From advanced games development to applied maths, this BSc (Hons) top-up degree powers up your knowledge for the games industry and programming-based environments. It enables you to specialise within the field of game programming , learning advanced techniques and skills using industry-standard software, techniques and workflows. You will also utilise language principles, such as C++ and Blueprints, to enrich and add depth to a range of games.
The games market in 2021 generated a total of $180.3 billion, with $93.2 billion belonging to the Mobile Games market. It was estimated that these revenues were driven by 3 billion players. According to UKIE, 19% of job roles in the gaming industry are related to programming with 78% of employees having a Bachelor's degree; 55% of these degrees fall into the Games/STEM field.
Working with
TYPICAL OFFER
Foundation Degree: 50% module average on the second year of an FD in a relevant subject.
HND: Merit grade in a relevant subject.
IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component.
International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria.
Mature applicants: University Centre Leeds welcomes applications from mature applicants who may not have met the academic criteria, but who can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and may be asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.
*21 years and over at the start of the course
RPL Claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).
You will develop and programme interactive mechanics that explore the advanced practices used in the gaming industry. You will pursue a problem related to your own interest, using your problem-solving abilities to produce a working solution. You will also have the opportunity to participate in a group project, building team working and professional skills. Alongside your games art and games development peers, you will develop and build a game through all of its core production stages.
Topics covered on this top-up degree include:
To reflect industry practice we promote the use of agile workflows and events such as game jams and societies. We focus on employability, so work is tailored to match and meet industry standards and workflows. We emphasise personal development, encouraging you to work with industry-standard software, tools and artwork.
This course is validated by The Open University
If you would like to apply for to study full time, please do so via UCAS.
The institution code for University Centre Leeds is L21.
The application fee for applying through UCAS is £28.50, unless you are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM).
How to Apply:
To access your account again and complete your application, use the second link provided in your verification email.
Apply Now: Direct Application Form
Need Help? For further information, please email admissions@ucleeds.ac.uk
Please note, if you apply directly, we are required to submit a Record of Prior Acceptance (RPA) application to UCAS on your behalf if your application is successful and you enrol.
If you are:
you can make an application directly to us for this course.
To make your application, use the below link and register for an application account via the Create a New User facility. You will then be sent an email to the email address you provided when registering for an account, on which you will need to click the link to verify your email address.
Once you have created an account, you will then be able to start and save your application, should you not be able to complete it all in one go. Please note that your username is the email address you provided when registering for an account.
To access your account again should you need to complete and submit your application form, simply use the second link provided in your verification email.
To register for an application account please use the following link and use the Create a New User facility:
Internal Students - Direct Application Form
For further information in regards to this please email admissions@ucleeds.ac.uk
Level 6
Advanced Games Development (20 Credits)
Learn how to transfer code across multiple coding languages, while developing a wide range of games and applications. This module also builds on advanced debugging techniques and code reviews, which will accelerate the process of game creation.
Research (20 Credits)
Every design decision reflects the ideological, technological and historical context of production; and this module encourages you to directly address these design constructs. You will conduct independent research into this issue, locating its problem in a theoretical context with reference to existing exploration by practitioners and theorists.
Applied Maths for Computer Games (20 Credits)
Discover the fundamental maths concepts that will help you understand the vital calculations game engines run in the background. You will then use these concepts to create specialised gameplay mechanics from scratch.
Team Project (20 Credits)
This module focuses on the group-working element of game creation. Working as a group is a paramount skill within the games industry and you will join with other games artists, developers and programmers to create a complex game.
Major Project (40 Credits)
The Major Project allows you to pick a chosen field of expertise and showcase your specialist skills. You will develop your practical and theoretical skills by selecting, evaluating and analysing a pertinent issue within the contemporary computer games industry.
You will be given the opportunity to work across a wide range of projects, developing skills in the specialism of game programming; looking at the advanced programming techniques required to create well-developed, polished and optimised systems and functions. You will create industry-standard gameplay mechanics by implementing these systems and functions in multiple coding languages. There is heavy emphasis on the preparation of systems in order to support developers throughout the production process. Throughout the year, you will be preparing and creating work to be showcased within a portfolio.
You will develop the following skills:
Benefits include:
You will also develop your problem-solving skills, learning to appreciate and apply advanced techniques in the creation and development of games. You will learn the skills required to be a well-versed industry professional. You will develop a range of coding languages that are able to be used across multiple disciplines and industries, which will be vital to your career and personal development. All of these skills can be used in various job roles including Games Programmer, Gameplay Programmer, AI Developer and Software Developer.
Modules will be formally assessed and graded through a range of methods, including:
This range of activities provides the opportunity for everyone to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout the course of their studies.
The course is delivered in purpose-built suites at the University Centre.
TYPICAL OFFER
Foundation Degree: 50% module average on the second year of an FD in a relevant subject.
HND: Merit grade in a relevant subject.
IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component.
International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria.
Mature applicants: University Centre Leeds welcomes applications from mature applicants who may not have met the academic criteria, but who can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and may be asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.
*21 years and over at the start of the course
RPL Claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).
On completion of this top-up degree you can progress on to a Masters or seek relevant employment which may include:
For the latest version of the programme specifications for this course please click here.
For the latest version of the course handbook for this course please click here.
For the latest version of The Open University regulations please click here.
Applications are open for 2025 entry.
To apply directly to study at University Centre Leeds as an international applicant, please see the direct apply link further up this page or visit our 'How to apply' page and complete the steps.
You can also apply through UCAS.
For more information please visit our 'How to apply' page.
Course fees for Undergraduates are £14,000 (GBP)
Scholarship available £3,000 (GBP) all courses.
For more information about fees and scholarships, please click here.
Please see our entry requirements page for additional requirements as an international student
International students will study 5 additional hours on top of the regular timetable.
For more information about visa and immigration, please click here.
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