Games Computing BSc (Hons)
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Whether you wish to study games development and programming, gaining the skills to develop and implement the software behind computer games, or maybe take your skills into industry, creating simulations or immersive experiences, our BSc (Hons) Games Computing course immerses you in an exciting, innovative environment where you will develop your theoretical and technical knowledge and skills which will be directly relatable to your future career.
Information Sciences at Northumbria is ranked Top 10 in the UK for Teaching and Learning Opportunities (NSS, 2024).
Computer Science and Informatics is ranked 12th in the UK for research power out of 90 submissions (REF, 2021). This is a rise of 54 places compared with 2014.
Information Technology & Systems is ranked 5th in the UK by the Complete University Guide for 2025.
Information Systems & Management at Northumbria is ranked 1st in the UK for Teaching Quality & Student Experience (Times Good University Guide, 2025).
See other similar courses you may be interested in: Business Computing BSc (Hons).
Starting with computer science essentials, you will become an expert in games design, development and programming by the time you graduate.
You will study key topics in games programming, games design and 3D graphics programming as well as core computer science modules such as computer programming, algorithms and data structures, data management, and cloud computing.
The gaming industry is growing, so your skills will be in high demand. Even more so, thanks to Northumbria University's strong industry relationships and reputation for excellent gaming graduates.
You will have plenty of opportunity to practice your skills throughout your time at Northumbria. For example, you will take part in a business consultancy project, delivering solutions to real-world problems. This can be here in Newcastle or at our partner campus in London.
As well as this, you can opt for an optional year in industry or studying abroad. This can be a great opportunity to develop and enhance your intellectual and professional skills, broadening your overall learning experience.
UCAS Code
G416
Level of Study
Undergraduate
Mode of Study
3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department
Computer and Information Sciences
Location
City Campus, Northumbria University
City
Newcastle
Start
September 2025 or September 2026
Fees
Fee Information
Hear what it is really like to study Computer and Information Sciences from our students and staff
Computer and Information Sciences encompasses all of our work in artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer forensics, human computer interaction, games and more.
Department
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Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study Games Computing BSc (Hons). Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities
To begin with, you will study computer science essentials like computational thinking, programming and data, you will also get your first introduction to games development.
Thanks to some shared modules, you will get to know other students on our computer science degrees and make connections between the different topics we teach.
Then, you become a specialist, focusing almost entirely on games computing. You will study games programming using OOP, C++ and Unreal, as well as games design. You will also get the chance to work on a consultancy project, delivering solutions to real-world contexts, gaining practical experience of the real-world application of games computing.
Your final year makes you an expert, ready for the world of work. You study 3D graphics programming, advanced games programming and complete a group computing task with fellow students.
You also complete your dissertation in your final year. This is your chance to impress employers by designing, building and evaluating your own gaming project.
During your course, the assessments are designed to help you develop the knowledge, understanding and skills required of a computer science graduate. You will be assessed through a variety of different methods including exams, reports, presentations, individual, group and project work.
Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study BSc (Hons) Games Computing. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities
You will be taught by a range of academic staff who bring a wealth of professional experience from the computer science sector.
What you study is shaped by their research, which is classed as both ‘world-leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’ (REF, 2021).
As well as teaching you and conducting research, your tutors work with other organisations and regularly publish work in prestigious publications, contributing solutions to business computing challenges.
Computer & Information Science programmes at Northumbria take place in a dynamic learning environment where you will have access to an expert team of staff - developing in-depth technical expertise as well as career-ready skills like teamwork, communication and critical thinking.
Our students learn from the best inspirational academic staff with experience and a genuine passion for games and computing.
Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study BSc (Hons) Games Computing. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.
The Computer Science facilities at Northumbria will provide you with a wide range of learning opportunities in a challenging, stimulating and dynamic learning environment. Specifically, those studying Games Computing will have access to the Specialist Games Labs where you can work with the latest software and Games Development kits.
During your studies, you will have the opportunity to access state of the art facilities and equipment which will encourage your individual intellectual freedom and allow your creative vision to become a reality. Our £7m Computer and Information Sciences building was opened in 2018, especially for our computing students, and it is packed with high quality services to support your learning. See a virtual tour here.
You will have access to dedicated computing areas which you can use during free periods and into the evenings and weekends. These areas are useful spaces for completing your coursework, stocked with the latest PC, Mac and Linux machines. Plus, our award-winning Library has lots of resources and study spaces to support your learning, with professional support services for students at all levels of study.
We are proud to say that the Computer and Information Science building at Northumbria University is a sustainable ‘Smart Building’, which is able to run itself efficiently and sustainably. This ‘Living Lab’ supports student learning and provides useful links between sustainability and technology.
Northumbria also contributes to the Institute of Coding - a £40m collaboration between 25 UK universities – delivering education to people of all ages, helping them gain the skills they need to become the next generation of digital talent.
The Department of Computer and Information Sciences is home to a variety of facilities and equipment to help enhance your studies.
At the heart of each Northumbria campus, our libraries provide a range of study space and technology to suit every learning style.
Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study BSc (Hons) Games Computing. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.
We are living in a digital age where all of our lives are impacted by computer sciences and digital technologies, from cyber security and computational intelligence to games and visual effects, meaning it is essential that research continues to broaden our understanding.
In studying Computer Sciences at Northumbria University, you will be immersed in a research-rich environment with new and exciting insights into the discipline by our rapidly expanding Computer and Information Science research groups, helping to overcome challenges and understand the future of technology.
With access to diverse research work carried out by our expert academic staff, we seek to promote innovative and excellent learning and teaching practice, which will improve your student experience here at Northumbria.
Digital Health & Wellbeing
Network Systems and Security (NetSyS)
Computer and Information Sciences
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Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study BSc (Hons) Games Computing. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.
This course covers a broad range of computing specialisms and will open the door to a vast range of careers within this industry. Our existing games graduates are employed in a wide range of games companies, varying from small start-ups to triple-A studios.
We place a real emphasis on developing the transferable skills that will pave the way towards your success. These include communication, analytical and problem-solving skills, technical skills, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
As a games computing graduate, you could enter a career in areas such as, games development, software engineering, systems analysis and design, computer networks, consultancy, database development and management, software testing, artificial intelligence embedded systems, IT management, and web development.
Here at Northumbria, we know how valuable work experience can be in terms of giving you a head start in your career, so we enable you to gain real-world experience on a year long professional placement.
Previous students from the department have had the opportunity to go on a placement in blue chip companies such as Hewlett Packard and GlaxoSmithKline and at CERN in Geneva. CERN has doubled the number of students it will take on placement, reflecting the respect and value placed on this degree by prestigious industry professionals.
You will also have the opportunity to study abroad year at a partner institution, enabling you to gain global perspective on your subject and boost your future career prospects.
We have a fantastic service for students' to use to gain advice and tips on furthering careers and enhancing their employability.
Careers and Employment Services
Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study BSc (Hons) Games Computing. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.
112 UCAS Tariff points
From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our University regardless of personal circumstances or background. To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo
Subject Requirements:
There are no specific subject requirements for this course.
GCSE Requirements:
Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.
Additional Requirements:
There are no additional requirements for this course.
International Qualifications:
We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.
If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English Language Requirements:
International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
96 to 112 Tariff Points
From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions and we understand that every applicant’s circumstances can be different, which is why we take a flexible approach when making offers for this course. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our university regardless of personal circumstances or background. Typically, offers range from 96 to 112 UCAS tariff points, but we’ll assess your individual circumstances and potential when reviewing your application
To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo
Subject Requirements:
There are no specific subject requirements for this course.
GCSE Requirements:
Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.
Additional Requirements:
There are no additional requirements for this course.
International Qualifications:
We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.
If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English Language Requirements:
International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
UK Fee in Year 1: £9,535
* This is the tuition fee for your first year of study. You should expect to pay tuition fees for every year of study. The University may increase fees in the second and subsequent years of your course at our discretion in line with any inflationary or other uplift, as decided by the UK Government, up to the maximum amount for fees permitted by UK law or regulation for that academic year. To give students an indication of the likely scale of any future increase, the UK government has recently suggested that increases may be linked to RPIX ( Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments)
International Fee in Year 1:
ADDITIONAL COSTS
There are no Additional Costs
UK Fee in Year 1*: TBC
* Government has yet to announce 26/27 tuition fee levels.
International Fee in Year 1:
TBC
ADDITIONAL COSTS
TBC
* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here
else
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If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.
* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here
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