Considering the many opportunities offered by the growing games industry? This course could be for you. You'll graduate with an impressive portfolio to showcase your work.
You'll learn C++ and C# programming languages, use game engines, such as Unity and Unreal, and develop games for PC, mobile, tablet and the Sony PlayStation 4. Studies include the use of artificial intelligence in real-time strategy, race and first-person games as well as educational games. You'll also learn the computer science that underpins programming, such as requirements analysis and design and network communications.
You'll be able to participate in a 24-hour games creating team, Game Jams, and attend optional trips (such as the PC Gamer Weekender).
Attendance | UCAS code/apply | Year of entry |
---|---|---|
3 years full time | G625 | 2023 |
4 years full time including sandwich year | G611 | 2023 |
4 years full time including foundation year | G624 | 2023 |
6 years part time | Apply direct to the University | 2023 |
Location | Penrhyn Road |
Our games lab includes Sony PlayStation development consoles, PCs with GTX1080 graphics cards, and supports software including Microsoft Visual Studio 2017, Unity 3D Pro 2018, Unreal 4.20 and Maya.
Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.
In Year 1 you will develop game programming skills using the industry standard C++. Specialist modules cover 2D and introductory 3D games programming using a C++ game engine, together with the maths and physics required for game development. You will also broaden your knowledge in computing, including requirements analysis and design.
30 credits
This module is taken by all first year undergraduate students undertaking a degree in the computing subject area. Previous experience of programming is not assumed. The module seeks to introduce a foundation for programming that can be built on in subsequent years and that accommodates specialist practice within computing, e.g. games, software engineering, media, UX etc.
Teaching and learning is split between a variety of different units to ensure the module is flexible enough to accommodate each cohort and student's needs. As befits a practical discipline like programming, a hands-on approach is used that facilitates self-paced and self-directed learning. Students are encouraged to engage with, develop and experiment with programs in a constructivist fashion inspired by bricolage (Stiller, 2009; Stiller, 2017).
The intent is to build students' confidence as they learn to program, and provide a foundation that can be built on so that in later years they can go beyond simple solutions to problems and be ready to engage in fully-fledged application development.
30 credits
The module gives essential background in applied mathematics and physics for computer games developers. This will be done with a strong focus on practical engineering aspects and all the theoretical concepts will be introduced as elements of solutions of real problems typically encountered during the games development process.
30 credits
This module provides an introduction to the development process of computer games. It encompasses the introduction to conceptual game design, games programming as well as testing. The structure and functionality of games will be analysed. The use of game engines and game components, such as 2D sprites, 3D models, as well and sounds and text are introduced and applied. Students will be developing elementary 2D and 3D games as part of the assessment which should contribute to building of a portfolio
30 credits
This module focuses on the principles, methods, techniques and tools commonly used in the early analysis and design stages of the software development life cycle. Students work in teams on a software design project, in which they build application prototypes.
Projects are framed in an economic, commercial and business context, allowing students to be exposed to professional industry practices in a dynamic and changing environment. Teams will be expected to elicit, analyse and document requirements, applying a variety of software modelling and business modelling principles.
Students will be expected to make use of UX and service design principles to understand interactions and the structure of the services, people and processes of an organisation.
Prototypes will be designed, created, and demonstrated, in accordance with UX design best practices and requirements will be captured as artefacts via UML models, use cases, user stories, wireframes and other practises.
In Year 2 you will create games using engines such as Unity and Unreal. You will further develop your C++, C# and 3D graphics and shader programming knowledge. You will learn how to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) in your games including for real time strategy, racer and first person games as well as more serious and educational games. Underpinning this will be the computer science concepts of computer architecture, operating systems and parallel processing as well as network communications.
30 credits
The module will enhance your understanding of how modern computer systems are implemented from the perspectives of architecture, networking, operating system, parallel programming and algorithm complexity. You will explore the essential features and operations of modern computer architectures and acquire both theoretical and practical knowledge of the principles and major functions of modern operating systems. You will also develop knowledge of parallel programming and algorithm complexity so that you will be able to make use of new parallel computer architectures. Physical networks and their associated address schemes will also be explored.
30 credits
To provide you with core knowledge of the computer graphics methods of geometric modelling, projection, rendering and shading, as well as the state-of-the-art algorithms and solutions of artificial intelligence and to prepare you for writing your own computer games using industry-standard specialised software. It explores lower level games programming with an emphasis on C++ and shader programming, 3D graphics libraries, AI algorithms and the mathematical concepts underpinning them. The module is taught via a mixture of lectures and practical classes with strong lab support to simulate a game industry environment.
30 credits
This module teaches games programming with an emphasis on engines and middleware. It covers the components needed to implement computer games using the techniques which would be used in industry. The module stresses the importance of portfolio building to aid employability, and also the requirement to develop software in a rigorous, professional way. The module is taught via a mixture of lectures and workshops. The module links with the games inKUbator where you have the opportunity to work together to create games, emulating the industry environment.
30 credits
You will learn the underlying principles of digital imaging in both its static and moving forms. The theory will be supported by workshops using professional imaging, and video editing software, as well as software tools for manipulating audio.
The CGI Foundation part introduces you to the use of a professional 3D computer graphics and animation application. You will learn how to build 3D models, shade them using assorted textures, illuminate them and render them out as images. You will learn how to make an efficient use of data, and appreciate the underlying topology of the geometry that makes up that model. Assessment will mostly be by the creation of 3D computer generated assets and presenting these as rendered images.
30 credits
This module seeks to establish the skills required to build full-stack database-driven web applications. You will learn how to design, build and query databases according to user information needs using logical data models and structured query language (SQL). You will also learn how to design and build scalable interactive applications that are delivered over the web and integrated with a backend database.
30 credits
This is an optional module intended for undergraduate students who are studying computing-related subjects. HCI is the core academic discipline that examines the relationship and interface between human and computer. It informs and provides the theoretical and methodological foundation for user experience, the professional discipline which is practically applied. Although this module forms part of the user experience guided pathway it can be taken as a standalone module.
You will explore major themes in HCI from both a theoretical and a practical perspective. The module will establish an understanding of key concepts within HCI theory and methods, and examines techniques for HCI design and evaluation. It offers students a practical domain in which to apply knowledge and skills, including those gained from other modules, to the design, implementation and analysis of interfaces between people and computer systems. You will undertake practical exercises in which you will evaluate real-world problems to identify user experience issues. You will utilise the synthesis of data from methods which explore user needs and requirements and also users' cognitive models to build a suite of artefacts e.g. personas, user journeys, empathy maps etc which will inform a prototyping phase. This process involves iteratively building on low, medium and high-fidelity prototypes of increasing complexity and levels of iteration. Thus you will synthesise theory and empirical data to build prototypes of a redesign solution to usability issues. These artefacts will iteratively and incrementally inform a user centred design.
30 credits
This module builds on the foundations of the Level 4 modules, in particular TS4001 and develops knowledge and skills in creating and manipulating motion graphics assets, managing the editing process and compositing multi layered as well as multi nodal visual effects. This includes still images, video, audio, paint, and video based animation and effects.
These skills are further developed to a high level of appreciation, in particular for the flow of work for digital editing and contemporary composting in 2D and 3D spaces. You will acquire knowledge, develop skills and synthesis media products for self and tutor assessment. Professional level motion graphics, editing and compositing software will be employed. Furthermore studio based green/blue screen filming will be undertaken to create original material for visual effects project work.
30 credits
The primary aim of this module is to develop a range of skills in the creation of multimedia products, through the study and production of sophisticated content driven interactive material using industry standard multimedia authoring software. You will also be taught to write computer code (script) to a high level using a scripting language in order to generate interactive content, animation, navigation and data storage/retrieval.
60 credits
This module is an essential course programme component for students on the sandwich route of an honours degree "with professional placement". It is a key element in providing an extended period in industry gaining real world employability skills. Students are supported both before and through their placement by the SEC Placement team. Students that successfully complete their placement year will graduate with a 4-year sandwich degree.
In Year 3 you used an agile team-work to develop a game from initial concept to publishing stage with the aim of releasing a game on platforms such as the Google Play store or itch.io in a multidisciplinary team. You will develop skills in real-time C++ console and multiplayer game programming. In addition to the capstone project, which has a games theme, you may choose from a range of option modules.
30 credits
This module covers two important specialisms in computer games programming: low level device programming (such as for game consoles or mobile devices) and programming for networked games. The module is taught as "learning by doing" and comprises both theory taught in class and applied work in the laboratory.
30 credits
The goal of the module is to further develop skills in organisation, timekeeping, research literature, developing and critically analysing results as well as reporting work verbally and in a written format. The end result will be an artefact or artefacts which demonstrate creativity and technical competence as well as a technical report.
30 credits
The module provides an in-depth real-world simulation of the business of making computer games in teams using industry-standard production management techniques and simulating a professional environment of collaboration to deliver a product on time. The module links with the games inKUbator where you will have the opportunity to work with others to create games, emulating the industry environment.
30 credits
Students taking this module will have already developed proficiency in the use of a professional 3D Modelling and Animation software application, and so will understand the principles of modelling, lighting, texturing and rendering. This module will enable them to strengthen these skills and build a portfolio of 3D computer assets and 3D animation. They will acquire additional skills such as the use of 3D sculpting software, rendering using techniques such as global illumination and image-based lighting with a high understanding and skill. Students will be able to show their modelled work as a turntable animation using different rendering techniques.
The principles of animation are introduced and students will learn how to apply these principles to 3D computer animation. This is a practical module where the majority of a student's time is spent working at a computer. Similarly, assessment is practically based with multiple choice tests to show they understand both basic and advanced theoretical techniques. Taught in common with CI5003 and cannot be taken if CI5003 has already been taken.
30 credits
This is an optional module intended for undergraduate students who are studying Computing-related subjects. Although it forms part of the User Experience guided pathway it can be taken as a standalone module and previous experience of UX is not assumed. This module will focus upon the skills, methods and tools required in careers such as UX Architect, UX Designer, Service Designer, Information Architect or Digital Product Designer. The curriculum is finely balanced between theory and practice. Students are directly immersed in organisational practices and skills used in industry and will make use of academic theory in this practical context. Students will learn to develop investigative, analytical, technical, communication and advocacy skills to help them shape interactive technologies that augment people's abilities, enhance their creativity, connect them to others and protect their interests. They will also become aware of the impact of levels of digital literacy, availability of and access to technology, economic and business drivers, regulations, and regional/cultural norms. The module will also develop methods and skills required to understand current users, to investigate non-use, and to imagine future users.
30 credits
This module will consolidate and build on previously acquired knowledge of databases by analysing and evaluating important issues in the database area. In addition, advanced aspects of data warehousing and data mining will be studied, encompassing the principles and commercial application of the technologies.
30 credits
While this module provides a foundation for careers in mobile application development, mobile is becoming increasingly ubiquitous and the skills taught also have applications in UX, web development and software engineering in general. Although there are no prerequisites, it is assumed that students have acquired a general familiarity with programming and software development principles through their previous study.
The module is divided into two phases. In the first phase, students will be introduced to software development for the two major mobile platforms. This will cover development environments for these platforms, UI conventions, building and deploying simple applications. Students will then be introduced to cross platform development environments for mobile development.
In the second phase, standard frameworks for mobile web development will be introduced. The phase is organised around a practical project. Students will choose one of the platforms on which to build a mobile application of their choice. This project gives students the opportunity to specialise and explore their chosen platform in greater depth, acquiring the knowledge and proficiency to be able to design and build complex mobile apps. Students will be encouraged to publish their apps in one or both (in the case of a cross-platform app) of the two major app stores, thus providing an introduction to mobile application delivery and distribution.
30 credits
Entrepreneurship is a major driving force in creating economic growth and this module illustrates how to work in an entrepreneurial fashion. At the heart of entrepreneurship is innovation, which can come in many forms. Sometimes this can be an incremental but generally gives significant improvement to the customer. Alternatively it is a new breakthrough or transformational innovation. Incremental innovation is aimed at increasing the value of a product or service, to add more value and thereby creating new and superior value chains. Breakthrough innovation often creates new categories of product, or transforms the historical ways of doing things.
From this foundation, the module proceeds to explain how to develop a strategy, not only to satisfy the critical needs that organisations have, but also to explore the application and use of improved value chains using the concepts of corporate venturing (spin-out/intrapreneurship) and entrepreneurship (new venture creation).
However it is not simple to start a new company. Especially the tech branch is characterised by fast developments, shifts of focus and low barriers to entry, where holding back from "bleeding edge" is essential and is one of the important differentiating factors between Tech Entrepreneurship and other forms of entrepreneurship. This means that one can no longer count on "good luck", and insight, understanding, knowledge and a systematic approach all have to be learnt.
This module will convey the concepts needed for roles in analysis, consultancy and management in technology environments, plus the necessary knowledge to work successfully in an innovative company, as well as providing a good background for new venture creation (Entrepreneurship) for those considering self-employment or founding new technology firms
30 credits
This module aims to provide a strong theoretical and practical background necessary for you to build high quality scalable software and to operate effectively as an industry professional. It examines software quality concepts necessary to build high quality software architecture. The module introduces you to the concept of software architecture and architectural patterns as part of software design and reuse which can be viewed as components and interfaces. At a lower level, programming models and paradigms are explored, as well as design patterns and anti-patterns. Testing strategies and other software quality principles will also be covered, and you will explore these principles in the context of practical projects which expose you to industry tools, practices and management methodologies.
Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
Foundation year
If you would like to study computing or mathematics at Kingston University but are not yet ready to join the first year of a BSc (Hons) course, you can include an extra foundation year within your chosen degree. Please see the foundation year course page for details of modules.
Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.
As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.
At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.
Our games lab seats around 60 students. Three pairs of large projector screens in the laboratory allow students to view the lecture material and the game being developed at the same time. Our games lab includes Sony PlayStation Development consoles; gaming PCs and supports software including Microsoft Visual Studio, Unity, Unreal and Maya.
Kingston University is an educational partner of Sony through PlayStation First. Through this partnership you will have the opportunity to learn how to develop games for the PlayStation 5 as part of this course.
This degree has been accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by BCS. An accredited degree entitles you to professional membership of BCS, which is an important part of the criteria for achieving Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status through the Institute. Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords. This degree is accredited by BCS for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
This degree has been accredited by BCS, on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer (CEng). Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).
We use a studio-based environment for our teaching comprising student-led taught elements, practical workshops, tutorials and seminars. Most teaching sessions take place in our dedicated games lab. Each module has four hours of directed learning per week. The lectures are supported by in-class activities and interactive taught elements to underpin our active learning approach to game development. Workshop sessions are based on, and are reinforced by, a problem-centred approach to learning.
Students work both individually and in groups to develop their skills, facilitated by the lecturer. Group work is undertaken using an Agile approach as in the games industry. Teaching resources, such as video materials, presentations, links to ebooks and worksheets are provided on the University's web-based virtual learning environment.
Assessment includes coursework and practical/written exams with a focus on learning-through-making and the development of artefacts. In-class assessed workshop activities support the problem-centric approach of learning and are used to provide individual, timely oral and written feedback to help students prepare for assignments. Each assessment contributes to the student's portfolio – a showcase of work to show potential employers in the games and computing industries.
The course is taught at the School of Computer Science and Mathematics.
The School of Computer Science and Mathematics is driven by the philosophy of 'learning through making'; we focus strongly on facilitating a hands-on experience, student led and owned product portfolios and producing industry-ready graduates.
We utilise a range of innovating teaching and learning approaches in our invigorated and modernised degree programmes; combining studio practices, project-based learning, and context driven lectures to facilitate an informed approach to problem solving.
Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.
Here is the range of facilities available to you as a student at Kingston that will help you during your course.
A key element to your success in this course is having access to the most up-to-date hardware and software for game development and creation. It includes the latest development software such as Visual Studio 2022, Unreal Engine 5, Unity and git as well as high-tech equipment such as gaming PCs with 12th gen intel i7 processors, 1TB SSD drives and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 GPUs. You can also develop games using the 10 PlayStation 5 development kits and a PlayStation test kit.
The Cave
Our new Centre For Augmented And Virtual Environments (CAVE) is a space where you can develop Virtual Reality apps for the PlayStation VR, HTC Vive, Oculus Quest 2s and other VR technologies.
There is a wide range of other facilities at our Penrhyn Road campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment, including:
Our dedicated team of IT technicians support the labs and are always on hand to provide assistance.
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.
Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.
You'll be prepared for a wide range of computing careers. Graduates have become games programmers, virtual reality games developers, technical programmers and software engineers.
Computer Games Programming student James talks about his experience studying at Kingston University.
Watch a compilation of demos featuring work created by our students during their time with InKUbator – the Kingston University games development studio:
Watch a clip from Darklight, created by students during their course:
Watch a clip from The Perfect Game, created by students during their course:
inKUbator
The inKUbator provides games students with the opportunity to hear and learn from a large number of industry speakers and to work together in interdisciplinary teams to create games. Past speakers have been from Sony, Splash Damage, Aardvark Swift, Interactive Selection, CryTek and Unity.
Game Jams
We organise annual game jams, where students develop games over a 24 hour period in the games lab. These events, where students different courses meet and work together in a friendly and creative atmosphere, traditionally includes pizza! Students create games to a theme and in our most recent game jam the theme was "world peace". The most successful game was the game "Great American Punch" a Virtual Reality (VR) boxing game. Many of the games created in the game jam were then showcased at the PC Gamer Weekender in Kensington. This had a very positive write-up in the press (Techradar) as "one of the top five most impressive sights" at the event.
The inKUbator, our game development studio, provides games students with the opportunity to hear and learn from a large number of industry speakers and to work together in interdisciplinary teams to create games. Past speakers have been from Sony, Splash Damage, Aardvark Swift, Interactive Selection, CryTek and Unity. InKUbator attracts talented students regardless of their faculty or year of study, because it provides an interdisciplinary space outside of formally taught modules.
Develop is Britain's top games industry conference at which Kingston presents an annual showcase of the top student work as part of our commitment to embed employability in the programme. One student said "I just wanted to say a huge thank you for organising students to go to Develop in Brighton! That was a huge game changer for me trying to find somewhere to work, and I ended up getting multiple job offers from people coming and chatting to us at the Kingston stand. I will be working with an Indie game team, who were also at Develop."
Kingston University is an educational partner of Sony through PlayStation First. Through this partnership you will have the opportunity to learn how to develop games for the PlayStation 4 as part of the course, and speakers form Sony and other games companies regularly feature on our course.
We also have an industrial advisory panel which meets twice a year to ensure that the course is kept up to date.
Placements:
"To be successful, tomorrow's leaders will need to be far more rounded individuals than ever before. They will collaborate in pursuit of shared goals. They will guide, challenge and support...They will have an appetite for change and a hunger for continuous improvement, and they will have an ethos of learning and development..." Jeremy Darroch, Former Chief Executive, Sky.
"Doing a placement year effectively gives you one foot in the door of a future job and to stand out from the crowd... as well as enhancing my CV... and future interviews. It's a great motivator to be successful in my studies as it only serves to open even more doors and gain more skills." Placement student at Jagex Games Studios Ltd.
There is a lot of support available for students looking to secure a placement (e.g. a jobs board with placement vacancies, help with writing CVs and mock interviews). Getting a placement and passing the placement year are ultimately the student's responsibility.
Placements can be with large multinational companies, international companies, local companies and small start-ups; offering a diverse range of posts. Here are some examples of employers and roles:
Construction-based placement employers | Construction-based placement roles |
---|---|
RG Group Multiplex Costain Willmott Dixon Fluor |
Assistant site manager Assistant trades package manager Assistant logistics manager Health and safety officer Construction engineer |
Science-based placement employers | Science-based placement roles |
Reckitt and Benckiser GSK Drug Control Centre Minton Treharne and Davies Ltd Various local and international hospitals |
Bioanalytical sciences Lab assistant Pharmacy assistant Sports coach |
Engineering-based placement employers | Engineering-based placement roles |
Airbus BAM Nuttall Nissan Bosch Wozair |
Analysis of aircraft structure Construction resources specialist Site engineer assistant |
Computing and IS-based placement employers | Computing and IS-based placement roles |
Disney Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe IBM McKinsey Intel |
Database coordinator Software developer Website developer App developer |
Mathematics-based placement employers | Mathematics-based placement roles |
Lloyds Banking Group AXA Allianz PAU Education, Spain |
Analyst Investment solutions Research analyst Accounts assistant |
Up until 31 July 2022, this course was taught in the Faculty of Science Engineering and Computing. For students enrolling from September 2022, the course will be delivered by the Faculty of Engineering, Computing, and the Environment. There will be no impact on the teaching or the award of the degree.
The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.