BSc (Hons) in Computer Games (Design)

Accredited by: BCS

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 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 conceptualisation and evaluation. You'll also study Game Narrative, Serious Games Design, and Player Psychology and Computer Arts.

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 forth year.

Professional accreditation

BSc Computer Games Design is accredited by the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS).

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

Assessment methods used to demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes include examinations, coursework, class tests, presentations, computer-based exercises and written reports. In each of their initial three years, our students take part in innovative group projects leading to an individual project in their final year, which improves their academic, practical and employability skills. Each project incorporates two strands of learning, the first is the essential technical skills needed to undertake a complete product design and this is developed further to allow our students to show their innovative and enterprising abilities. The second strand furnishes our students with the ‘soft’ skills related to team working, business operations, the project design process and ethical practices. This work helps students to develop a growing appreciation of the practicalities and realities of the application of software processes in the real world. Assessment is by presentation, delivery of design report and, most importantly, demonstration of product prototypes.

Teaching methods

We aim to be flexible and like to extend our laboratory work so that students can access hardware and software tools for use outside lab hours, allowing students to gain additional, highly valuable experience in designing and developing games. We have a games lab equipped with the tools to allow students to complete coursework and projects, and a a living-room style eMotion lab where some forth year design students evaluate their games, by examining physiological measures such as tracking pupil dilation. These practical facilities are highly prized by employers and can be the difference when competing for high quality employment opportunities for industrial placement on graduation. Project based teaching is completed through years 1-3. Students will join groups comprised of designers, physiologists, programmers and artists. We believe this provides students with the opportunity at each level to participate in the production of a game which is similar to the process followed in industry. All teaching material used in labs tutorials and lectures for all modules are provided in electronic format on GCU Learn.

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)