BSc (Hons) Games Programming · Teesside UniversityBachelor's degree · Duration varies
Request information University profile
Teesside University · Undergraduate

BSc (Hons) Games Programming Bachelor's degree at Teesside University

BSc (Hons) Games Programming at Teesside University is recognised as a nationally valid UK degree-awarding qualification. Teesside holds Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.

BSc (Hons)
Award
Years
Part-time
Study mode
70%
in work/study (15m)

About this course

BSc (Hons) Games Programming is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Teesside University, based in Teesside University Main Campus. It is studied part-time; duration varies by route.

For Computing graduates from this provider, 70% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 100% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £33,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)

For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Computer Science, see the sections below.

Course evidence score

The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.

7.2
/ 10
2 of 3 official measures
Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Strong70

Stronger evidence Published sample: 770. Cohort 2021-22. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 70% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Strong75

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 75% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Curriculum & modules

Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.

Year 1 4 modules
  • Algorithmic Problem Solvingcore30 credits
    Module details

    Learn about the maths, algorithms and data structures that are essential for computer science and computer games – putting first principles into an applied context. This module is closely linked to our programming modules and prepares you with essential, transferable problem-solving skills.

  • Game Creationcore30 credits
    Module details

    Gain the skills you need for game creation using a contemporary game engine. Understand the fundamentals of modern game development, including scripting, asset creation and level design.

  • Game Programming Fundamentalscore30 credits
    Module details

    Learn how to write computer programs with a focus on games-related applications. You consider common programming constructs that apply to multiple object-oriented programming languages such C++, Java, C#. You then focus on the games industry-standard C++ language.

  • Game Software Engineeringcore30 credits
    Module details

    Develop your programming and software engineering skills, knowledge and professionalism. Learn about advanced areas of C++ programming, along with standard analysis and design approaches.

Year 2 4 modules
  • Games Engine Constructioncore30 credits
    Module details

    You investigate the architectural requirements of a game engine and the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches. Create some of the identified systems such as graphics and simulation, demonstrating their effectiveness through a small game demo.

  • Journeymancore30 credits
    Module details

    You work with students from across all the games courses to develop a game slice in a team. Experience working in a production environment, and focus on specific skills in your own field of study while gaining valuable teamwork skills.

  • Mobile and Multiplayercore30 credits
    Module details

    Expand your knowledge and skills in games programming, computer architecture and software development. Focus on developing restricted mobile hardware and multiplayer aspects.

  • Programming for Game Enginescore30 credits
    Module details

    You focus on the low-level scripting available in modern game engines. Create your own custom functionality by programming algorithms, functions and classes at an engine level.

Final year 3 modules
  • 3D Graphicscore30 credits
    Module details

    The use of 3D graphics in computer games has become increasingly realistic, and is one of the most important methods in conveying the game state to the player. You investigate 3D graphics techniques and apply a selection of them to create a portfolio. Research modern 3D programming techniques and libraries, and become familiar with creating code to run on both the central and graphics processing units.

  • AI for Gamescore30 credits
    Module details

    Gain an integrated view of artificial intelligence (AI) and its application in computer games, exploring up-to-date and advanced AI techniques.

  • Games Projectcore60 credits
    Module details

    You undertake a large-scale project guided by a member of staff, where you produce a substantial piece of work related to your course alongside a written report. You also present and discuss your project.

Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.

Course in depth

What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.

What you'll study

You'll study games programming by building from programming fundamentals through to specialist applications. A course like this normally progresses from imperative and object-oriented programming, typically in Python and Java, alongside computer systems, architecture and discrete mathematics. In year two, you'll move to algorithms, data structures, databases and software engineering, alongside artificial intelligence and machine learning. Year three introduces specialist options such as cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems and networks, software engineering, data science, and artificial intelligence, alongside security and networks, before completing a substantial supervised project. Throughout, you'll develop the technical foundation needed for modern game engine and systems development.

Who it's for

This course suits those balancing study with work or other commitments, given its part-time structure. Many entrants bring prior higher-education experience: 40% of accepted students came in with another higher-education qualification in recent years. You'll need English-language proficiency and an interest in games programming within the broader Computer Science field.

Careers & job market

Across Computer Science courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 75% are in highly skilled roles or continuing their studies. National earnings data shows Computer Science graduates typically earn £25,000–£35,000 at the 15-month mark, rising to £29,750–£42,000 after five years. The course covers specialisations such as Software Engineering, Data Science, AI & Machine Learning, Cyber Security, Web & Mobile, Cloud & DevOps, Games, and HCI, preparing you for varied technical roles.

University & format

Teesside University is a University located on its Main Campus. This BSc (Hons) Games Programming is delivered part-time in English. The university, founded in 1930, is a recognised UK degree-awarding body; your degree is nationally recognised. The Office for Students awarded the university Gold for teaching quality in the TEF 2023.

Applicant information

The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.

Published entry56 points typical offer

Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.

2027 entry deadlineApply directly to the provider

Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates

AccreditationBCS

Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.

PlacementPublished placement option

Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.

Open daysBook an open day

See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.

2026 entryLive availability check

Opened 2 July 2026; last choice 19 October 2026. Check vacancies now. A cached page never claims a place is still available.

Entry & how to get in

Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists a typical A-level offer of 56 points. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Most entrants held another higher-education qualification40% of accepted students came in with another higher-education qualification (entrants over recent years).
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check Teesside University's official course page for the current offer.

Who gets in

What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.

Qualifications held on entry

QualificationShare
another higher-education qualification40%
A-levels or equivalent30%
a previous degree25%
an Access course5%

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Offer-based entry

Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.

How to apply

Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.

Apply byApply directly to the providerfor this course
UCAS codeGGK6quote this on your application
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course (code GGK6). One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write your personal statement

    A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.

  3. 3
    Submit by Apply directly to the provider

    Part-time application dates vary by provider. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results day & confirmation

    On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask Teesside University whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

Homeup to £9,790 / yr
International£17,000 / yr

Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).

Check fees at Teesside University →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
Check providertuition used per year, no published course home fee, total not estimated
total borrowing, course length not published

2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.

Starting on or after 1 January 2027?

The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.

Paying for it

  • Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
  • Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
  • Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
  • Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.

England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All Teesside University funding →

Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.

Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.

StudyKit · free

Still deciding what to study?

StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.

Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

Careers & earnings

What Computer Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.

Graduate earnings: this course

WhenMedianTypical rangeGraduates
15 months after£33,000£26,000 – £45,000770
3 years after£21,000£16,000 – £31,50030
5 years after£27,000£20,500 – £40,00040

Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 770. Cohort 2021-22.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

70%
in work or further study 15 months on
100%
in highly skilled work or study
75%
continue past their first year
  1. 1Graduate / Junior DeveloperFirst engineering role · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Software EngineerShipping features end-to-end · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / Lead EngineerOwning systems and mentoring · 5–9 yrs
  4. 4Principal / Engineering ManagerArchitecture or leading teams · 9+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Computer Science nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£33,000
£25,000 – £35,000
After 3 years LEO
£21,000
£23,375 – £33,000
After 5 years LEO
£27,000
£29,750 – £42,000
national rangethis course’s medianaxis £19,500 – £43,500

National figures for Computer Science graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.

Work out your pay

Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.

What happened to 100 students?

Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.

70 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

70% working0% working and studying0% in further study100% in highly skilled work or study

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 770. Cohort 2021-22. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.

Value compared with similar courses

How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Computer Science courses at the same study level.

This course £27,000Peer median £34,500Middle 50% £29,000–£43,000
16th percentile

Compared with 1,820 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.

UK occupations graduates enter

Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.

  • Information Technology ProfessionalsSOC 2020 213 · 50% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
  • Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
  • Business, Research and Administrative ProfessionalsSOC 2020 243 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £48,746
  • Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
  • Artistic, literary and media occupationsSOC 2020 341 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £33,824
  • Design occupationsSOC 2020 342 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £35,957

Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 15; response rate: 80%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.

Job market & outlook

How Computer Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.

85%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Computer Science courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
75%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
85%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

How AI is changing the work

AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.

What AI takes off your plate

  • Boilerplate and scaffolding code
  • First-pass tests and docs
  • Routine debugging and refactors
  • Standard data wrangling

More human than ever

  • System design and architecture trade-offs
  • Reviewing and owning correctness & security
  • Translating fuzzy problems into software
  • Leading delivery and mentoring

The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.

Roles & employers

Where Computer Science graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.

Where they work

  • Tech companies
  • Banks & fintech
  • Consultancies
  • Government (GDS) & startups

Is this course right for you?

The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.

💷

Student finance

For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.

📈

Where graduates go

70% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £33,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.

Official-data snapshot

Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 7.2 out of 10: in work or study 70% · continued 75%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

Teesside University

All students21,570
International28.5%
Aged 25+57%

Computing across the UK

Students205,990
Aged 25+31.2%

HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.

Local crime-data context

A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.

Around Teesside University Main Campus

2,900 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.

Violent Crime 963Shoplifting 389Anti Social Behaviour 331Public Order 257Criminal Damage Arson 199

Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.

Is Computer Science right for you?

Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.

International students

What applying to Teesside University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is £17,000 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.

English language

Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.

Student visa

You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.

Scholarships & funding

Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Teesside University’s funding pages.

Living costs

Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.

Working while you study

A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.

Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Teesside University and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Set by Teesside University. Most accepted students held another higher-education qualification. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
For Computing graduates from this provider, 70% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 100% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £33,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
No obligation

Request information about BSc (Hons) Games Programming

Prospectus, key dates, entry and funding, free to your inbox.

No spam · unsubscribe anytime.