Computer Science with Games Programming BSc(Hons)

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Start Dates

21 September 2026

Duration

3 years full-time 4 years inc. placement year

UCAS Tariff

120-112

About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

  • Focus on game-specific technologies while utilising industry-standard hardware and software in dedicated labs with high performance graphics cards.
  • A Common First Year across our Computing suite of degrees gives you the flexibility to switch courses later if another area is of more interest.
  • This course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), setting you on the path to Chartered IT Professional and Chartered Engineer status.

Accreditation and Professional Links

Recognised connections to give you an extra edge when you graduate. Read More

Games development is a large and thriving industry in the UK. The games industry is constantly evolving and, as technology advances, the technical requirements needed are ever increasing. This course is designed, therefore, to prepare you for a career in this faced-paced world. The top five job titles advertised in the UK for graduate roles associated with Computer Science with Games Programming courses are Software Engineer, Games Designer, Environment Artist, Gameplay Programmer and Gameplay Engineer.*

Supporting you to create novel solutions to tackle the issues that face the industry, our course covers general computing and software engineering knowledge and techniques that apply across the computing industry. In the National Student Survey 2025, Computer Science ranked top in Yorkshire for assessment and feedback.

You'll study programming languages, including Java, and we'll support you in progressing to C++, the industry standard language for writing performant software. You'll also explore the technical aspects of games development in dedicated games modules, covering everything from game engine architecture to computer graphics and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

*Lightcast data extracted from Graduate Career Explorer – job postings from Dec 2023 to Nov 2024 showing jobs advertised associated with a selection of relevant graduate roles.

Career opportunities after the course *

Game Developers

Software Engineers

Gameplay Engineers

Game Designers

Animators

*Lightcast

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

BBB-BBC at A Level.
DMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.
120-112 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications.
Access to Higher Education Diploma in a subject that is relevant to the course with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.
Merit at T Level.
120-112 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.

Entry is also possible from the Engineering Foundation Year. To progress onto this course from the Foundation Year you must pass all modules and achieve an average mark of 40% or above.

In addition you must have GCSE English Language or Literature at grade 4 or above and Maths at grade 5 or above, or grade C and B respectively if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered.  For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

What will you learn?

Course Details

In this module we introduce you to basic computing science and mathematical concepts related to software development. Topics covered include set theory, graphs and trees, finite state machines, grammars and languages, propositional logic and searching and sorting algorithms. You’ll put the theory into practice using a programming language and software that lets you directly implement finite state machines.

Working as part of a team, this module aims to provide you with an understanding of hardware, software and industry best practices used by businesses. In your teams you’ll be supported in planning, designing and developing a prototype product. This experience has been designed to introduce you to the product development cycle, technology limitations and possible future developments.

This module will provide you with fundamental knowledge of computer hardware and systems software. You will gain knowledge in the fundamentals of computer hardware ranging from basic digital logic to instruction sets and microarchitecture. The practical elements of this module will equip you with an ability to work with basic system software at a machine instruction-level.

This module aims to introduce you to the core programming concepts using procedural programming fundamentals. In addition, you will gain knowledge of variables, operators, and control flow including loops and branches, functions and data types.

This module introduces the core fundamental principles of computer networking. You will gain knowledge of the theoretical concepts of networking, such as addressing, switching and routing. Furthermore, you will be exposed to key issues, such as network security, along with typical techniques used to address these issues. In addition to the theoretical aspects of networking, you will plan, design and implement practical solutions using live or simulation tools.

This module aims to introduce you to fundamental programming concepts using an object-oriented programming approach. Additionally, you will gain knowledge of high-level notions of algorithms, data structures, and program testing and evaluation.

This module introduces the concepts and practices of modern computer games development through analysing and utilising various common computer graphics application programming interfaces (APIs in an industrial standard C++ programming environment). Our aim is to equip you with knowledge and skills in designing and developing a professional computer game for any targeted platforms through a rigid quality control process. The main focus is on the graphics engine, and this is supported by a careful study of the theory and practice of game mathematics and computer graphics.

This module aims to familiarise you with the major non-graphical components of modern game engines including the resource management and physics subsystems. It also covers the game object model and the various tools used to build a game, such as level editors. The module covers both the theory and implementation of these typical components, as well as the overarching architecture of the game engine. You will be supported in using a games industry standard programming language (e.g. C++) to explore approaches to game engine design and development. You will also study engines and middleware used by industry (e.g. Unreal Engine, BulletPhysics) to help you gain an understanding of the challenges facing professional game engine programmers.

You will partake in multiple weeklong game jams, working as part of a team to design, develop and produce a game. The module will allow you to develop your understanding and practical abilities in games production processes on both a technical and professional level, with a strong focus on team and communication skills and encouraging an active approach to individual professional development and team responsibilities. You and your team are expected to conform to professional working standards and follow an agreed code of conduct as part of the module; individual contributions to teamwork and attendance on timetabled sessions contribute to assessment and will be monitored.

In this module you will be supported in expanding your programming skills to cover a range of standard data structures (e.g. lists, trees and graphs) and algorithms (e.g. searching, sorting and traversals) for both sequential and concurrent systems. You will also study how to analyse systems in order to determine their complexity, correctness and safety, and to calculate their efficiency.

Can machines (in particular computers) be intelligent? And what does that mean precisely? These are the main questions that we try to answer in this module. We will explore how machines can achieve intelligent tasks in a variety of settings. In the first half of the module we consider settings with full observability and determinism, these are like laboratory conditions or puzzle games. In this setting, we will look at knowledge representation, problem solving, and planning. In the second half of the module the settings are relaxed, and we will study how to deal with the uncertainties that arise from this. In particular, we will see how to deal with opponents, with incomplete and/or uncertain information, and how intelligent agents can learn.

This module allows you to explore the programming language that underpins major operating systems, applications, the Internet and the World Wide Web. Throughout this module you’ll be supported in expanding on the procedural and object-based coding skills that you have developed so far. You’ll be given an introduction to 'C' programming leading into C++ programming with a push toward Objective-C. You’ll then be supported in building a client-server system where the client could be a smartphone, tablet or a desktop PC. Techniques for accessing Object Request Brokers and databases will be covered, and the concept of Design Patterns will be introduced.

This module covers the mathematical foundations required for scientific computing. You’ll be introduced to fundamental concepts in algebra and be supported in developing an understanding of both analytical and numerical methods for solving equations in one variable. You'll also be introduced to error analysis and proof.

In this module you will study the architectures of computer operating systems, including how they deal with resource allocation, management and security, in both single processor systems and multiple distributed processor systems (networks).

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

This course offers an optional one-year work placement after Year 2.

    This module is driven by you. You are asked to select a problem to solve which is relevant to your degree, and of appropriate scope and depth to be tackled within a timeframe of 30 weeks. Carrying out the project enables you to develop and demonstrate your ability to undertake research, manage time, use your initiative, learn independently, discuss and write convincingly on a subject requiring independent learning. A supervisor will support you throughout your project. You’ll use your existing knowledge and be encouraged to acquire additional skills as you carry out your project. The aim of the project is to suggest a solution to an identified problem. Your final report should describe the aims, scope and motivation of the project, the research you have undertaken, and the technical solution provided, including justification for design and development decisions.

    This module aims to develop your abilities in advanced specialist skills in computer games development. It covers advanced games programming technologies and techniques, particularly relating to innovative gaming interface systems. The module will explore the advancements in, and potential of, such novel Human Computer Interface (HCI) technologies for future developments in games and new game genres. It also introduces technologies and tools for defining and measuring software quality through adopting Software Metrics, Software Quality Models, and Process Maturity Model.

    Teams of approximately 8 students will form a games development team, allocating production roles and responsibilities as per standard games industry studio structure. Working from an agreed design outline, you will develop a professional quality game, to either a publishable standard or in the case of larger titles a vertical slice with the potential to attract publisher investment. You are expected to conform to professional working standards and an agreed code of conduct, this will include polished pitching and proposals, collaborative team working driven via sound project management and structured task assignment alongside an Agile development approach.

    You will also choose one optional module in this year. The current optional modules are:

    Recent advances in information technology have facilitated massive collection of data in numerous areas, leading to major developments in data-driven Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches. This module allows you to obtain a fundamental understanding of such approaches, particularly advanced machine learning techniques to construct intelligent systems capable to recognise, classify, or decide, among others. We will consider several widely known approaches, including deep learning, and investigate typical applications and potential limitations. You will learn which techniques are appropriate for which learning problem and their advantages and disadvantages. You will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge using industry standard tools and delve into high profile data-driven applications such as medical imaging and natural language processing.

    This module aims to provide you with an understanding of computational perspectives of mathematics, with an emphasis on matrix methods and data modelling. You’ll be supported in developing the ability to use both analytical and numerical techniques for solving large systems of linear equations and in analysing the resulting algorithms in terms of robustness, performance, stability and accuracy. You’ll be encouraged to broaden your mathematical understanding by applying your knowledge to real-world problems in developing solutions to a range of computational challenges using industry standard software (such as Matlab).

    For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

    Teaching and Assessment

    Discover what to expect from your tutor contact time, assessment methods, and feedback process.

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    Global Professional Award

    At Huddersfield, you’ll study the award-winning Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* — so you’re ready for the career you want, whatever subject you choose.

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    Interested in a placement?

    Placements

    You’ll have the opportunity to complete an optional placement year (minimum 36 weeks, up to 48 weeks) in Year 3, either in the UK or abroad. This is your chance to gain hands-on experience, develop industry-specific skills, and enhance your career prospects. You’ll apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting while exploring potential career paths.

    Your placement will be monitored, and you’ll be assessed on your achievements, helping you refine your professional skills and prepare for your final year. Our Placement Unit and academic staff have strong industry connections and will support you throughout the process, from finding a placement to making the most of your experience. Students have previously secured placements with companies such as Axia Digital, CGI IT UK Limited, Bank of America and Control Software Solutions.

    Find Out More
    Where could this lead you?

    Your Career

    Previous graduates from courses in this subject area have gone on to work in a variety of roles such as Engineering Manager, XDEV Producer, Senior DevOps Engineer, Technical Designer and Lead AI Programmer in organisations including Playstation, Rockstar Games, IBM, Sony, King and Spotify.
    Additionally, you may gain skills that are transferable to other industries and may be able to pursue any career that requires a good honours degree. You could go on to further study and the University has many options available for postgraduate study (including postgraduate teacher training) and research which may interest you.**

    **Source: LinkedIn

    90%
    Percentage of graduates from this course who are in work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduation.

    * (HESA Graduate Outcomes 21/22, UK Domiciled).

    The University helped set me up for getting a job in the games industry. My placement year at Creative North Studios was massively beneficial and the course tutors taught me valuable skills to prepare me for work.

    - Peter Bottomley
    Computer Games Programming BSc(Hons), Senior AI Programmer at Rockstar Games

    How much will it cost?

    Fees and Finance

    £9,790 per year

    This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

    Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

    From January 2027 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

    For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/study/fees/

    £17,600 per year

    This information is for international students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

    Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

    For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/

    Home

    The tuition fee for a placement year is £1000. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

    International

    The tuition fee for a placement year is £3,300. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

    Optional short field trips e.g. one day, are sometimes also arranged. Previous field trips have included Digital Skills Festival - Talent Day, Bletchley Park and National Museum of Computing. The costs of these field trips are heavily subsidised by the school but can sometimes incur a nominal cost and/or deposit of between £5 and £40 depending on the trip.

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    Tuition Fee Loans

    Find out more about tuition fee loans available to eligible undergraduate students.

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    What’s included in your fee?

    We want you to understand exactly what your fees will cover and what additional costs you may need to budget for when you decide to become a student with us.

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    If you have any questions about Fees and Finance, please email the Student Finance Team.

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    What does the univsersity offer?

    Gallery

    Virtual Reality equipment

    Virtual Reality Equipment

    canalside studio

    Students in Canalside Studios

    drawing tablet

    Wacom drawing tablet

    playtesting

    Playtesting games

    Computer Games Lab

    Specialist Computer Games Lab

    Final Year Poster Presentation - Sania Saleem

    This is an example of work produced by participants in the Computer Science Poster Presentation. Students create a poster on their dissertation and showcase their work at the prizegiving presentation.

    Final Year Poster Presentation - Yusuf Manjra

    This is an example of work produced by participants in the Computer Science Poster Presentation. Students create a poster on their dissertation and showcase their work at the prizegiving presentation.

    Final Year Poster Presentation - Aadam White

    This is an example of work produced by participants in the Computer Science Poster Presentation. Students create a poster on their dissertation and showcase their work at the prizegiving presentation.

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    Games Development - Hear from our Students

    Our Games Development courses share a common first year, so you will gain a thorough understanding in the basics of the game development process, including how to plan, design and create game ideas and concepts. Learning to produce design prototypes, concept and artwork, scripting and playtesting all to learn the skills of the entire game production cycle.

    Undergradute Open Days

    Visit our Undergraduate Open Day to explore our courses, tour the campus, and meet academics and students who can answer your questions.

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    Students using a PC

    Subject-Specific Activities

    Interested in the activites we offer? We have a range of workshops, talks and resources to help inform your future study and career pathways

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    Computer Science at Huddersfield

    Watch and listen to Computer Science students at Huddersfield discuss what they've enjoyed about our courses, the skills they have developed, and how they now feel better prepared to find a job upon finishing their degrees.

    More on Computer Science

    Why Hud

    Explore the unique opportunities and resources that make our institution a top choice for students seeking a well-rounded and future-focused education.

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    Explore Huddersfield

    Make Huddersfield your home. A Yorkshire town, surrounded by beautiful countryside, with easy access to neighbouring cities; Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield. You’ll find plenty of places to eat, drink, shop and socialise, there’s ambitious plans for future development. Our campus is situated next to the town centre - making your commute a breeze.

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    Your Student Experience

    Get involved in great opportunities helping you to make friends from all across the world and create lifelong memories. Join one of over 100 societies with the Students’ Union, experience new cultures through global events, earn whilst you learn and build your skills via our Global Professional Award.

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    Budget Friendly

    Huddersfield is not only one of the friendliest towns, it also offers you a lower cost of living than most big cities. This means you could have more money to spend, making your uni experience even better. On campus you’ll also find plenty of facilities and services to help you budget and make your money go further.

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    Sustainability Matters

    We’re committed to sustainability and aim to be carbon neutral by 2030. Our plan includes reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and improving wellbeing through sustainable buildings. We’re investing in digital solutions, low-impact travel, and embedding sustainability into teaching and research, investing over £1m in carbon reduction.

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    Committed to Your Future

    Since 2015, we’ve invested £198 million to create spaces where you can learn, collaborate and thrive. We’re continuously investing in our campus with your wellbeing in mind—adding features that make our buildings healthier, more supportive and better places for you to succeed.

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    Careers support

    We know you’re coming to university to study on your chosen subject, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.

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    Student support

    At the University of Huddersfield, you’ll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you’ll soon discover that you’re never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey.

    See our support services

    Teaching Excellence

    Great teaching is engaging and inspiring — it helps you reach your full potential and prepares you for the future. We don’t just teach well — we excel — and we have the awards and recognition to prove it.

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    Inspiring Academics

    Our researchers carry out world-leading work that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Staff within the Department of Computer Science may teach you on this course.

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    Research Excellence

    You’ll be taught by staff who want to support your learning and share the latest knowledge and research.

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    Accommodation

    Looking for student accommodation? Huddersfield has you covered. HudLets has a variety of accommodation types to choose from, no matter what your preference. HudLets is the University’s approved accommodation service, run by Huddersfield Students’ Union.

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    Further Study

    If you want to continue your learning beyond your undergraduate degree, there is a range of financial support available for postgraduate study, including discounts for Huddersfield graduates.

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    Legal information

    When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by our terms and conditions, Handbook of Regulations and associated policies. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan.

    Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons:

    Changes to a course you have applied for but are not yet enrolled on

    If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment. We may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and if you are unhappy with the change we will discuss with you other suitable courses we can transfer your application to. If you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

    Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

    Changes to option modules

    Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have an equivalent range of options to that advertised for the course. We will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

    Major changes

    We will only make major changes to non-optional modules on a course if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change is a change that substantially changes the outcomes, or a significant part of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum. For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators or a commissioning or accrediting body. We may also make changes to improve the course in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback or to ensure you are being taught current best practice. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff being unable to teach due to illness, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to pandemics, other disasters (such as fire, flood or war) or changes made by the government.

    Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but may happen sooner in an emergency. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will consult with affected groups of students and any changes would only be made in accordance with our regulations. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you let us know before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for any additional tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so and you may be eligible for an exit award depending on how far through your course you are.

    In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed in accordance with the student protection plan.

    The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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