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MComp Games Software Development
Course
In Sheffield ()
Description
-
Type
Course
Course description
There are two distinct types of careers in games development – the technical programming side, and the creative art and design side. This course prepares you for the first type of career, giving you all the skills you need to work as a software developer in the competitive games industry.
If you are interested in the more artistic side of games development, see our MArt Games Design course.
What you study
You study the skills and techniques that are demanded by industry, such as programming, especially C++, software engineering and mathematics, optimisation and the use of games hardware on desktop, consoles and mobile platforms.
During the first two years of study the MComp course content matches the BSc, during this time it is possible to transfer to or from the BSc.
During year four, you study graphics and prototyping and complete research modules developing innovative game projects.
In your final year, you produce an individual project showcasing your abilities. You also work in Steel Minions, our commercially licensed game development studio. This provides the benefits of experiencing commercial projects, typically under the supervision of industrial partners.
You graduate with a portfolio to show prospective employers and we advise you how to maximise its potential.
Key areas of study include
• advanced programming skills, using C++ mainly
• 3D mathematics
• industry standard APIs such as Microsoft’s DirectX, Unity, Marmalade, Corona, Android SDK, iOS
• programming for the PlayStation® platforms
• technologies and hardware architectures for games software
• project management techniques and tools used within the games industry
• introduction to game design, ethics, game industry business models, 3D graphics and modelling packages
You also work on web and mobile platforms such as iOS and Android. As well as benefiting from an emphasis on DirectX, you gain experience with cross platform tools like Marmalade and...
About this course
Create the software powering the next generation of blockbuster games.
Entry requirements
2017 entry requirements
GCSE mathematics at grade B or grade 5 or above and five other GCSE passes at grade C or grade 4 or above to include English language, plus one of the following
• 128 UCAS points including at least 64 from two A levels or equivalent BTEC National qualifications. We accept AS levels. We accept general studies.
Or
• 112 UCAS points from three A levels or equivalent BTEC National qualifications. We accept general studies.
New UCAS tariff points system for courses starting from September 2017. This is significantly different to the current...
Reviews
Subjects
- IT Project Management
- Design
- Mathematics
- 3d training
- Graphics
- 3D
- Web
- Project
- Industry
- Project Management
- Programming
- GCSE Mathematics
- Prototyping
Course programme
Five years full-time (including one year work placement) or four years full-time
Typical modules may include
Year one modules• fundamentals of programming • fundamentals of computer architecture • introduction to game development • mathematics for graphics • professionalism and project development • introduction to requirements and systems modelling
Year two core modules• object-oriented programming • software hardware optimisation techniques • mathematics for modelling and rendering • programming for games • web application development • professional development project
Year three• optional work placement
Year four modules• research methods and professionalism • professional development • 3D games prototyping • game software project management • real-time 3D techniques for games • tools, libraries and frameworks
Year four options• effective C++ programming • mobile applications • programming "things"
Final year core modules• individual project • game development practice • software studio planning • special techniques for graphics and animation • multiprocessing and parallel systems
MComp Games Software Development