Overview
The video games market will more than double to become a $300bn-plus industry by 2025, according to GlobalData, constantly challenging the capabilities of consumer-grade hardware and charting the evolution of that hardware.
All of this is made possible by talented programmers with a passion for the games they create. The professionally accredited BSc (Hons) in Games Technology at Coventry University has been designed to equip people, who can bring that enthusiasm to their studies, with the tools to succeed in a fast-paced and ever-changing industry, upon successful completion of this course.
This degree is designed to be a highly focused programming course aimed at producing specialised software developers for the games industry world-wide. The technology, practices and challenges involved in game development are continually evolving, therefore the courses content reacts dynamically to reflect the complexities of this modern and increasingly interconnected sector. Course content is complemented by diverse teaching and learning methods that aim to equip you with the academic, professional and intercultural skillset required to succeed in this industry going forward.
Upon successful completion of this course, you should gain skills in technical games production, critical analysis, application of theories and concepts to real-world scenarios, localisation and digital literacy. The course is primarily focused on the technical elements of game engineering such as simulation programming and high performance software engineering. In addition, you will be expected to study supplementary subject areas such as games design, usability and asset generation, which aims to deepen your understanding of the industry as a whole.
The course aims to empower you with the fundamental capabilities needed to pursue independent game development, as well as giving you the opportunity to gain professional tools and wider contextual understanding of game engineering upon successful completion, to succeed in larger studios. The current course team recognises the ever-changing nature of games technology, including the emergence of new and disruptive technologies, policy design processes and the impact of ethical debate upon the sector. As a result, the Games Technology BSc (Hons) course strongly relies on research-led teaching, industrial engagement and international perspectives which aims to teach you how to analyse these topics in contemporary and relevant settings.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
To ensure an optimised and continual student experience, the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedTeaching Excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their fieldCourse essentials
A degree which offers you more, at no extra costAccreditation and Professional Recognition
This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:
Following changes which have been made to improve this course, Coventry University has applied for BCS re-accreditation in November 2019 for entrants from 2021/22 onwards. If any changes occur with respect to our accreditation related to this course, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.
Our Facilities
Games Technology Laboratory
High-end gaming PCs with the capacity to run industry standard games engines and programming environments. It also supports Virtual Reality (VR) game development.
Mac Laboratory
Our Mac laboratory is complete with Apple Mac desktops and a recording studio with green screen. There is also an equipment booking system allowing you to borrow a range of cameras and multimedia production equipment.
Sigma Centre
An award-winning Mathematics Support Centre which provides a wide range of learning resources in mathematics and statistics. Students can make use of drop-in sessions or one-to-one appointments.
What our alumni say
Choosing Games Technology was the best decision in my life so far. I have met so many good people, from staff to other students. If it weren't for teachers and assistants that provided me necessary knowledge and true-hearted support this year would not be as great as it were. I was thrilled with how many opportunities there is after I get my degree, but I am so grateful and excited for the next year.
Course information
The successful completion of this degree will enable you to program and develop the latest games and interactive applications, understand games hardware and programming techniques, as well as develop entertaining games content.
It is designed to produce graduates with a high level of knowledge in computer science, sharing modules across our suite of computing courses, as well as specialist modules at each level in: content creation, concept development, physics and graphics programming; 3D Modelling and animation; games and artificial intelligence (AI); advanced graphics programming; and advanced games programming.
The course recognises ongoing changes in global and national organisational contexts, such as the emergence of new technologies, policy design processes and the impact of ethical debate. We rely on research-led teaching, industry engagement and international perspectives, seeking to enable you to analyse these topics in contemporary and relevant settings. For example, many of the current staff research and publish in international journals on the subject of games.
The course covers the essentials of games technology, such as state-of-the-art techniques in computer graphics for real-time rendering of game environments, physics programming for realistic game interaction, artificial intelligence for creating compelling game opponents, networking essentials for game operability, user-centred design techniques, playability and games concept development, as well as the latest developments in the games and creative industries.
Course Specification
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Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
We are ranked as the 15th best University in the United Kingdom in The Guardian University Guide 2020.
In more detail...
Coventry has an established practical approach to the teaching of computing, including Games Technology, through Activity-Led Learning (ALL).
In response to feedback from industry that there is a shortage of games programmers, this highly-focused course looks at the underlying technologies that drive modern day games production. We also provide opportunities for you to gain a broader understanding of the games development lifecycle, by allowing you to supplement your knowledge in the complementary areas, including the graphical and artistic side of the games development process, such as games design, 3D modelling and animation. We seek to provide our graduates with the skillset to independently develop games prototypes, creating and populating 3D environments.
You will be taught by current staff who bring professional experience and cutting-edge research to their teaching. Some have worked within the industry for companies including Codemasters, others are conducting research recognised internationally in areas such as computer vision, machine learning, game based learning for virtual games and serious games.
We currently have strong links with potential employers which should help to ensure course content remains relevant and up-to-date. These links also enable us to offer industry visits, guest lectures and joint projects with local companies*, which have previously included Aardvark Swift, Codemasters and Exient. You also have the opportunity to participate in internationally recognised game development competitions*, which in the past have included Games Marathon held in Brazil, which our best students can attend and win prizes. This event is judged by the games industry and is an opportunity for aspiring developers to get first hand industry input.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any competition, trip, placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
- Regular guest lecturers from current practitioners (subject to availability). In the last three years, speakers have included Aardvark Swift, Exient and Radiant Worlds.
- Opportunity to participate in our annual New Wizards Showcase (subject to availability), first launched in 2008 to introduce students to potential employers, often generating offers of interviews, placements and employment.
- Join over 10 million other gamers, online and in-game, with our popular student gaming society, Steam (membership fees apply), which offers over 3,500 games, exclusive deals, automatic game updates and other great perks.
- Well-equipped Games Technology Laboratory with high end gaming PCs running industry-standard software, including the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, games engines such as Unity 3D and Unreal, Visual Studio integrated development environment, 3DS Max and Photoshop, the latest gaming peripherals including Virtual Reality headsets (Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and Gear VR) and motion capture technology (Leap Motion, Perception Neuron) as well as graphics tablets and virtual reality (VR) game development, with access to VR headsets, such as the Oculus Rift.
Our main study themes are:
- High-performance programming for game development: The course’s programming focus is on high-performance C++, which underpins most game technology development. In addition, during the first year the course introduces you to C#, which is used to develop games in Unity. APIs employed are selected based on their industrial relevance and portability.
- Content design tools and techniques: Through learning to use 3DS Max and Photoshop you will have the opportunity to gain the skills to create complex worlds and characters. Moreover, we aim for you to gain a deep understanding of the nature of the assets that any game engine you develop will need to manipulate and process.
- Designing for usability: Games are by their very nature engagement – ensuring that those games you design remain fun is critical. This rounds off the suite of transferrable skills you should gain on the programme upon successful completion, and can be applied to any domain of software development focused on user interaction.
The programme can be studied full-time over three years of study with the option of extending this to four years, by taking a sandwich year* in the form of an industrial training placement or study abroad between Years 2 and 3.*
We strongly encourage you to spend a year on industrial placement* and will provide assistance to help you find an appropriate placement. In the past, students have worked as a games developer for Microsoft Games Studio and Exient, to name but two.
Your personal tutor will review and discuss your progress with you and will be available for advice. We regularly invite guest speakers from industry* to bring you up-to-speed with the latest market trends and recent topics have included Virtual and Augmented Reality games as well as the rise of the independent mobile game developer.
You will be given lots of opportunities to work with new technology to help develop new design solutions, in the classroom and on real-life projects*, where you will have the chance to work with staff and other students on real-world computer gaming and design problems as you would in commercial, professional or research practice. This means that you have the chance to develop professional skills at the same time as you learn the technical content of your degree. In the past, projects have included a rhythm based car racing game in conjunction with Codemasters.
We also run a number of field trips*, both at home and abroad, to give you the chance to experience the industry ‘live’. In the past, students have participated in the Games Jam competitions in Brazil and Indonesia, as well as visiting China and, and closer to home the EGX Games Expo (in Birmingham).
Teaching methods include: series of lectures, with associated seminars, workshops and project based practical classes.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any trip, event, placement or study abroad opportunity and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Meet our staff
Dr. Craig Stewart
Dr Stewart has worked in the area of HCI, IT and multimedia research and education for over 20 years. He has a great deal of experience in many fields from working in various departments, disciplines and positions.
Read full profileThis course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include coursework, essays, project and group work, practical exams (for example presentations and tests), and formal examinations.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes.
On successful completion, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the underlying technology, design methods and programming languages required to practice as an IT professional.
- Appreciate the cultural, commercial, ethical and professional issues connected with the IT industry and professional practice within it.
- Demonstrate awareness of emergent technologies and techniques in the wider computing domain, such as VR implementation techniques, pervasive computing, designing software to be engaging and usable as well as cutting edge graphics programming.
- Apply appropriate problem-solving techniques and design protocols to computing requirements or issues.
- Research the concept, design and development of a product in the computing domain, providing relevant and useful conclusions in the evaluation of the implementation.
91%
of our graduates are in work or further study six months after the course
DLHE 2014/15
Actual teaching contact hours will vary depending on the level of study and the requirements of a particular semester. In a typical week your contact hours will be divided amongst personal tutorials and small group teaching; medium group teaching (e.g. lab practicals, workshops and programming support sessions); and large group teaching (lectures). In addition, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study each week depending on the demands of individual modules. The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 16 contact hours per week in the first and second years dropping to around 12 contact hours per week in the final year as you become a more independent learner.
The BSc (Hons) in Games Technology attracts a number of international students each year and computer game development is considered an international business. Most of the technical subjects you could learn are applicable worldwide and, where they exist, significant regional or country-specific differences are highlighted. For example, the emphasis for different colours in different cultures, such as white being associated with death in Japan.
If you have a desire to travel it is possible to study abroad* for a year at universities around the world. Our collaboration with Online International Learning (OIL) projects means you may also have the opportunity to work collaboratively on projects with students in universities which have previously included Brazil and Indonesia.
Many of the field trips and industry visits we offer also take place abroad*. In the past, for example, students have visited Indonesia where students participated in an international games jam, visited local game companies and an exciting cultural program.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2018/19, we were able to provide a total of 5,469 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
Explore our international experiences1st for
international experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni 2016/17
5,469
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2018/19
12,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally since 2016
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
What our alumni say
The course tutors have been supportive in my own projects as well as coursework, helping me gain the confidence to show my work to professionals in the industry.
Entry Requirements
What our alumni say
It was my dream to work in the games industry and Coventry was one of the few universities offering a course in this area. I came with high expectations that the course would give me the skills and knowledge I needed to pursue my ambition, but it actually gave me more than I ever expected. With the help of enthusiastic lecturers, a bunch of great people on the course and a lot of hard work, I am happy to say that I went straight from University into a job.
As well as the expertise I had from the course itself, I had also taken up the many opportunities that had been offered to me and developed personally. Work placements allowed me to put theory into practice, I was a student representative, which allowed my interpersonal skills to flourish, and I was given great careers support and help to make my CV stand out from the rest.
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
For more information, please visit our Finance pages.
Course essentials at no extra cost
We're committed to communicating study costs clearly to make sure you're not faced with having to make any unexpected payments.
This is why our ‘Flying Start’ package provides you with a few course essentials. Your full-time fee for an undergraduate degree will cover the following:
Course essentials - additional costs
This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to) travel, accommodation, activities and visas.
This course may incur additional costs associated with any equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire.
The following are additional costs not included in the fees:
Any optional overseas field trips or visits
Optional personal computer and software
Media consumable items
EU student fees
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
What our alumni say
It was my dream to work in the games industry and Coventry was one of the few universities offering a course in this area. I came with high expectations that the course would give me the skills and knowledge I needed to pursue my ambition, but it actually gave me more than I ever expected. With the help of enthusiastic lecturers, a bunch of great people on the course and a lot of hard work, I am happy to say that I went straight from University into a job.
As well as the expertise I had from the course itself, I had also taken up the many opportunities that had been offered to me and developed personally. Work placements allowed me to put theory into practice, I was a student representative, which allowed my interpersonal skills to flourish, and I was given great careers support and help to make my CV stand out from the rest.
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
The course aims to develop your key competencies in technical games production, critical analysis, application of theories and concepts to real-world scenarios, localisation and digital literacy.
This, coupled with the breadth of the subject domain, means that upon successfully completion of the course, you should be well positioned for a range of employment opportunities in the games industry or in the wider software industries, including software development, database/systems administration, mobile application development, web development and user-centred design to name a few.
You will also have the opportunity to engage with the annual New Wizards showcase (subject to availability), where industry visitors will come and view student projects – previously this has led to interviews and employment*.
Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university’s Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any event, trip, placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Where our graduates work
Recent graduates have gone on to careers as game developers for companies like MS Studio and Exient. Some have used their qualifications to progress into teaching careers, as well as postgraduate study to obtain MSc, MPhil and PhD qualifications.
What our alumni say
This is not three years of spoon-fed software tutorials. That’s what YouTube is for. This is a course for game art, design and programming, deeply rooted in Computer Science. You will learn foundations in these areas which you’ll have to take further yourself through coursework, game jams and portfolio work. And if you’re serious about a career, you’ll need to take those extra steps. The games industry is incredibly competitive!
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2020/21 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
