30 credits

This module explores the principles and practices of artificial intelligence (AI) in digital games, focusing on techniques that create engaging, adaptive, and believable gameplay.

You will study both classical AI methods and modern approaches tailored to interactive environments. Topics include pathfinding and navigation, decision-making systems, behaviour modelling, procedural content generation, and adaptive difficulty.

The course emphasises practical implementation: you will build AI agents and integrate them into small game prototypes, learning how to balance technical efficiency with the design goals of fun, fairness, and immersion.  

Teaching and learning

The module is delivered through two distinct sets of activities:

• Lecturer-led sessions that deliver the key knowledge-based learning outcomes through explanations, live coding demonstrations, worked examples, and individual practice activities
• Hands-on laboratory practice in which you will apply the knowledge areas and develop practical programming skills through guided exercises and problem-solving tasks.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a Portfolio 1, Prey/Predator Animation System (50%) Portfolio 2, RPG game demo (50%).

30 credits

This module brings together the elements of the BSc Computer Games Programming degree by having you construct a game engine from the elements of your previous work.

You will then use the developed game engine to create a game, demonstrating your ability to undertake significant software engineering work, as well as delivering a significant piece of portfolio work. You will work as a team to show your ability to work collaboratively on technical deliverables.

The aim of this module is to develop your confidence in building large-scale software systems (a game engine) in collaboration with a team of other technical students. Building significant software systems is an important skill not only in games development but in software engineering as a whole. 

Teaching and learning

The module is delivered through two distinct sets of activities:

• Lecturer-led sessions that deliver the key knowledge-based learning outcomes through explanations, live coding demonstrations, worked examples, and individual practice activities
• Hands-on laboratory practice in which you will apply the knowledge areas and develop practical programming skills through guided exercises and problem-solving tasks.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a game engine design (70%) and coursework (30%).

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.

30 credits

This professional practice-focused module gives you the opportunity to use and enhance your programming skills while experiencing how complex software projects are developed and managed in industry.

In this module, you will work in a group throughout the term to create a full-stack web application using industry-standard Agile development methodology and modern project management techniques.

You will use industry-standard tools to create designs, establish shared development environments, design a database, develop, share, test code, and finally deploy and run your applications. In this experience of the entire software development lifecycle, you will need to combine and develop your full range of technical, professional, and teamwork skills.

Each week's class is divided into individual and group work sessions.

In your individual work, you will be introduced to a new skill or technique to develop. These will include introductions to commonly used frontend and backend development frameworks, as well as ‘devOps’ and testing technologies, for example Docker and GitHub Actions, Jest unit testing and Nightwatch browser automation.

In the group session, you will review your weekly tasks and goals and hold a supportive 'standup' meeting with your lecturer to ensure the project progresses efficiently and with equal participation. You may be allocated a specialist role in your group (for example, Project Manager, Frontend Developer, DevOps Engineer, Quality Assurance specialist), but you will also build skills and experience across all these areas.

You will be expected to communicate with your group between the weekly sessions to ensure that planned work is undertaken within the required timeframe.

Groups are encouraged to create a project that serves social and environmental purposes. This requires you to explore user needs, ethical and professional issues, and security. You will establish Personal Learning Journey (PLJ) goals at the beginning of the module and maintain a PLJ journal throughout. This will prepare you for your third year and enable you to start focusing on specialist areas for your Final Year project. A professional Agile coach will conduct a masterclass of best practices in project planning and teamwork.

This module will give you ample opportunity to become familiar with industry practice and build your professional portfolio.  You will be encouraged to reflect on your experiences and understand how these can support your job applications and interviews.

Teaching and learning

You will gather technical skills in lab sessions, that build on your earlier modules and immediately apply these to the group project via carefully planned weekly tasks.

The technical skills are supported by screencasts and lab sheets so that there are easy to use resources available for you to implement the technical features required for their projects.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a group software development project (70%) and an individual reflective practice and mock interview (30%).

30 credits

The Capstone Project provides you with the essential opportunity to deeply explore a subject of high personal interest, situated within the context of your overall programme of study.

You are expected to apply and synthesise your professional practice and research capabilities throughout this project. By bringing these skills together, you will conduct a substantial investigation that extends and demonstrates your practical and academic knowledge. Upon completion, you will produce a significant technical artifact alongside a detailed report.

Building on the Professional Practice in Technology module, you will be able to critically engage with current literature and established research methodologies. Using the knowledge and feedback gained from this module, you will be equipped to develop your research question or problem statement. This work will lead you to systematically evaluate relevant sources, creating a strong foundation for your investigation.

Implementing knowledge gained from the earlier module will enable you to strengthen your methodological approach and demonstrate advanced research and problem-solving skills in your capstone project. You will be able to design and implement an evidence-based solution that addresses your research question and stated objectives. The project culminates in a critical evaluation and reflection on the impact of your solution in relation to your original research goals.

You will be assigned a named individual supervisor who will provide expert guidance throughout your project. While your supervisor is key, you are strongly encouraged to access the full range of academic and research support systems available across the university to enhance your work.

Collaboration is often a feature of the Capstone Project: you may either work with external stakeholders who provide a real-world project brief, or you may have the chance to work alongside an academic, contributing directly to their ongoing research. This project is not undertaken in isolation; peer support is fundamental, and your Capstone Project is developed within a strong, supportive learning community of both staff and fellow students.

Teaching and learning

The module is delivered via three modes of study:

• On-campus sessions that help you conform to the necessary timeline and project requirements
• One-to-one feedback from a named supervisor
• Independent study

The on-campus sessions provide practical activities which directly contribute to the students’ project deliverables.

Peer support via on-campus session activities and group supervisory meetings is strongly encouraged and rewarded via digital badges in Moodle.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a feedback-feedforward and Q&A session (30%) and a report and artefact (70%).

30 credits

This module is a hands-on introduction to designing and building multiplayer games, with a strong focus on practical implementation. 

You will learn the core principles of real-time and turn-based networking, player synchronisation, authoritative servers, matchmaking, and lag compensation. Emphasis is placed on industry-standard tools and workflows to help you build scalable and engaging multiplayer experiences.

Through a series of projects, you will prototype multiplayer features such as lobby systems, chat, cooperative gameplay, and competitive modes inside a modern game engine.

By the end of the module, you will have the skills to design, develop, and deploy functional multiplayer game prototypes that reflect professional practices.

Teaching and learning

The module is delivered through two distinct sets of activities:

• Lecturer-led sessions that deliver the key knowledge-based learning outcomes through explanations, live coding demonstrations, worked examples, and individual practice activities
• Hands-on laboratory practice in which you will apply the knowledge areas and develop practical programming skills through guided exercises and problem-solving tasks.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by game design (30%) and coursework (70%).

30 credits

This module is designed to develop the professional skills and mindset needed to succeed in technology-related careers, alongside enhancing your research and academic skills.

Taking key emerging technologies and current professional issues within your chosen pathway as a starting point, you will define and develop your own area for enquiry. You will be supported to systematically find and analyse academic and industry research publications and review existing technical solutions relevant to your area.

You will return to key topics in professional practice, including project lifecycle management, professional frameworks, agile and traditional methodologies, technical communication, ethical and legal considerations with deeper understanding, and apply these to your own project.  You’ll also engage with global perspectives and inclusive practices relevant to your discipline.

Teaching and learning

Your learning will be active and applied. In class, you’ll participate in seminars, lab-based workshops, and project supervision sessions. Outside the classroom, you’ll conduct independent research, collaborate with peers, and use industry-standard tools such as Git, Trello, and JIRA to manage your work.  

Each week includes a four-hour teaching session, structured as:

• Interactive keynote discussion - introducing key concepts, frameworks, and professional contexts.
• Guided workshop activities - hands-on practice with tools, methods, and scenarios; individual and collaborative problem-solving.

You will begin to engage with outside stakeholders relevant to your project and apply your knowledge and skills in user research and requirements gathering.

Assessment

This module will be assessed through coursework, where you will prepare a literature review on a chosen topic (50%) and poster project proposal with a Q&A session (50%).

30 credits

This module allows you to work with students from different programmes to collaborate on a project using your diverse skills.

The module extends upon the Game Protoyping 2 module and concludes the collaborate stream. You will integrate the skills you've developed from other modules.

You will work within 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 is to introduce you to collaborative cross-disciplinary working practices that are essential when working within the games industry. You will be able to develop part of your portfolio by demonstrating how your skills are used in larger projects.

Teaching and learning

You will work in small group learning environments, such as seminars and workshops. 

You will also have six hours of online learning.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a portfolio (70%) and a game design document (30%).

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.