Curious about studying Computer Games Development (with a placement year) - BSc (Hons)at University of Staffordshire? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Stoke-on-Trent Campus
Full Time
Sep 2026
4 Year
The games industry isn't just growing - it's dominating. If you are ready to stop just playing games and start building them, the newly redesigned BSc (Hons) Games Development is your ultimate launchpad. Whether your dream is to get scouted by an AAA studio, work as a freelance specialist, or launch the next viral indie hit with your friends, this degree gives you the code, the craft, and the commercial edge to make it happen. We don't just teach theory. This course is a live studio simulation designed to take you from a passionate gamer to an industry-ready developer, entrepreneur, or studio founder.
What You’ll MasterForget outdated modules. Our curriculum is built around the modern gaming ecosystem: *
Industry-Standard Engines:Build flawless technical proficiency in the leading engines driving the global market right now. *
Deep-Dive Programming:Master core languages to optimise, customise, and bend game code to your will with C++, C#, and more. *
The Indie Startup Experience:Collaborate across disciplines to integrate AI, VFX, and Level Design into live projects, hitting real-world deadlines. *
Choose Your Path:Tailor your degree at Level 5 with an array of optional modules. Go solo to master a niche or team up with classmates to form your own specialised indie development unit. *
The Business Ecosystem:Brilliant games need players. Learn how to secure funding, manage studio finances, and launch killer marketing campaigns across PC, console, and mobile platforms.
Your Learning Journey: From Basics to Boss Level*
Level 4 (Foundations):Learn the essentials through integrated, hands-on lecture and tutorial sessions. You'll build instant confidence in core programming, engine mechanics, and team dynamics, backed by elite academic support. *
Level 5 (Specialisation):This is where you customise your journey. Dive into advanced optional modules, push your boundaries through independent research, and start operating with the mindset of a professional developer. *
Level 6 (The Studio Launch):No more traditional classrooms. Your final year functions like a real game studio. Guided by expert mentors and workshops, you will develop your Final Year Project, build a spectacular portfolio, and learn the exact mechanics of running a profitable gaming business.
Where Will You Land?The industry is hungry for technical innovators. Our graduates don’t just look for jobs; they create them. Your future job title could be: *
The Technical Innovator:Gameplay Engineer, Tools Programmer, Technical Director, or PC/Console Developer. *
The Freelance Creative:Mobile Game Developer, Web App Specialist, or Independent Consultant. *
The Entrepreneur:Studio Founder, Indie Developer, or Intrapreneur leading high-stakes projects for major tech SMEs.
Ready to Build the Future?Don't just watch the credits roll on your favourite games - put your name in them. Apply via UCAS today and turn your creativity into your career. On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development
This module considers an introduction to the fundamentals of scripting in C#. Scripting is an important tool in developing interactive and fun experiences for players. You will learn how to leverage the power of C# scripting to technically design and build interactive gameplay solutions.
This module will introduce you to C++ programming, the Visual Studio environment and graphical programming techniques. Learn C++ programming by building computer games.
3D Models populate the games we love to play. Start your journey by learning key 3D Modelling creation skills and implement your assets into a fully working framework. You will build a series of assets and develop a reflective journal as you bring to life a games visuals.
This module focusses on an understanding of academic principles and portfolio piece development. By begin able to include the learning from other modules is crucial in academia, this module has a focus on that. Bringing together the knowledge and skill gained in other modules over the academic year, students should be able to pitch, plan, develop, test, and publish a solo project to a level 4 portfolio quality standards. The artefact can be a small game, asset pack, or engine tool, which will be technically and suitably aligned for the course expectations of a Game Developer. It is also important to be able to communicate the development process with a potential audience, hence why the development log (DevLog) is also a requirement for this module which will need regular updates.
2D games require very different techniques than 3D games. In this module you will not only learn and enhance your C++ programming but you will also learn how plan and build a 2D game using SDL. You will also have the ability to bring in skills you learn from other first year modules setting you on a good pathway for future games programming and development modules.
This module develops further students understanding of game mechanic creation using a game engine. Students will learn how to plan, communicate and implement core game concepts, such as characters, enemies and game loops in order to create fun, playable prototypes of their own design.
This module focusses on the production pipeline of the development process. The assessment processes are geared towards the initial documentation and understanding of the technical and design document of any game development process, it will also introduce the horizontal and vertical prototype processes. Beyond the prototype phase there will be clear examples detailing the final stages of the pipeline right through to publication.
There are a wide range of core programming concepts that a required to understand before you can create more complex games and applications. In this module we will introduce the techniques required to get started in the world of programming, this means topics such as: data types, conditionals, functions, and object-oriented programming will be taught which will culminate in the development of a text-based game.
Students are taught from scratch how to design, develop and enhance their own game prototypes using rapid prototyping techniques, scripting and an industry standard game engine. The emphasis is on demonstrating core gameplay ideas within short timescales.
This module will prepare you for what is to come throughout your academic studies and for your career beyond. Creating an online presence is crucial these days, and in this module we develop a platform from which you can expand throughout your studies to ensure you are in the best position to secure your first role in the industry when you graduate.
You will explore how to make truly efficient systems within a commercial engine structure utilising both C++ and visual scripting. Completing this module will give you a keen understanding of how programmers can make systems that designers can easily work with without tangling your code.
What are fundamental Artificial Intelligence skills a student needs to build their own games and enter the games industry? Game Artificial Intelligence addresses this question and provides the knowledge and practical skills in four key areas: Research, Steering behaviours, Pathfinding (i.e. A*) and Decision Making. The module assessment challenges you to understand the importance of not just implementing AI algorithms, but also to engage in problem solving and research into the state-of-the-art AI methods employed in industry.
Students will work in a junior role in a group comprised of students from across the suite of games development courses to mimic a games development studio. They will work with other juniors and level 6 students who take the role of seniors, to make a vertical slice of a game.
This module will focus on tool development within Unreal Engine. The prerequisite for this module is C++ for Engines. Students will be asked to design and develop a game mechanic of their choice on a chosen topic, that has been approved, which demonstrates industry standard techniques.
A fast-paced and pretty module focusing on Visual Effects for Video Games within an engine. Here we focus on UEs Niagara system, Nanite, Lumen, and Shader Development. The purpose of this module is to not only understand the technical development of the VFX but also analyse the development process to identify the purpose of tools to enhance productivity in the development pipeline.
The Games Development Project module gives students an opportunity to undertake an in-depth piece of research testing and analysis or a high-quality artefact, ready for their portfolio. You can focus your studies on your career aspirations. Whether it's stylised game characters, stalking AI monsters, procedural environments, immersive level design, or a concept for futuristic vehicles. The project allows you the opportunity to work with a supervisor and tailor the project to you. Your supervisor will be your guide and project manager. Supporting you in your journey to create a highly developed outcome with industry standard software whilst receiving lectures on portfolio development and employability.
This module focusses on the theory and practice of developing for mobile. The processes required to converting a game to mobile but also the requirements to implement the theory behind mobile game development to an indie project from initial idea generation. A strong focus on app store optimisation (ASO) too, with an aim to develop a clear understanding of monetisation mechanisms, acquisition, and retention.
Students will work in a senior role in a group comprised of students from across the suite of games development courses to mimic a games development studio. They will work with other seniors to effectively support and lead a team including level 5 students, to make a vertical slice of a game.
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