Curious about studying Computer Games Programming - 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
3 Year
Aimed at aspiring programmers, our Computer Games Programming degree will show you how to create exciting games with professional hardware and software tools. On our Computer Games Programming course, you'll explore a wide range of topics that enable you to become an exceptional computer scientist, with a strong focus on real-time applications. You'll be prepared for exciting roles in the games industry, from engine development and AI to real-time graphics, tools, and gameplay. The skills you'll gain are highly transferable, opening doors to careers across the wider tech and computer science sectors. You'll have the opportunity to master C++ or C# across a range of platforms, from native code on Windows, Linux and consoles, to powerful game engines like Unity and Unreal. You'll get hands-on experience with professional-grade hardware and software, developing for PlayStation 5, mobile devices, tablets and PCs in our games programming labs. As a TIGA-accredited course, we meet the highest industry standards, and our lecturers bring real-world experience from the games industry, backed by active research that keeps your learning fresh and relevant. You'll also connect with our award-winning industry partners through guest lectures, sponsored game jams, portfolio reviews, mock interviews and much more, giving you the edge when it comes to launching your career. On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: *BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming*
This module will challenge your ability to identify the operational and functional characteristics of a simple game and systemically take this product from conception to implementation with a theoretical backing in project formulation, planning and execution. Implementation will be performed using suitable game development frameworks, sound programming principles, for a proprietary gaming platform.
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.
Computer games systems need to solve computational problems very quickly, in order to deliver the best experience possible. In Computational Methods, students will learn the kinds of techniques, developed through computer science, that can help to solve computational problems in the most efficient ways possible. Students will also learn to appreciate just how long problems can take if the more efficient techniques are not employed.
This module will introduce you to the fundamentals of computer graphics in games and graphical programming techniques applied to games.
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.
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.
Modern computer games are often required to demonstrate a close approximation of the physics of the real world. At the very least, games need to be internally consistent. In Applied Mathematics for Games students will learn the mathematics and physics of the real world and learn how they can be adapted for in-game simulation.
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.
Networking and multiplayer elements are used in most games to connect players together and to allow them to interact and engage within a game world. In this module you will learn how to create a networking library that is able to send complex information over a network, design a multithreaded codebase that is able to run multiple strands of code concurrently and design and develop a multiplayer game.
This module will introduce you to graphics and real-time 3D rendering application, targeting high level shading and modern graphics API and C++. Considerations of object-oriented principles, extensible code, and rendering architecture as part of a game engine will be explored throughout the module.
Working in a group you will design and develop a complex game engine that will be able to deploy game builds to different platforms. This module will allow you to showcase all you have learned throughout your time on the course whether that is graphics, AI, optimisation, architecture, etc and take ownership of a feature set within a large codebase.
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.
Low-level Platform Optimisation provides the essential C++ low-level programming skills required for industry. Although the module is game-oriented, the knowledge applied is fundamental to any C++ programming project which requires optimisation and a fundamental knowledge of the underlying performance. The assessment will also test the ability to search for and apply platform specific techniques when porting an application.
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