The foundation year in computer science offers an entry route for those students who do not have the required entry requirements for all three-year degree pathways in the department of computer science. Successful completion of the foundation year enables an automatic progression onto the first year of any of: BSc Computer Science, BEng Software Engineering, BSc Digital Media Development, BSc Business Information Systems and BSc Computer Games Development and students who progress to the 3-year degrees via this foundation year route have traditionally performed very well. The foundation year route may also be of interest if you do not feel ready to start the first year of an undergraduate course, perhaps because you have been out of education for some time or you feel your current qualifications will not equip you to attempt a 3-year undergraduate computing course directly. This course covers all major technical aspects of the games development process from design to production. It aims to prepare you for a career in software development with a particular emphasis on computer games. The course provides you with a solid understanding of game technologies including programming, applied maths, computer graphics and game engines. You are supported to expand a broad range of knowledge and skills including mobile and web application development, 3D modelling and animation, and human computer interaction. To enhance student employability the course offers a number of talks from creative industry and will support your participation in prestige game competitions and digital fairs as well as industrial placements and internships. Computer Games Development combines technology and creativity in a multidisciplinary way. The games industry is still an expanding and challenging sector with continually evolving ideas and cutting-edge technologies. It requires practitioners to exercise more flexibility in software specifications and functionality, through adapting their approaches to design and management while keeping abreast of broad changes to technology. This course will prepare you for work in an increasingly challenging and rewarding field by giving you a clear perspective of the current nature and practice of games development. You will be equipped with the required technical and creative skills for the new era of game developers. You will gain a thorough knowledge of programming, computer graphics and game project management, together with an appreciation of the industrial environment

School of Computer Science and Engineering