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The University of Northampton · Undergraduate
BSc (Hons) Games Programming Bachelor's degree at Northampton
BSc (Hons) Games Programming at Northampton. The University of Northampton is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and this qualification is nationally recognised.
BSc (Hons)
Award
3
Years
Full-time
Study mode
80%
in work/study (15m)
About this course
Our Games Programming degree provides you with all skills needed for a successful career in the Computer Games industry. Apply today! From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Games Programming is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Northampton, based in Waterside Campus, University of Northampton. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Computer games and animation graduates from this provider, 80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 50% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £24,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Art & Design, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
7.7
/ 10
Strong
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Solid62
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Excellent80
Limited evidence Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 80% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Exceptional90
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 90% (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 6 modules
- Game Project: FundamentalsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module introduces students to group working practices within the context of a computer game development project. The module encourages the development of key interpersonal skills needed for collaborative work, such as communication, problem solving, respect and consideration of others, and identifying roles and responsibilities within a multidisciplinary group project.
- Programming 2D Computer GamesCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module introduces students to the skills, principles and concepts necessary to develop 2D computer games. Students apply aspects of High-Level Programming Language (HLPL) and development platforms to develop 2D computer games.
- Fundamentals of ProgrammingCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module introduces students to computer programming, and the concepts necessary to write a successful piece of code in a High-Level Programming Language (HLPL). Students develop essential skills to solve simple programming problems and are introduced to the principles underlying the design of High-Level Programming Languages.
- Programming for Game EnginesCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is for students to explore 2D game engine functionality and develop skills to manage and work with 2D objects, worlds and spaces. Students will engage with the important technical skills required for programming 2D computer games within a game engine.
- Database Design for Computer GamesCompulsory20 credits
Module details
In this module students apply the principles of database integrity to the design and development of database structures for computer games. Students apply data modelling techniques to establish, modify and maintain database integrity and data structures, using industry software and languages such as MySQL and Structured Query Language (SQL) PHP.
- Computer Games Architecture and OptimisationCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module introduces the main principles of computer games architecture, enabling students to gain practical experience of software engineering. Students explore computer game design, architecture and management, and gain an overview of game development process.
Year 2 6 modules
- Indie Games DevelopmentCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to: introduce the concepts and the fundamentals of Indie Games design, programming and development; to gain in-depth understanding of real-time animations for computer games applications; to further understand the process of computer games programming and development using game engines; to gain the technical skills by developing a 3D application project.
- Native Programming and CompilationCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module introduces students to the skills, principles and concepts necessary to develop console-based computer games. Students will author games for specific development hardware such as Xbox or PlayStation and use platform specific peripherals.
- Group Game Project: AdvancedCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module develops students' professional collaborative skills and experience of the game development process when working in multi-disciplinary groups to develop a 3D digital game to a deadline. Students use effective communication methods, empathy and compromise, problem solving and organisation skills within the context of a computer game project.
- Mathematics For Computer GamesCompulsory20 credits
Module details
In this module students acquire the essential mathematic skills which underpin computer games programming. Students will develop skills in Algebra, Geometry and Calculus in the context of computer games programming.
- 2D Graphics Programming for Computer GamesCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module explores the use of 2D graphics for computer games, and primarily focuses on fundamental mathematical techniques that underpin the manipulation and display of 2D images and objects. The module addresses key aspects of the human visual system and how it governs our interaction with the digital domain.
- Programming 3D Computer GamesCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to introduce the skills, principles and concepts necessary to develop high-performance 3D computer games. Students will construct appropriate algorithms to develop interactive gaming applications using contemporary game engines such as Unreal or Unity.
Year 3 6 modules
- Simulation and DynamicsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to introduce the basic concepts of computation through modelling and simulation that are increasingly being used by computer games developers/programmers to shorten design/implementation cycles and simulate the impacts of alternative approaches; to introduce students to scientific programming through exploring a range of programming and modelling concepts using the appropriate mathematical software.
- Group Game Project: Industry PracticeCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module develops the student's experience and collaborative skills when working in multi-disciplinary groups to develop a social computer game to a deadline. Students are encouraged to apply themselves professionally to recognised industry specialisms within the framework of a live computer game project.
- AI for Computer GamesCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module encourages the development of skills and techniques in artificial intelligence systems specifically for computer games. Learners will be required to build intelligent computing machines and computer-controlled game objects through multi-disciplinary projects such as robotics, economic behaviour and psychology.
- 3D Graphics Programming for Computer GamesCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module encourages learners to develop skills in programming methods as applied to 3D graphics. Learners will explore programming techniques that permit a 3D space to be geometrically mapped onto a 2D computer screen and discuss API technologies used in the implementation of 3D graphics programming for contemporary computer games.
- Programming Multiplayer Computer GamesCompulsory20 credits
Module details
In this module students are equipped with the skills, principles and concepts to develop and implement social computer games using an appropriate programming language and development platform. Students gain a critical appreciation of the lifecycle of social games development, and the related industry expectations and standards
- Games DissertationCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to provide the opportunity for the student to undertake the research and self-management of a Computer Games related problem that permits the integration of the main areas of study in the student's study programme. The module also permits the development of higher order intellectual skills.
Foundation Year 3 modules
- Professional and Academic Skills for University StudyCompulsory40 credits
- Applied Learning ProjectCompulsory40 credits
- Foundations in TechnologyCompulsory40 credits
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
This degree equips you with technical and creative skills for the games industry. You'll usually start with visual fundamentals, colour, composition and form, alongside workshops in digital tools and materials. Year 1 also covers art and design history to ground your practice in contemporary context. In Year 2, you'll develop sustained studio projects, explore digital and emerging media such as 3D and interactive design, and work on live briefs with real clients and deadlines. By Year 3, you'll specialise in areas such as graphic design, illustration, UX & digital, or fine art, alongside professional practice modules that prepare your portfolio for industry. Your studies culminate in a self-directed final major project, publicly exhibited as part of the degree show.
Who it's for
Games Programming suits students interested in the technical and creative aspects of game development. Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; among accepted students in recent years, 90% came in with A-levels or equivalent. The typical UCAS tariff band for accepted students was 112–127 points. The course is taught in English.
University & format
The University of Northampton, a university founded in 1975, delivers this degree over 3 years full-time at its Waterside Campus. Teaching is in English. The course is offered by a recognised UK degree-awarding body, so your degree is nationally recognised. The university holds Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Application timelineWhat happens next
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Published entryBCC at A-Level or, DMM at BTEC/Cambridge typical offer
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Open daysOpen Days
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists a typical A-level offer of BCC. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent90% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 112 - 127 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check Northampton's official course page for the current offer.
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 90% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
| an Access course | 5% |
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.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Your UCAS points0
▾
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Add your grades to see where you land
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
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 by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesBBBA-level equivalent admitted students held
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write 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.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results 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 Northampton 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
Home£9,790 / yr
International£17,000 / yr
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at Northampton →For students who normally live in England
illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, published course home fee
illustrative borrowing over 3 years
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
All Northampton funding →Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
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.
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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check
Careers & earnings
What Art & Design graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £24,000 | £22,000 – £26,500 | 10 |
| 3 years after | £23,000 | £15,500 – £27,000 | 45 |
| 5 years after | £29,000 | £23,000 – £36,000 | 45 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
80%
in work or further study 15 months on
50%
in highly skilled work or study
90%
continue past their first year
50%
find their work meaningful
50%
say work fits their future plans
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in art & design · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Art & Design nationally
Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£24,000
£22,000 – £27,000After 3 years LEO
£23,000
£17,000 – £24,000After 5 years LEO
£29,000
£20,825 – £29,400national rangethis course’s medianaxis £16,000 – £30,500
National figures for Art & Design 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.
80 of 100
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
80% working0% working and studying0% in further study50% in highly skilled work or study
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. 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 Art & Design courses at the same study level.
This course £29,000Peer median £24,500Middle 50% £22,125–£26,500
89th percentile
Compared with 1,698 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 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
- Skilled trades occupationsSOC 2020 5 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,241
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
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: 25; response rate: 60%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BSc (Hons) Games Programming worth it?
Weigh it carefully. On these figures graduates of BSc (Hons) Games Programming earn close to non-graduate pay, so on cost alone the course is slow to pay off.
Slower payoff: a long break-even relative to what this course adds
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 3 years of wages given up while studying. The line clears zero around year 25.7. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
+£20,630
10-year payoff
extra earnings over the first decade, after the fees you pay
1.7×
Return on investment
extra earnings over 10 yrs per £1 of fees
£29,370
Tuition over the course
£9,790/yr × 3 yrs (published course home fee)
£29,000
Grad earnings, 5 yrs on
£5,000 above a non-graduate (£24,000)
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 3 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
Job market & outlook
How Art & Design graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
87%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Art & Design courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes55%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled85%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuationHow 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
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Art & Design graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Design studios & agencies
- In-house brand teams
- Games & media companies
- Freelance & self-employed
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Art & Design graduates.
Fine Art TechnicianFirst Choice StaffPharmacy Technician – Brand New State-of-the-Art HospitalCompass AssociatesArtificial Intelligence Engineering ManagerMBN SolutionsArtificial Intelligence EngineerExperis UKDelivery Driver (Part Time 24 hours) - AndoverOcado LogisticsCompliance Business PartnerNashrock Insurance RecruitmentLive from the StudySmarter job board · as of 2026-08-01.See all matching jobs
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
💷
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. 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
80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £24,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
🎯
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
⭐
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 7.7 out of 10: NSS 61.9% · in work or study 80% · continued 90%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Northampton
All students13,505
International16.4%
Aged 25+34.8%
Design, and creative and performing arts across the UK
Students178,755
Aged 25+15.7%
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Waterside Campus, University of Northampton
2,220 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Violent Crime 679Anti Social Behaviour 509Shoplifting 183Public Order 163Other Theft 143
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Art & Design right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Northampton 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 Northampton’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 Northampton and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Northampton
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
Entry is offer-based and set by the university. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 112 - 127 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
What are the entry requirements?
Set by Northampton. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
What do graduates go on to do?
For Computer games and animation graduates from this provider, 80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 50% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £24,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
What will it cost me?
The published home tuition is £9,790 per year for this course. 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.
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