Computing (Games Programming) BSc (Hons)

UCAS code: I610

Develop the knowledge and skills to create exciting new computer games, on a degree accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT (subject to re-approval). From design to implementation of games software, you’ll have everything you need to launch your career in gaming.

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Overview

Course length:	3 years full-time Typically 4.5 years part-time 3 years full-time
Start dates:	September 2025 September 2026
Location:	Edge Hill University
Example offers:	BCC-BBC (A Level) or DMM (BTEC) View full entry criteria
Subject(s):	Computer Science
Faculty:	Arts and Sciences
Department:	Computer Science

Games Programming students test a game on a laptop.

AI for games engines, SFX and CGI, streaming media. Pack your CV with the skills and knowledge the billion-dollar games industry needs. Your games programming degree will be based in our £13m Tech Hub with our dedicated gaming laboratory and specialist high-specification computers.

You’ll learn essential programming languages as well as digital design and production. Study 3D graphics theory and practice using our super immersive 3D virtual environment. We encourage you to create virtual experiences in 4K resolution in our four-screen CAVE (Computer Augmented Virtual Environment).

Study the streaming media behind games like World of Warcraft and explore mobile apps. Learn specialist animation like CGI and explore SFX as you master the core languages and practices of gaming technology.

Our programme aligns to the current SFIAplus skill standards, widely recognised among the IT industry and adopted by the British Computer Society (BCS). You’ll meet industry programming standards and take the first step to chartered status by graduating from this course.

Subject to re-approval.

Course features

International students can apply
Professional accreditation
Sandwich year option available
Studying abroad option available
Work placement opportunity

What you'll study

Everyone in computing needs a solid grasp of the fundamentals, especially game programmers. In Year 1, you’ll study the bedrock theories and practices of computer science, as well as dipping into accessible web design and development. We’ll help you begin your journey to becoming a programmer while you explore core techniques and processes. You’ll learn modelling and master event-driven program design and graphical user interfaces.

Compulsory modules:

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Accessible Web Design and Development is a fusion of two distinct areas in the world of web content production. These are web design and web development. In recent years, in a response to the rapidly changing nature of the World Wide Web (WWW), there has been a considerable push towards a more standards based and accessible approach to website development, using tools such as hypertext markup language (HTML) and cascading style sheets (CSS). There has also been an increase in the number of web authoring tools to aid in the development of websites. This module will provide you with a sound understanding of the WWW, the related technologies, the relationships between them and also their use. This will be a valuable foundation for all aspects of work within the web industry. You will discover colour and design theories, layout and typography in web design and the use of HTML, CSS and the basics of developing accessible websites in web development.

Module code: CIS1705

Credits: 20

Assessment

100% Coursework

Professional Practice 1 introduces you to the computing profession and the professional practices of the industry. You will be introduced to the relevant regulatory requirements and accreditations governing the computing profession. You will also discover the role of professional bodies such as The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS), TIGA the network for games developers and digital publishers, and The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). Another key strand of the module is the development of key transferable skills. These include working independently and as part of a team, communicating effectively, and presenting information in a variety of formats including both written and oral. You will be encouraged to become a reflective and questioning learner and devise a personal development plan.

Module code: CIS1704

Credits: 20

Assessment

80% Coursework

20% Practical

Immerse yourself in the engine room of gaming in Year 2. Develop user interfaces and controllers that make gaming more fun. Experiment with toolsets like 3D gaming engines, modelling, and animation. Take workshops in visual effects. We’ll support your development with an in-depth look at programming languages. Then put your knowledge to the test and build people skills in our professional practice module. You can do a placement or a year abroad before starting Year 3.

Compulsory modules:

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Database Systems introduces you to the fundamental concepts in database design. Designing and implementing databases is a key skill in the computing industry where businesses of all sizes depend upon database management systems to gain a competitive advantage. Databases also play a central role in many information systems and are an integral part of e-commerce. This module will develop your practical skills in database modelling, development and design. You will discover the techniques for appropriate and efficient conceptual, logical and physical database design and learn how to create, handle, manipulate and manage database systems and resources.

Module code: CIS2700

Credits: 20

Assessment

60% Coursework

40% Exam

Knowledge Representation and Reasoning will train you in methods that can be used to extract pertinent and useful information from large-scale date sources. Over the past decade, there has been an exponential increase in the availability of online data resources. Technical methods of efficiently managing and interpreting large-scale data resources now play a pivotal role in driving business automation and informing critical business and design decisions. To deal with the rapid proliferation of available data, in both structured and unstructured formats, data processing techniques have had to adapt. By leveraging well-defined mathematical frameworks, knowledge representation and reasoning can accurately model information encoded in online data resources and infer new and novel knowledge that is not immediately evident to human users. This module will introduce you to the fundamental computational methods for knowledge representation and reasoning. These include first-order logic, ontology engineering, and propositional and predicate logic. You will also gain the practical skills needed to design, implement and evaluate knowledge representation and reasoning methods and analyse the strengths and limitations of each approach.

Module code: CIS2709

Credits: 20

Assessment

100% Coursework

Year 3 takes you through every stage of the gaming world from development to the end-user experience. We invite you to use your spark and creativity in a problem-solving research and development project. You’ll create your own software. You’ll study the streaming media behind games like World of Warcraft and analyse its current limits. Finally, you’ll focus on the user in modules exploring how AI techniques and user interfaces improve their experience.

Compulsory modules:

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Distributed Systems evaluates the structure of parallel and distributed computer systems and applications. Parallel computing enables multiple processors to execute tasks simultaneously while distributed computing divides a single task between multiple computers to achieve a common goal. Advances in communication technology and increased user demands for sophisticated applications have pushed distributed computing models ahead of the centralised approach. Distributed programming frameworks have become enablers of big data analytics and other applications driven by artificial intelligence. On this module you will evaluate the structure of parallel and distributed systems and identify their respective strengths and weaknesses. You will gain a critical understanding of centralised and distributed models of communication technology through a range of modern and representative case studies. The module will culminate with practical, hands-on experience of the planning, design, implementation and evaluation of a small distributed system or application in response to a distributed computing problem.

Module code: CIS3415

Credits: 20

Assessment

60% Coursework

40% Exam

Emerging Games Technologies looks at the technical implementation and limitations of emerging games technologies. It also introduces you to phenomena such as cloud gaming, streaming, microtransactions, and user-generated content. Advances in computing and gaming technology mean that it is now feasible to incorporate a variety of different features within games development. These range from streaming software to virtual reality and audience participation. Games development is a rapidly evolving area, and new technologies and techniques are always being incorporated into games. In this module, you will look at the technical implementation and limits of various emerging technologies. These ideas will be explored from both the player and developer's perspective. You will also consider the effect these emerging technologies have had on games reporting and sales, including the advent of "Let's Players" and the boom of platforms such as Twitch.tv.

Module code: CIS3409

Credits: 20

Assessment

60% Practical

40% Coursework

Interface Programming immerses you in the design and implementation of user interfaces. A key factor in whether a computer system is successful is whether or not the organisation for whom it is designed is able to use it. A poor fit for an organisation may mean that a system or service is ignored, rarely used, or used incorrectly. Human computer interaction is a field that looks towards applying information about human behaviour, abilities and activities in the design and evaluation of systems for productive, comfortable and effective human use. The development of new technologies offers richer functionality to interface developers and the opportunity to explore different mechanisms for the creation of user interfaces. You will develop a critical understanding of these mechanisms on this module. Exploring the relationship between the end user, interface designer and software developer, you will gain an insight into the human factors that guide decisions through the development process.

Module code: CIS3404

Credits: 20

Assessment

100% Coursework

Research and Development Project gives you the opportunity to show individual creativity and originality, apply your knowledge and skills, and demonstrate the ability to undertake an individual project through investigative research, problem-solving, effective communication and management. The project will be executed independently under the guidance of a supervisor. In exceptional circumstances group projects may be permitted as long as individual deliverables are clearly identified and this has been agreed with the Module Leader and Supervisor. You will conduct in-depth work on a substantial issue, including researching and analysing the problem and finding and realising a solution.

Module code: CIS3425

Credits: 40

Assessment

80% Practical

20% Coursework

How you'll study

Our teaching methods have been designed in consultation with leading employers in the region, ensuring you gain relevant experience and use industry-standard equipment. As well as lectures, modules use student seminars and there is extensive laboratory work which gives you the chance to express your own opinions and ideas.

To enhance your employability, you will be given opportunities to work together and develop the essential people skills to complement your technical ability, while engaging in realistic work-related activities and taking the opportunity to relate theory to practice via a work placement.

Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.

How you'll be assessed

The pattern of assessment is varied and is designed to ensure you acquire a range of skills, particularly those required by future employers. You will design and write programs, write reports and essays, critically analyse documents, deliver oral presentations and undertake examinations. We want you to develop an ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Who will be teaching you

You will be taught by staff who are passionate about student learning and development. The programme team are specialists in computing and active researchers in areas including mobile computing, computer vision, web information architecture and 3D graphics. Academic staff are regular contributors to academic conferences and journals.

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

Typical offer 104-112 UCAS Tariff points, for which no specific subjects are required, plus GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent).

Please note, for all programmes in the Department of Computer Science, a level 2 numeracy qualification is not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in Mathematics.

Example offers

Qualification	Requirement
A Level	BCC-BBC.
BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications)	Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM).
T Level	Overall grade of Merit.
International Baccalaureate (IB)	We are happy to accept IB qualifications which achieve the required number of UCAS Tariff points.
Access to Higher Education Diploma	45 credits at Level 3, for example 9 credits at Distinction and 36 credits at Merit or 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.

Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.

If you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven't been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.

English language requirements

International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

If your current level of English is half a band, one band, or one-and-a-half bands lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.

For further information on how you can meet the entry requirements

UK EU International

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How to apply

Apply through UCAS

Read our guide to applying through UCAS to find out more about the application process.

Apply as an international student

Please see our international student pages for further information about how to apply as a prospective international student.

Part-time applications require a direct application to Edge Hill. Please select the year of entry that you wish to apply for.

Apply for September 2025 part-time.

Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

Facilities

The Tech Hub building at sunset. The Department of Computer Science is based in the state-of-the-art £13million Tech Hub. This purpose-built development offers highly contemporary suites of outstanding facilities for Computer Science and Engineering students. Our modern computing and engineering laboratories are equipped with comprehensive test and measurement equipment, high-specification computers, high-resolution screens and the latest hardware and software.

A four-screen CAVE (Computer Augmented Virtual Environment) provides a super immersive 3D virtual environment, enabling users to immerse themselves in a virtual room and experience real life scenarios in 4K resolution. There are also specialist laboratories for networking and games programming, in addition to a specialist research laboratory, open access laboratory and a Harvard style lecture theatre.

Where you'll study

Tech Hub

Learning resources

Learning resources include robots and a robotics simulator, wired and wireless networking hardware, graphics software, web development tools, software development environments, big data servers, eye trackers, giant 3D interactive teaching screens, and other specialist software required for studying forensics and internet security techniques.

Finance

Tuition fees

£9,535

a year

£17,000

a year

2025/2026 part-time fee information will be added when available.

EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.

Financial support

Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this course can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the course may also be eligible to apply for additional maintenance loan funding to help with living costs.

Scholarships

We offer a range of scholarships, which celebrate the determination, commitment and achievement of our students. Many of our scholarships are awarded automatically. There are some however, where you will need to be involved in an application or nomination process. To find out more about our scholarships and check your eligibility, please visit our dedicated scholarships pages.

Money Matters

Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students, together with details of how to apply for potential funding.

Money Matters

EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals can ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). If you are an EU student who does not have settled or pre-settled status, or are an international student from a non-EU country, please see our international student finance pages.

Your future career

With a specialised degree in games programming, you’ll be qualified to follow a number of career paths. You could go into game developing, software engineering, programming or unity developing. You can apply for jobs such as:

Unity Developer
C# Programmer
Software Developer
Software Engineer
Developer
3D Developer

Our students have gone on to work for industry names like Players’ Lounge, Person Centred Software Ltd, and Recourse AI.

Our graduates also find success outside gaming in other online industries, such as finance, or choose to continue studying.

BCS accreditation

Subject to re-approval, the programme is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional. Successfully completing an accredited honours degree is the first step to full BCS membership and to being awarded chartered status.

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