University of Sunderland

Games Software Development

* Exceptions may apply.  Please see Fees and Finance for further information.

Introduction

Did you know two of the previous US top five computer games were developed in the North East, and that many of the companies working in the North East are household names such as Atomic Planet, Brat Designs, Caspian Learning, Eutechnyx, Onisoft, Pitbull Agency, and Venom Games. Games Studio CCP (of Eve Online Fame) have also recently chosen the North East for the base of a new multi-million pound investment.

However, the computer games industry extends far beyond the highly complex titles available on consoles such as Xbox and PlayStation. Computer games are now used for entertainment, education, training and to attract commercial clients via websites and CD-ROMs.

To be employable in this diverse industry (which employes more than 400 people in the North East in 13 companies) students need a wide range of skills in addition to computer programming - skills such as content editing, 2 and 3-D modelling, animation and project management.

This new and innovative programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to play a leading role in several games related industries by giving you the opportunity to use high quality computer development software, multimedia and graphics facilities and industry standard software including Microsoft and Adobe packages.

Access to online support materials will allow you to use your free time flexibility, either working on your own equipment or in our well-equipped computer and media laboratories.

You will be taught by industry accredited staff, who outside term time run short courses for the computing, engineering and media industries. You will also have access to the expertise of consultants to the media industry through on site organisation's such as CODEWORKS GameHorizon, and the University's own Software City Hatchery Service (to support enterprise and start-up companies should your ideas develop into something tangible). 

We will also provide you with important generic skills required by employers in all industries such as research, skills, technical writing, team working plus leadership and project management skills.

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Course Content

Level 1

Core Modules:

Games Technology

Fundamentals of Computing

• Software Development and Theory:    Software Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, Formal Methods
• Programming: Microsoft C#. NET and Java programming for Robots
• Web Applications: Markup Languages (HTML, XHTML, CSS), Adobe Dreamweaver CS4, Adobe Flash CS4, and Actionscript, Adobe Photoshop, Javascript, Web APIs (e.g. Google Maps, Yahoo APIs)
• Database Systems: Database Design, Relational databases and SQL, Database integrity & security, PHP & MySQL
• Computer Systems: Operating Systems, Networks and Computer Architectures
• Mini Project: Pick a project in the area computing you know best and showcase your talents in the final term

Level 2

Core Modules:

• Games Development
• Software Engineering Enterprise and Innovation Project

Optional Modules:

• Multi-Media Development
• Software Development

Level 3

Core Modules:

• 3-D Games Programming
• Advanced 3-D Modelling
• Computing Project

Optional Modules:

• Concurrent and Distributed Systems
• Artificial Intelligence
• User Experience Design
• Applied Multi-Media
• Project Management
• Software Enterprise

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Entry Requirements

Applicants to computing programmes are not required to have previous experience with computers, but it may help you to decide how you will enjoy the course.

A typical offer will be in the region of 260 points from a minimum of 2 A levels/AVCE or equivalent (e.g. 1 x AVCE double award).

Please note we do not accept AS/A Level General Studies.

Level 3 Key Skills qualifications are accepted.
We also require three passes at GCSE grade C or above which must include Mathematics and English Language or a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number.

Scottish Highers - Our typical offer is in the region of 260 points.

Irish Leaving Certificate: Our typical offer is in the region of 260 points.

Access Qualifications/Direct Entry to Level 2 - Please contact the Helpline on 0191 515 3000

International Applicants - Please contact The International Office on +44 (0) 191 515 3000.

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Fees and Finance

The fees for this course are as specified in the table at the top of the page.

Please note that different fees apply to students studying for "Equivalent or Lower Qualifications" (ELQs). For more information about ELQs, please see the page Information for applicants who already have an HE Qualification.

For information about University scholarships and bursaries please see the page Fees and Finance.

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Teaching and Assessment

Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, seminars and laboratory sessions.

Assessment is principally by coursework and examinations, although other techniques, including presentations and peer-assessed group work, are also used.

While at university you will be assigned a personal tutor who will get to know you, not just as a student but as a person.

Your tutor will make regular contact with you and offer personal support and academic advice throughout your stay.

You can also obtain excellent support and advice from the University Student and Academic Services Office.

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Career Opportunities

Graduates will be in an ideal position to gain employment as technical games programmer, developer, multimedia programmer, developers, designers and production assistants, Internet entertainment and educational programmer, designers and developers, plus they will also have access to information and support on setting up their own businesses in the area (through Software City Hatchery). In addition, the strong software development nature of this programme provides the opportunity to work in more traditional software companies as web developers, systems developers and so on.

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Facilities

World Class Web/Design Tools

The University of Sunderland has made a significant investment in providing students with access to the latest releases of Adobe products and Microsoft development environments.

Selected PCs within the St Peter's and Murray Libraries have been pre-loaded with the Creative Suite 4 (CS4) Adobe Design Premium Suite for your exclusive use.

CS4 Creative includes key products such as Indesign, Illustrator, Dreamweaver as well as Photoshop and a range of many others.

Further information is available from:

http://www.adobe.com/uk/products/creativesuite/design/

For information regarding locations of PCs or Macs within your own faculty that have access to Adobe products please contact your Faculty IT Support.

Microsoft Visual Studio, Direct X and XNA are intimately embedded within the course curriculum and through the MSDN Academy Alliance, many Microsoft products are provided free of charge to students.

If you are interested in purchasing Adobe products for your own PC/Mac Adobe offer significant savings for student purchases via any of its approved re-sellers.

Please visit:

http://www.student-software.co.uk/

All students are provided with Internet and e-mail facilities, as well as access to the computing equipment in the award-winning purpose-built David Goldman Informatics Centre at The Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's.

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