Computer Games
and Interactive
Entertainment
School of Engineering and Built Environment
Glasgow Caledonian University
Cowcaddens Road
Glasgow, G4 0BA
Scotland, United Kingdom
www.gcu.ac.uk/ebe
How to apply
You can apply to an undergraduate programme at Glasgow Caledonian
University (GCU) via UCAS for more information visit www.gcu.ac.uk/
undergraduate/howtoapply; alternatively, contact our undergraduate
team on +44 (0)141 331 8630 or email [email protected]
Scholarships
Scholarships may be available for this programme.
Visit www.gcu.ac.uk/study/scholarships for details.
Computer Games and
Interactive Entertainment
Fees and funding
Visit www.gcu.ac.uk/student/money/undergraduate for details.
BSc(Hons) Computer Games (Art and Animation);
BSc(Hons) Computer Games (Design);
BSc(Hons) Computer Games (Software Development);
BSc(Hons) Computer Games (Indie Development)
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Computer Games
and Interactive
Entertainment
Brilliance is in the detail
The computer games industry is a multi-billion dollar industry with sales expect to top $75 billion
Worldwide. This growth has been fuelled by more people than ever playing games on Consoles,
PC, Tablets, Mobiles and Social Games.
The Computer Games and Interactive Entertainment aims to
produce graduates with the right mix of practical skills and
technical knowledge to enter this sector, which currently has a high
demand for qualified practitioners to not only create retail products
in the console or mobile space but also in the area of Serious
Games for all ages and types of players.
The University has 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 also a
User Experience lab where games can be tested and evaluated.
BSc/BSc (Hons) Computer Games (Software Development)
This programme concentrates on technical programming
requirements, including the mathematics and implementation
of physical mechanics. Studies will include the creation of 2D
and 3D graphics, the use of 3D animation in games, the creation
of ‘thinking’ creatures, and new product development and
professional issues involved in the development of software.
The programme also provides an understanding of the core
elements of Game Design.
Level 1: Mathematics for Computer Games, Introduction to Games
Design, Introduction to Games Programming, Fundamentals of
Computing, Fundamentals of 3D Graphics, Integrated Project 1
Level 3: Games Programming 2, Game Artificial Intelligence,
Game Engine Creation, Graphics Programming, Research Skills
and Professional Issues, Integrated Project 3
where students learn various tools and techniques which are
applied to all stages of the player centred design lifecycle,
such as conceptualisation and evaluation. Students apply this
theory by iterating and evaluating physical and digital prototypes
around Human behaviour. Students also study Game Narrative,
Serious Games Design and Player Psychology.
Level 1: Mathematics for Computer Games, Introduction to Games
Design, Introduction to Games Programming, Fundamentals of
Computing, Fundamentals of 3D Graphics, Integrated Project 1
Level 2: Game Programming 1, Game Design 1, 3D Modeling and
Digital Sculpting or Drawing for Design, Game Content Design,
Human Computer Interaction, IP2
Level 3: User Psychology, Serious Games Design,
Game Preproduction workshop, Usability Research
Methods and Prof Issues IP3
Level 4: Affective Design, Game Narrative, Design for Change,
Honours Project, Game System Design
BSc/BSc (Hons) Computer Games (Art and Animation)
This programme is designed to provide graduates with the right
mix of practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary for
a career as a Game Artist. Game Art will appeal to students
who wish to combine their traditional art skills with cutting edge
creative technology in 3D art, animation and motion graphics.
The course is practically focused offering continual opportunity
for portfolio development.
Level 3: User Psychology, Advanced Character Animation,
Games Preproduction Workshop, 3D Production for Industry,
Research Methods and Professional Issues, Integrated Project 3
Level 4: Advanced 3D Visualisation and Animation,
Creative Practice, Portfolio, Industrial Project, Honours Project
BSc/BSc (Hons) Computer Games (Indie Development)
This programme is designed to provide graduates with the
right mix of practical and entrepreneurial skills which make
them valuable members of modern video Games Industry.
Students graduating from this programme should be able to
start their own company or be valuable members of smaller
Indie Game studios.
Please note that this programme is for direct entry students and
students should refer to modules used in other programmes within
the suite for undergraduate module choice.
BSc (Hons) Computer Games (Design)
BSc (Hons) Computer Games (Software Development)
Minimum entry requirements: Higher: ABBB, A Level: CDD,
ILC: ABBB, IB Diploma: 24 points.
Essential subject(s): Mathematics (Higher/A Level/ILC-H).
Recommended subject(s): Computing or Information Systems
(Higher/A Level/ ILC-H).
BSc (Hons) Computer Games (Art & Animation)
Minimum entry requirements: Higher: BBB, A Level: CC,
ILC: BBB, IB
Diploma: 24 points. Entry is also based on portfolio submission.
Essential subject(s): Art & Design (Higher/A Level/ILC-H).
FE college students: Contact us or visit www.gcu.ac.uk/study
for a copy of our College Student Supplement.
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 courseworks and projects. We also have a living-room
style eMotion lab where some students evaluate their games by
examining the physiological measures provided by equipment in
the lab such as tracking pupil dilation.
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.
Brighter Futures
After successfully completing their Level Three studies,
our students have the option to participate in an industrial
placement for one year which is recognised on the degree
certificate on graduation. International exchange opportunities
are also available, allowing students to spend a semester abroad
through the Erasmus Programme or an overseas summer
placement through the International Association for the Exchange
of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) through the
British Council. Finally, the school provides summer placement
opportunities to highly motivated students to work on novel
applications of electronic and software
technologies.
Game Jam is an international game design challenge which takes
place within GCU every year. It pitches aspiring programmers and
designers against the world’s rising stars in the industry in a race to
develop the best new title. In 2014 over a 170 of our students and
enthusiasts worked round the clock to create over 35 games
in under 48 hours.
Our graduating students will progress on to exciting and
challenging careers in the areas of Games Software Development
and Design. Our students will be equipped to be employed in
organisations where a knowledge of both technical and user/player
research skills are very important.
Level 4: Mobile Game Development 1, Game Programming 3,
Artificial Intelligence, Mobile Game Development 2,
Honours Project
Level 1: Drawing for Design, Introduction to Games Design,
Digital Photography, Introduction to Animation, Fundamentals of
3D Modelling, Integrated Project 1
BSc/BSc (Hons) Computer Games (Indie Development)
This programme offers a 2 + 2 pathway. The following HND group
awards are likely to be sufficiently specialised to enable articulation
directly to level 3 of this programme.
BSc/BSc (Hons) Computer Games (Design)
This programme 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)
Level 2: Introduction to Games Programming, Games Design 1,
3D Modelling and Digital Sculpting, Introduction to 3D Animation,
Human Computer Interaction, Integrated Project 2
Students with other HND Computer Games group awards,
without sufficient specialisation to enable level 3 articulation,
would normally be able to articulate to level 2
Some of our graduates have moved onto to careers with Electronic
Arts, Guerrilla Games, Rockstar North, Deep Silver, Wee World
and Tag Games.
Work placement: The programme offers an optional placement
year between 3rd and 4th year.
Awards
Gaming for Glasgow, finalist Commonwealth Games,
Game Changer Award (2014)
Professional Accreditation
The Design and Software Development degree programmes are accredited
by the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS), and students enjoy the benefit of
guest lectures by industry experts.
Learning and 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
Games Teaching Team - Winner of Principal’s Group Award
for Learning and Teaching for 2013 (2013-14)
For more information visit www.gcu.ac.uk/undergraduate