BSc(Hons) Games Technology (with Foundation Year)

In this module, you'll explore a range of specialisms within computing and digital technologies, including computer science, cyber security, games technology, business computing and music and audio technology. Topics are likely to include, but will not be limited to, software engineering, artificial intelligence, data science, ethical hacking, digital forensics, sound design and games development. You'll investigate industry roles and research areas, analyse job advertisements, reflect on your current skills and identify development needs. This will help you connect your interests with future study, career pathways and an emerging specialism.

Through programming activities, this module will introduce you to computational thinking and structured problem-solving. Topics are likely to include, but will not be limited to, breaking problems into logical steps, identifying patterns, designing algorithms and using variables, data types, control flow and functions. You'll explore system design concepts such as modelling, flowcharts, feedback loops and behaviour prediction, then apply them by building and testing a small control solution. As you debug and refine your work, you'll reflect on your learning strategies, problem-solving approaches and iterative development practice.

This capstone module will bring together the knowledge and skills you've developed during your foundation year. You'll plan, develop and present a tangible artefact connected to your chosen specialist area, taking responsibility for your time and resources. Topics are likely to include, but will not be limited to, idea generation, project scoping, milestone planning, risk management, progress tracking and iterative development. Regular feedback and reflection will help you evaluate your process, design decisions and outcomes, while preparing a professional demonstration will strengthen your confidence and communication skills.

This module will develop the communication, critical thinking and academic research skills you'll need in professional and higher-level study contexts. Topics are likely to include, but will not be limited to, adapting messages for different stakeholders, professional writing, visual and oral communication, storytelling and persuasive argument. You'll learn how to locate and evaluate credible academic and industry sources, reference them appropriately and use artificial intelligence ethically. Through problem-solving and group work, you'll practise recognising bias, supporting claims with evidence, presenting recommendations and reflecting on your communication strengths and development needs.

This module will explore how video game technology, hardware and commercial development practices have evolved. You'll examine historical and contemporary production processes and learn how technical assets and components are integrated into games across different platforms and devices. Topics may include project management, technical design, user experience, game theory, gameplay mechanics, accessibility, networks, porting, emulation and backwards compatibility. You'll also consider intellectual property, copyright, licensing, localisation, sustainability, and the legal, social and ethical issues that influence modern game development.

This module introduces the tools, technologies and development techniques used within contemporary game development. You'll explore game engines, algorithms, data structures, rendering processes and problem-solving approaches that support the creation of interactive experiences. Topics may include optimisation, artificial intelligence in games, pathfinding, finite state machines, rendering pipelines and shader technologies. Through investigating how different systems and techniques are applied within a games context, you'll develop an understanding of modern development workflows while building the technical foundations needed for further study in games technology.

This module will introduce C++ software development through the practical context of making games. You'll learn fundamental programming concepts, including control structures, execution flow, classes and object orientation, while becoming familiar with integrated development environments, compilation, debugging and documentation. Problem-solving and functional decomposition will help you structure game code effectively. Mathematical topics may include logical operators, Cartesian coordinates, vectors, lines, curves and linear equations, enabling you to apply appropriate techniques when solving typical games programming challenges.

This module introduces the principles of creating and using 3D assets and virtual environments for interactive experiences. You'll explore coordinate systems, computer modelling, texture mapping, scene lighting, hierarchies and inheritance. Working within interactive 3D environments, you'll learn how to import and manipulate assets, manage transforms, cameras and animation, and use inputs to shape user experience. Programming and scripting will support your development of interactive work, while comparisons between asset-creation software and real-time environments will strengthen your understanding of 3D production workflows.

This module will develop your ability to program gameplay systems and translate design ideas into interactive behaviour. You'll explore techniques used to implement mechanics, player control, game rules and the responses of game objects. Practical programming will help you structure, test and debug gameplay code while working with relevant tools and frameworks. You'll learn to balance technical constraints with the intended player experience, strengthening your problem-solving skills and your understanding of how gameplay features are designed, implemented and refined.

In this module, you'll explore the architecture and programming techniques used within game engines. You'll investigate how engine subsystems support areas such as rendering, input, physics, animation, resources and gameplay, and how these components interact in real time. Practical programming will help you implement and integrate engine-level features, work with relevant development tools and consider performance constraints. You'll develop a stronger understanding of game technology, systems design and the technical decisions involved in building efficient interactive applications.

In this module, you'll explore games through the relationships between rules, play, culture and technology. Topics are likely to include game studies, narrative and simulation, systems and information, and the social and psychological dimensions of games. Emerging trends may include social networks, gamification, virtual or augmented reality and esports. You'll examine ethical implications and professional responsibilities in design, compare academic theories and frameworks, and develop your research and academic writing. Iterative game design and playtesting will help you apply these ideas to tabletop game development.

This module will build on your existing C++ games programming skills as you create more advanced games and gameplay systems. You'll explore modern memory management, templates, smart pointers, the Standard Template Library and defensive coding, alongside cross-platform build practices and standards-compliant code. The module may also cover design patterns, composition and inheritance, threading, networking, application programming interfaces, libraries and software development kits. Through practical development, you'll learn to select appropriate technical approaches, use professional games-industry practices and retain creative control while implementing your ideas.

This module will simulate a commercial game development studio, giving you experience of working collaboratively on a viable entertainment product. You'll balance software development, game design, presentation and performance while responding to social, ethical, legal and commercial considerations. Content may include input and display devices, platform hardware, cameras, collision detection, artificial intelligence, procedural generation, graphics, animation, shaders, audio and music. You'll also explore testing, profiling, optimisation, source control, build engineering, marketing, funding, licensing, copyright, royalties and distribution as technologies and consumer expectations evolve.

The Comprehensive Creative Technologies Project will enable you to investigate a topic of personal or professional interest through a substantial independent project. You'll carry out research and use your findings to develop software, hardware or another professional artefact, with the precise balance of technical and creative work depending on your chosen subject. Throughout the project, you'll select and review appropriate methods, work within ethical and professional frameworks, and reflect critically on your findings. You'll also develop independent learning, problem-solving and professional communication skills.

This module provides an opportunity to investigate advanced and emerging technologies relevant to your specialist discipline. Working on industry-inspired problems, you'll research, design and develop prototype solutions that demonstrate how contemporary technologies can address real-world challenges. The precise technologies explored will depend on your area of study, allowing you to engage with developments that are most relevant to your future career. Through critical evaluation of design decisions and alternatives, you'll strengthen your technical, problem-solving and professional communication skills while building portfolio-ready project work.