BSc (Hons) in Computer Games (Art and Animation)

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.

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 programmes take part in an Integrated Project, an opportunity for students from the different disciplines to make games together. You'll also enjoy guest lectures by industry experts.

Computer Game artists conceptualize and construct the virtual world for a game. They establish the game art style and look, develop concept art, sculpt, model, texture and animate environments, characters, vehicles, and objects. This programme will create graduates who will combine their traditional art skills with the latest creative technology in 3D art and animation and will have the awareness of technological capabilities and limitations of gaming platforms. Both programmes will introduce you to the modern practices of 3D content creation, help you realize your career path and offer you the ability to specialize.

Your career

Graduates have gone on to work at Rockstar, Electronic Arts, Sony and Guerrilla Games.

International student start dates

For new international students, orientation events start on 14 September 2018 . This extra time is specifically designed to assist new international students in settling into the UK and GCU prior to the start of general student induction and teaching.

There will be a whole host of fun and informative activities taking place during this period, including campus and city tours, as well as welcome events where you can meet other international students.

Work placement

The programme offers an optional placement year between third and fourth year.

HM Forces

In partnership with HM Forces, GCU has identified this programme is being particularly suited to military and ex-military men and women. Visit the HM Forces Careers Zone for more information on the services we provide.

Assessment methods

We use a traditional range of methods include examinations, coursework, class tests, presentations, computer-based exercises and written reports to assess our students. We have strong links to key industrial solution providers such as Autodesk, Adobe, and Unity and work closely with them to ensure our teaching is closely matched to current best industrial practice. The students benefit from guest lecturers from the creative industries while industry workflows and discussions are promoted and embedded into teaching and assessment to ensure that all of our teachings is relevant to the workplace. As well as developing virtual design solutions, students have access to a range of rapid prototyping and physical modeling resources such as 3D printing and CNC milling machines. Our students also have access to a high definition digital video studio and motion capture suite.

Teaching methods

The students on our course benefit from regular presentations from high profile industry leaders in computer animation and games design and guest lecturers from the creative industries. The industrial project in the fourth year is designed to give the students an opportunity to work on a real-world brief in partnership with an external company. This project can be realized by working on a one day per week placement. Where possible module coursework’s are designed to allow students to develop their personal portfolio which is essential for starting out in a career in the creative industries. Each year students are encouraged to take part in the Scottish Game Jam, a 48hr competition to develop a video game which is held at the GCU campus.

Glasgow Caledonian University is a distinctive, inclusive and forward-looking university that is committed to its social mission to promote the common good. We have become an international centre of excellence in higher education, promoting employability and global citizenship in our graduates. We win awards for our support and commitment to the student experience, whilst delivering innovation through our world-class research in key areas of strength. We have a tradition of widening access to higher education for talented individuals regardless of their backgrounds, and we leverage our intellectual and social capital for the benefit of the communities we serve in Scotland and internationally.

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) is a vibrant, innovative and multi-award winning University for the Common Good.

We aim to contribute to society in a manner that embraces yet goes beyond the traditional role of a university. GCU’s For the Common Good commitment is brought to life and delivered by students and staff across academic schools and departments.

Welcome to the School of Engineering and Built Environment

GCU's vast IT, engineering and construction experience is housed within the School of Engineering and Built Environment. Our supportive staff are experts in their field; well-connected frontrunners in areas such as IT security and web development, environmental science, telecommunications, surveying and building services. Our research into built environment and connections with industry leaders in growing markets such as games design make us an exciting choice for students, staff and researchers.

GCU's School of Engineering and Built Environment (EBE), one of three academic schools in GCU, brings together the Department of Construction and Surveying, Department of Engineering and Department of Computer, Communications and Interactive Systems. Inter-departmental collaborations allow the school to offer stimulating, unparalleled range of teaching and flexible delivery options, combining traditional knowledge with cutting-edge practice.

We are especially proud of our industry links and partnerships with professional bodies, ensuring an industry standard of learning in our curriculum, which is reflective of the changing needs of the labour market. Furthermore, we are fortunate to welcome a large number of part-time students each year who bring a great deal of practical experience at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Departments

The School has over 200 academic staff in its three departments. Our primary output, consistent with the University’s strategy, is the education of students to the highest possible standard, producing highly qualified graduates with degrees that are accredited by the premier national and international authorities.

We work to support the Common Good through our roles in the education of students from socially challenging backgrounds, through our innovative support of the public sector and by our research which aims to benefit society.

Construction and Surveying

The Department of Construction & Surveying has for many years produce more graduates for the construction and property sectors than any other university in the UK.

Engineering

The Department of Engineering is highly respected nationally and internationally for teaching, research and consultancy.

Computer, Communications and Interactive Systems

The Department of Computer, Communications and Interactive Systems (CCIS) is led by Professor Tom Buggy and consists of Communication Networks & Security Engineering, Computer and Electronic Systems Engineering, Digital Media Design, Interaction Design & Engineering and Software Engineering.

Professional Accreditation

The School of Engineering and Built Environment has a strong track record of working partnerships with professional bodies, ensuring an industry standard of learning which is relevant to the changing needs of the labour market.

Our professional affiliations not only keep our students up-to-date with the latest advances in the industry but help our graduates to stand-out when looking for employment.

We offer programmes and modules accredited by:

• BCS (Chartered Institute for Information Technology)
• CIArb (Chartered Institute of Arbitrators - Scottish Branch)
• CIBSE (Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers)
• CIOB (Chartered Institute of Builders)
• CIWEM (Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management)
• CIWM (Chartered Institution of Wastes Management)
• Engineering Council
• ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers)
• IESIS (Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland)
• IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology)
• IFE (Institution of Fire Engineers)
• IHE (Institute of Highway Engineers)
• IMeche (Institute of Mechanical Engineers)
• ISE (Institution of Structural Engineers)
• PMI (Global Accreditation Center for Project Management)
• RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)

The School of Engineering and Built Environment has a strong track record of working partnerships with professional bodies, ensuring an industry standard of learning which is relevant to the changing needs of the labour market.

Our professional affiliations not only keep our students up-to-date with the latest industry advancements but also help our graduates to stand out when looking for employment.

We offer programmes and modules accredited by:

• APM (Association for Project Management)
• BCS (Chartered Institute for Information Technology)
• CIArb (Chartered Institute of Arbitrators - Scottish Branch)
• CIBSE (Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers)
• CIHIT (Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation)
• CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building)
• CIWEM (Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management)
• CIWM (Chartered Institution of Wastes Management)
• Engineering Council
• ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers)
• IESIS (Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland)
• IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology)
• IFE (Institution of Fire Engineers)
• IHE (Institute of Highway Engineers)
• IMechE (Institute of Mechanical Engineers)
• InstMC (Institute of Measurement and Control)
• ISE (Institution of Structural Engineers)
• PMI (Global Accreditation Center for Project Management)
• RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)