Algorithms explore the areas of algorithmic design, algorithmic analysis, and algorithmic choice. The module starts by considering simple numerical algorithms (mean, mode, etc.), and fundamental data structures such as arrays, lists, and dictionaries to refresh ideas taught in Software Development 1. The main body of the module focuses on algorithmic analysis and understanding, examining searching, sorting, and the supporting data structures: stacks, queues, trees, and graphs. The latter part of the module focuses on algorithmic strategies and a further consideration of finite state machines. Algorithms contains a thread of algorithm design running through it, starting with simple algorithm specification, then considering performance characteristics, before ending on common algorithmic design strategies.

Software Engineering explores the modern methods, tools, and culture of the software development industry. The module focuses on you forming agile teams that work together to deliver a software product using iterative methods. The module begins by examining software lifecycle models, focusing on agile and forming of Scrum teams. The methods are continued with exploration of lean software development, DevOps, and Kanban. The module requires you to deliver software using modern tools, such as an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) like Visual Studio or IntelliJ, containerisation tools such as Docker, and cloud delivery platforms such as Google Cloud Engine, Amazon Web Services, and Azure. These tools provide a technology stack from which you will deliver their software solution, using appropriate requirements analysis via UML and user stories, and testing methods built into a continuous integration tool. Software Engineering is completed with an examination of ethical and professional issues of software engineering, including legal and security considerations. Software Engineering blends the tools, methods, and cultural ideals of modern software engineering to deliver a cohesive experience aimed at emulating how a modern software development team works. Although the tools are necessary to allow you to gain experience in delivering software, the core learning is in team-working methods and managing how to deliver a project. The technology is interchangeable based on different tool preferences. Software Engineering builds on the cooperative technique of pair-programming used throughout the Software Development theme. Software Engineering introduces you to team-working practices , which are used in the second module of the Software Engineering theme: Data Engineering. Software Engineering also continues the tools learning from the Software Development theme, expanding what an IDE can do, and exploring how cloud-based solutions are delivered. The idea of a technology stack is continued into the Data Engineering module.

Artificial Intelligence for Games explores the principles and techniques of AI as applied to the design and development of intelligent behaviours in computer games. You will learn how to create dynamic, responsive, and believable non-player characters (NPCs) using a range of AI methods commonly used in the game industry. The course covers foundational topics such as finite state machines, pathfinding algorithms (e.g., A*), and decision trees, progressing to more advanced techniques including behaviour trees, utility-based systems, and basic machine learning approaches. Emphasis is placed on the practical implementation of AI behaviours within the constraints of real-time, interactive game environments.

In this module, you will collaborate with students from other programmes on a project using your diverse skills. This module extends upon the Game Prototyping (1) module by allowing you to integrate skills you have further developed in your degree of study, such as Computer Graphics, Asset Creation, etc.

You will work with a diverse team of other students from Computer Games Programming, Games Design, and Games Art to prototype a game-based project. The module will focus on industry-standard tools – such as Unity or Unreal Engine – so that you can develop a more substantial game project that should be a fully playable implementation of a small game, level, or similar.

The aim of the module is to allow you to collaborate in a cross-disciplinary team, further developing cross-disciplinary working practices that are essential when working in the games industry. Furthermore, you will be able to develop part of your portfolio by demonstrating how your skills are used in a larger project.

The Final-Year project allows you to explore a topic of your choosing based on their own interests as agreed and supported via a member of the academic team. The project provides an opportunity for you to research and deliver a significant piece of individual work that incorporates the practical and analytical skills presented in your programme. The Final-Year project will enable you to explore a topic of yourchoice. There are four project-types planned:

·        Student-defined.

·        Academic-defined (research-based).

·        Industry-defined.

·        Social enterprise.

All projects will be signed-off by an academic supervisor. Your goal is to produce a product and supporting report. A final-year project showcase with external partners will finalise the module.

Networking for Games introduces you to the fundamental concepts of computer networking with a focus on designing and developing multiplayer games. The course covers the essential principles of data transmission, client-server architecture, and latency management, while emphasizing high-level multiplayer implementation using modern game engines.

You will explore how games handle player synchronization, state replication, and real-time communication over networks. Using practical examples and hands-on projects, the course demonstrates how to build and troubleshoot multiplayer features such as player movement, game state management, matchmaking, and lobby systems. Key Topics: Basics of networking: IP, TCP/UDP, sockets, and protocols; Client-server vs. peer-to-peer models; Networked object synchronization and interpolation; Lag compensation and prediction techniques; Matchmaking, lobbies, and session management; Implementation of multiplayer mechanics using game engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine).

By the end of the course, you will be able to prototype and build multiplayer gameplay experiences that are responsive, scalable, and robust across different network conditions.

Game Engineering is an advanced course focused on the study, design, and implementation of game engines, the core software frameworks that power interactive digital games. You will explore the architectural components and systems that underpin modern game engines, gaining a deep understanding of how complex games manage rendering, physics, input, audio, and more in real-time.

The course emphasizes low-level systems programming and engine architecture, guiding you through the creation of modular, reusable, and efficient engine components. Topics include game loops, scene management, component-based design, resource handling, scripting integration, and cross-platform considerations.

Key Topics:

·        Game engine architecture and subsystems

·        Real-time rendering and graphics pipeline integration

·        Physics and collision systems

·        Input and event handling

·        Audio systems and asset management

·        Component-based entity systems

·        Scripting interfaces and tool integration

·        Optimization and platform abstraction

Through a combination of lectures and hands-on engine development projects, you will build and extend core engine features, developing the skills needed to create custom engines or modify existing ones for advanced gameplay experiences.

This course is ideal for you if you are looking to pursue a career in game technology, engine development, or tools programming within the games industry.

Game Prototyping 3 allows you and other students from different programmes to collaborate on a project using your diverse skills. This module extends upon the Game Prototyping 2 module and concludes the collaborative stream in the games degrees. You will integrate your new skills developed from elsewhere in your degrees, such as Game Physics, design for change, etc.

You will work with a diverse team of other students from Computer Games Programming, Games Design, and Games Art to build a professional standard game project. This will form a key part of your portfolio of work. The module will provide an environment for you to work collaboratively but will encourage autonomy and self-direction in how to deliver the product.

The aim of the module is to allow you to collaborate in a cross-disciplinary team, further developing cross-disciplinary working practices that are essential when working in the games industry. Furthermore, you will be able to develop a significant part of your final portfolio of work by demonstrating your skills in a high-quality deliverable.

30 credits

You will develop your core academic and integrated English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts, such as referencing methods and awareness of academic integrity and tone. You will apply these skills and knowledge to both broad topics and also your chosen subject pathway.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs.

30 credits

You will develop your core academic and integrated English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts, such as referencing methods and awareness of academic integrity and tone. You will apply these skills and knowledge to both broad topics and also your chosen subject pathway.

Teaching and Learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs. 

30 credits

You will develop your research, numeracy and information technology skills. You will investigate the difference between primary and secondary research, conduct your own research project and demonstrate your findings through data analysis. You will also develop your awareness of equality, diversion and inclusion in the UK, through a real-world issue; discrimination in the workplace.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs. 

30 credits

You will be taught about how the use of computing software impacts the environment from day-to-day activity through use of business and everyday jobs. This is through the excessive use of computing software as well as the changing way that society operates. You will be encouraged to engage in debates and discussions regarding energy consumption in the use of computing software, in terms of the amount of use as well as the type of materials utilised. You will be encouraged to look at responsible innovation and software impact and the long-term effects this may have.

You will look at how the increased use of IT and computing has contributed to the significant development of globalisation in the interconnectivity and internationalisation of the job market. Discussions on how globalisation has contributed to the international development of education, technology development and the emerging market economies through operating systems and internet operations. This is also linked to their assignment in the international platform of Linked In in developing their e-portfolio.

Teaching and learning

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour lab session each week with pair and group work.

There will also be a 30-minute weekly virtual task and multiple-choice quizzes.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a multiple-choice test and online portfolio.

40% - multiple choice test, which will take place online during a class.

60% - online portfolio, in this written task you will create a blog post, which reports on an individual data research and processing project. You will also create a LinkedIn profile and subject weekly learning journal entries.

30 credits

This module focuses on how to solve problems via program development. The module initially builds your understanding of logic, before teaching you how to develop algorithms. The latter half of the module focuses on programming using a Visual Programming Language (VPL) such as Android App Inventor or Google’s Blockly. The module ends with a discussion on the limits of computation, including data representation and physical limitations.

You will be taught about how the use of computing software impacts the environment from day-to-day activity through use of business and everyday jobs. This is through the excessive use of computing software as well as the changing way that society operates. You will be encouraged to engage in debates and discussions regarding energy consumption in the use of computing software, in terms of amount of use as well as type of materials utilised. You will look at responsible innovation and software impact and the long-term effects this may have.

The module explores how advancements in computing and IT have accelerated globalisation by enhancing interconnectivity, transforming industries, and expanding access to information. You will examine the role of computational thinking and problem-solving in a global context, including the impact of software development, and automation on international markets. Discussions will focus on how programming and algorithm design contribute to technological advancements, remote collaboration, and the evolving global job market. Additionally, you will be able to engage with international computing standards and digital platforms, such as LinkedIn, to develop your profile and understand the significance of global networking in the technology sector.

Teaching and learning

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour lab session each week with pair and group work.

There will also be a 30-minute weekly virtual task and multiple-choice quizzes.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using programming coursework and a class test.

60% - coursework, you will design a simple algorithm to solve a problem using flowcharts and pseudocode.

40% - class test, you will construct a program to solve using a Visual Programming Language.