Games Development BSc (Hons)

You will learn fundamental skills in game design, game implementation as well as the history of games and the games industry. Students will also build a foundational understanding of mathematical and computer science topics relevant to those developing games. Students will develop their academic skills ensuring they have a solid foundation for future modules.

This module explores the design and development of computer software (applications) from two perspectives:

1. The implementation of software using programming code, in a high level statically typed, object-oriented programming language, such as Java.
2. The user-centred design approach to software design, considering human factors, user experience, usability, and prototyping.

The programming aspect covers a range of topics including

• The syntax and semantics of a programming language
• Different types of data, including collections
• Control flow - conditional, iterative and recursive
• Data input and output (CLI and file based)
• Object-orientation, including class design and inheritance
• Unit testing
• Basic refactoring

The human aspect considers topics that include

• User-centred design
• Human factors
• Usability
• Accessibility
• User experience
• Low and high-fidelity prototyping
• Evaluation

You will be introduced to the content creation pipeline covering 3D modelling, unwrapping, texturing, engine implementation and finishing with an introduction to animation.

Creating games is typically a group activity. Students will experience first-hand the collaborative games development process through practical work, leading to an understanding of the skills needed to effectively work in teams.

Chinese: Intermediate Language Development (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students who have completed GCSE in Chinese or equivalent. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.

French: Communication in Practice (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students that have completed A-Level or equivalent in French. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop your oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.

French: Intermediate Language Development (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students who have completed GCSE or equivalent in French. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.

German: Communication in Practice (20 Credits) Option

This module enables students with A-Level German or equivalent to further develop their grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop your oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.

Spanish: Communication in Practice (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students that have completed a A-Level or equivalent in Spanish. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and expression and apply these to real world situations. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at Post-A level.

Spanish: Intermediate Language Development (20 Credits) Option

This module is designed for students that have completed GCSE or equivalent in Spanish. You will further develop your grammar, vocabulary and learning conventions for spelling and pronunciation. You will work with written and recorded texts on a range of cultural, personal and social topics and will develop oral and written communication skills at an intermediate level.

Subsidiary Language for Beginners (20 Credits) Option

This module provides the opportunity to study a new language from scratch and introduces you to basic grammar, vocabulary and cultural contexts. You will apply the language to practical situations using both oral and written skills. 

This exciting module sees students learn how to design and develop multiplayer games. You will learn about both online and local multiplayer games before implementing their own multiplayer game in a game engine. Multiplayer level design will also feature on the module.

This module introduces intermediate topics in algorithm design, analysis and implementation using industry standard libraries, tools and techniques. Topics include asymptotic analysis, memory management and common data structures and algorithms such as:

• Arrrays
• Linked lists
• Stacks
• Queues
• Heaps
• Binary search trees
• Hash tables
• Sorting
• Searching
• Pseudorandom number generation

Additionally we cover topics such as multithreaded software development, as well as issues regarding maintainability for larger software projects.

You will first learn how to use industry standard collaboration tools, alongside the theory of effective teamwork. Following this they will then join Level 6 students in a junior role helping them develop a vertical slice suitable to pitch to industry, working in a simulacrum of a games development studio.

Audio is an incredibly important, but often forgotten, element of successful game design and implementation. This module introduces the roles that game audio fulfils and enables students to specify, create, and implement impactful audio in games. Students will continue to develop their user experience skills with a focus on aural feedback mechanisms to improve player experience and game feel.

Over the duration of the module the underpinning theories and practical techniques relating to game audio implementation are covered. Typically, this will include the following main topics areas, though emerging themes and trends may be substituted in, depending upon developments in the industry:

• Audio and its role in Games
• Digital audio fundamentals
• Planning and organising game audio assets
• Sound design for games
• Sound effects, environments, voices, and music
• Audio editing and post-production
• Interactive audio
• Game audio middleware
• Spatial audio and virtual acoustic environments

This is an experiential learning opportunity that incorporates 20 teaching contact hours/lectures to prepare for the 150 contract hours. L5 students can use all their skills learned to date on an actual real-world (external business) client-driven project, working in teams and producing an artefact.

You are also expected to undertake around 30 hours of self-study.

This module not only gives them enhanced skills but the opportunity to work for a real client thus giving them a valuable CV and LInkedIn entry as work experience that can contribute to their employability portfolio.

You will collaborate in teams and produce full client documentation alongside a reflection of their expereince and this all give some much needed contemplation of their skills to date and how to use them.

This module provides a structured, university-level work placement for 4, 5 or 7 weeks (optional timeframe decided on a 1 2 1 basis) as one continuous block / period with a placement provider (i.e. industry apprioprate sector). It is designed to enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.

The placement can either be organised by you or with support from university staff.

All work placements within this module must be university-level; this means:

• Undertaking high-skilled work commensurate with level 5 study (e.g. report writing, attending meetings, delivering presentations, producing spreadsheets, writing content on webpages, social media, marketing services/products etc)
• Physically placed (albeit part of it can be hybrid) within an employer setting in one continuous block / period for 4, 5 or 7 weeks for a minimum of 140-147 hours over the course of the entire work placement

Where applicable, your existing part-time employer can be approached/used as the placement provider, if the high-skilled work.

• criterion above is fulfilled for the full duration of the placement.
• All quality assurances/agreements provided by the University are adhered to, by you and the employer.

The work placement context may not necessarily, reflect your degree discipline per se, but rather, it will give you an enriched experience to enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.

Choose one of the following:

1. Professional Placement (40 Credits) Optional
2. Term abroad (40 Credits) Optional
3. One of the following Language options

Advanced Language Development and Global Sustainability (40 Credits) Optional

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at advanced level. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a sustainability issue in a target language country. The first half of the module will prepare you for placements abroad where appropriate as well as a deeper understanding of sustainability in target language contexts. 

Developing Intercultural Literacy and Cross-Cultural Skills (40 Credits) Optional

• The multiple facets of global citizenship
• Ethical engagement and practice
• The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
• Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
• Intercultural communication
• Culture shock
• Cultural adjustment
• Self- assessment of needs: identification of the range of transferable skills, competencies and attitudes employees need and employers expect graduates to possess-with a strong focus on understanding the intercultural competencies (ICC) needed to live and work abroad.
• Critical analysis/evaluation of individual requirements in relation to culture/cultural adjustment/culture shock/visas/medical.
• Critical analysis/evaluation of skills already acquired in relation to key skills related to ICC.
• Devising strategies to improve one’s own prospects of working abroad in the future.
• Devising an action plan to address gaps in transferable skills based on organisational analysis and sector opportunities.

Experiential Overseas Learning (40 Credits) Optional

Preparation for Experiential Overseas Learning will take place at the University of Chester during level 5 and will include:  

• The multiple facets of Global citizenship
• Ethical engagement and practice
• Cross-cultural issues and sensitivity
• Intercultural communication
• Theories, models and strategies of learning

Theories and models Intercultural competence

• Theories and models of Integration and Multiculturalism
• Critical thinking skills and models of Reflection
• Experiential learning models
• Self-directed experiential learning

Personal and placement-related skills

• Enhanced independence
• Improved command of multicultural behaviour
• Increased knowledge and confidence in their individual facets of personal identity
• Effective time management and organisational skills
• Project management – working away from University and independent study
• Self-management and personal development
• Team building and team work

Part B: Overseas

Students will engage in experiential learning activities overseas for at least 150 hours 

Post Beginner Language Development and Global Cultures (40 Credits) Optional

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at beginner level. The first half of the module includes intensive taught sessions in interactive workshop mode which will prepare you for placements abroad or self-directed language development. The second half of the module includes a placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a cultural issue in a target language country. 

Upper Intermediate Language Development and Global Employability (40 Credits) Optional

The module will provide the opportunity to further develop your language skills, building on your previous learning at intermediate level. The first half of the module includes intensive taught sessions in interactive workshop mode which will prepare you for placements abroad or self-directed language development. The second half of the module includes an placement abroad or, alternatively, a project on a business or tourism issue in a target language country. 

Or you can choose ONE of the following:

• University Placement Year Optional
• Subject Placement Year Optional
• International University Placement Year Optional

You will work in a senior role developing a vertical slice suitable to pitch to industry, running a simulacrum of a games development studio. You will be joined by Level 5 students, mentoring and assisting them in junior roles, making use of industry standard collaboration tools and processes throughout.

You will develop your applied programming skills within a development engine to design and implement player mechanics used extensively within modern games. This will include research and consideration of inclusive and adaptable approaches to players and their interaction with games.

Through this module, you will master the art of creating games for mobile devices and emerging platforms, addressing the distinct constraints and opportunities that set these environments apart from traditional PC and console development. The module covers platform-specific design principles, touch-based interaction, variable screen sizes, limited processing power, and interruption-driven gameplay. You will develop hands-on expertise in optimising performance, implementing intuitive controls, and crafting engaging experiences that leverage the unique capabilities of smartphones, tablets, and other innovative gaming platforms.

Students will undertake a large self-directed software project in a specialist topic of their choice with guidance and support from a dedicated academic supervisor.

The project will begin with an appraisal of said topic, usually through a literature review and/or a commercial assessment of viability. This will be followed by planning and creation of a practical software artefact covering an implementation lifecycle, making use of project management techniques.

Ethical issues will be explored, leading to required approval for quantitative and/or qualitative testing, with results then analysed and used to inform futher development and to draw conclusions against a hypothesis.