BSc (Hons) Game Programming Bachelor's degree at Birmingham City University

This foundational module introduces you to the essential programming languages and tools needed for game development. Over the course of the semester, you will learn through a series of practical assignments and projects that challenge you to apply coding principles to create basic game functionalities.

Focusing on the creation and manipulation of 3D game assets, this module equips you with skills in using industry-standard 3D modelling software. Through hands-on workshops and guided tutorials, you will learn the techniques of modelling, texturing, and lighting, essential for building visually appealing game environments and characters. The module promotes not only technical skills but also artistic insight, critical for professional game development.

Understanding and implementing core game mechanics are crucial for any game developer. This module provides a deep dive into the rules and systems that drive game play. You will learn to design and program compelling game mechanics using scripting and visual scripting within popular game engines, ensuring engaging player experiences.

This module explores the technical aspects of creating and managing game assets efficiently. You will engage with the processes involved in asset integration, from initial design to implementation in game engines. Emphasis is placed on workflow efficiency, version control, and collaboration within teams, reflecting the real-world practices of game development studios.

In this module, you'll learn the principles of animation that bring game characters and objects to life. Practical sessions cover a range of animation techniques from keyframing to motion capture application. The focus is on creating smooth and responsive animations that enhance the storytelling and aesthetic value of games.

This module introduces the theories and principles of game design. Through project-based learning, you will develop games that incorporate effective design strategies, learning to balance creativity with player engagement. Topics covered include level design, narrative development, and user interface design, all critical to producing well-rounded game experiences.

This module delves into advanced programming concepts using high-performance libraries that are crucial for optimising game performance. You will explore different programming paradigms and techniques to enhance the efficiency and speed of game engines. The focus is on writing clean, effective code that can handle the demands of complex game systems.

The Mobile Development module introduces students to the fundamentals of creating interactive, responsive, and user-friendly applications tailored for mobile platforms. The module will encompass the essential languages, frameworks, tools, and design practices to ensure cross-platform compatibility and optimal user experience.

In this module, you'll experience the environment of a professional game studio. Working in teams, you will develop a game from concept to completion, mimicking the collaborative and iterative processes of real-world game development. This module emphasises project management skills, teamwork, and the integration of various game development disciplines.

This advanced module covers the architectural design and development of game engines. You will study various engine components such as rendering systems, audio, and physics engines. The practical component involves modifying and extending existing engines and development of your own, providing a deep understanding of how versatile and robust game architectures are built.

Explore the mathematical and programming techniques behind computer-generated graphics. This module covers topics such as 3D rendering, shading, and visual effects that are fundamental to creating visually stunning games. Through hands-on projects, you'll implement these concepts to enhance the graphical fidelity of your games.

Building on teamwork skills, this module challenges you to work with peers from different specialisations within the game development field. You'll engage in projects that require collaborative planning and execution, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the industry. This module is designed to improve your communication skills, adaptability, and ability to work effectively in diverse teams.

This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a credit-bearing, 40-week Professional Placement as an integral part of your undergraduate degree. The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able t

This module focuses on the integration of artificial intelligence in games. You will learn about AI techniques such as pathfinding, decision-making, and machine learning, and how they can be applied to create intelligent behaviours in game characters and environments. The coursework involves practical AI programming tasks that will challenge you to implement these concepts in real game scenarios.

Network programming is essential for multiplayer game development. This module introduces you to the fundamentals of networked games, including client-server architecture, synchronisation, and handling latency. You will develop skills in creating robust multiplayer game experiences that are optimised for performance and scalability.

Understanding and implementing realistic physics is crucial for immersive gameplay. In this module, you will explore the principles of mechanics, such as gravity, collision, and rigidity, and apply them to game development. The coursework includes developing physics-based systems and simulations that enhance the realism and interaction of game environments.

This module is dedicated to the specific challenges and opportunities of developing games for console platforms. You will learn about the technical requirements, development tools, and performance optimisation techniques specific to consoles. Projects will focus on leveraging console hardware features to enhance game functionality and player experience.

The Individual Honours Project is a capstone module that allows you to demonstrate the skills and knowledge you have acquired throughout the course. You will undertake a substantial independent project that involves researching, designing, and developing a novel project. This is an opportunity to showcase your creativity, technical ability, and understanding of professional game development practices.