good professional practice 

Analyse and abstract problems and propose and apply effective solutions  

Explain the issues of professionalism in computing including the need for continuing professional development 

Communicate requirements and proposals for computer systems to other computing professionals 

Identify the risks and beneficiaries involved in a practical computing project 

Apply concepts in software design to games development 

Demonstrate knowledge of systems architecture 

Demonstrate knowledge of a range of aspects of computer games technology  

Develop and critically evaluate specifications for specialist computer systems 

USGTEC - Computer Science with Games Technology

The programme is delivered and assessed via a coordinated combination of: lectures (including programmed student activity); supervised tutorials; supervised laboratory work; independent coursework; group project work; and individual project work and dissertation. 
The teaching and assessment methods used are largely constant throughout the programme, though the level of each module determines the level at which assessment is carried out; i.e. it is the nature of the problems encountered and the solutions required that determine the level of the modules, not the activities performed. The intention is to require greater levels of analysis, autonomy, etc. as the student progresses through the programme. This is reflected in the programme structure: fundamental concepts and skills are addressed first, followed by core knowledge that builds on this, which in turn prepares students for advanced electives and a large individual project in the final Programme Stage. 
The majority of the taught modules are each delivered through a series of 20 lectures and 10 hours of tutorials/laboratory sessions. Each lecture and tutorial/laboratory session lasts 1 or 2 hours. 
Project work plays an important part in computing undergraduate programmes. The Team Project provides students with experience of the issues involved in software development projects as well as enhancing team-working and related transferrable skills. 
In the Individual Project students are expected to carry an independent investigation of a significant computing problem allowing them to apply what they learnt through the programme. This activity is carried out under the supervision of academic staff, offered through a series of supervision sessions. 
Lectures are normally used to: (a) present and explain the theoretical concepts underpinning a particular subject; (b) highlight the most significant aspects of a module's syllabus; and (c) indicate additional topics and resources for private study. Tutorials are used to help students to develop skills in applying the concepts covered in the lectures of the relevant module normally in practical problem solving contexts. 
Laboratory sessions serve a similar purpose as the tutorials but their strategy will be to demonstrate application of concepts and techniques through the use of software development tools and environments. 
Project supervision sessions will be used to indicate theories, methods, techniques and concepts which are relevant to the issues being investigated by the particular project as well as ways of applying these instruments in specific problem solving contexts. 
Increasing use is being made of e-learning tools to supplement face to face delivery especially for the Professional Pathway cohort. 
Finally, placements and the workplace learning opportunities they provide are available to all students. A professional placement and career development module supported by visits from a Work-based Learning Advisor, ensures that students are able to identify learning opportunities that will enable them to attain and demonstrate competence in a work role; these opportunities arise naturally from workplace tasks, others are provided by negotiation focussed on the students career and development plan.

Curriculum Catalogue

Computer Science with Games Technology - BSc (Hons)

USGTEC