Unlock your creativity, take your skills to the next level and study games programming at SAE. On our games programming course, you’ll learn the programming and software development techniques that make games work. You’ll also explore topics like games AI, procedural generation, tools development and gameplay programming – all while using the very best industry-standard games development software.

What you can expect from your Games Programming degree

Always wanted to learn to make games as a games programmer? With SAE’s games programming degree, you’ll take part in an immersive learning experience – uniquely tailored to aspiring games programmers. Integrating fundamental theories with hands-on practice, you’ll set yourself up for success as you prepare for a thriving career from the moment you arrive. Available in a 2-year accelerated format or a more standard 3-year option across all SAE campuses, you can select the study calendar that best suits your lifestyle.

Throughout this unique and practical focused games programming course, you’ll refine industry-specific skills, gaining technical expertise and practical proficiency. During your time as an SAE student, you’ll have unlimited access to the industry-standard software in our state-of-the-art computer labs, meaning you’ll gain a good working knowledge of software programmes like Unreal Engine 5, Unity3D, Visual Studio and Maya, and programming languages C++ and C#.

In addition to mastering programming techniques, you’ll gain vital project management skills, refine your academic writing abilities, and learn how to problem-solve effectively to ensure optimal project results. Over the course of your game programming degree, you’ll also benefit from the mentorship of SAE’s experts, who are all seasoned professionals in the industry with a vast amount of knowledge to share.

Levelling up

As part of your degree in games programming, you’ll work with your fellow games programme degree students, as well as those in other creative disciplines such as music, film and animation, on a range of projects that mirror real-world scenarios. This will build your teamwork skills, enrich your professional portfolio and provide you with an extensive network of creatives to stay in touch with after graduation.

At the end of your studies, you’ll have gained essential knowledge across game engines, mechanics and mechanisms and will be well versed in design principles, composition algorithms, artificial intelligence and many other industry-relevant topics. So, whether your dream is to become a game designer, analyst, programmer or writer, it’s definitely game on at SAE.

What you'll learn

At the end of your Games Programming degree you will:

Gain key knowledge and skills in game programming, forming a solid foundation for your future studies and career.

Learn programming languages C++ and C#.

Confidently operate the latest industry software, including 3ds Max, Unreal Engine 5, Maya and Unity3D.

Design your own game world, NPCs, levels and content using common engines.

Understand professional workflows for environment creation and real-time games programming.

Collaborate on original projects with peers from other creative disciplines, such as animation, film and audio.

Develop a significant portfolio of work to present to industry.

Build a network of peers and professionals across the creative industries.

Graduate career-ready with a degree in games programming from a recognised creative institute.

Games programming course start dates available in January and September.

Career Outcomes

What Jobs will this course lead to?

Games Programmer

Level Designer

Simulation Programmer

Systems Designer

Graphics Programmer

Tools Programmer

User