BSc (Hons) in Creative Computing (Gaming)
Bath, United Kingdom
DURATION
3 up to 4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Request the earliest start date
TUITION FEES
GBP 16,905 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Introduction
Build a firm understanding of coding, interactive design, and digital creativity while developing skills in game-making. You’ll graduate with a stunning portfolio of digital work, made with the latest tools and techniques used in the creative industries.
The gaming pathway celebrates the vibrancy of the Bath and Bristol games scene. You’ll learn from creative technologists and regional industry specialists, and contribute to exciting projects with independent games studios and freelance developers. Emerging and highly employable, you’ll hold a diverse skills ‘toolkit’ that gives you an edge over typical computing or games design graduates.
Professional placement year
Overview
This optional placement year provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for, and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.
By completing the module, you'll be entitled to the addition of 'with Professional Placement Year' to your degree title.
Gallery
Admissions
Curriculum
This course offers or includes the following modules. The modules you take will depend on your pathway or course combination (if applicable) as well as any optional or open modules chosen.
Year one (Level 4) modules
- CodeLab I
- Web Dev I
- Ideation and UX Design
- Digital Storytelling
- Creative Coding
- Digital Visual Design
Year two (Level 5) modules
- CodeLab II
- Alternative and Emerging Technologies
- Creative Industry Challenge
- Computer 3D Modelling and Visualisation
- Indie Game Design
- Extended Realities
- Smartphone Apps
- Web Dev II
- Image, Sound, and Code
- Physical Computing
- Data Visualisation
- Playful Media
- Professional Placement Year
Year three (Level 6) modules
- Creative Project
- Creative Incubator
- Cyber Security
- Serious Games
- Commercial Games
- Creative Web
- Web Games
- Creative AI
- Industry Ready
- Virtual and Augmented Reality (for 2024/25 only)
Program Outcome
What you'll learn
Overview
We teach you core skills essential to game design and digital creativity more widely, including software development, level construction, web app deployment, and asset creation.
These technical elements are complemented by critical insights into game development from industry specialists. Specific Gaming modules explore the ideation and prototype production process, from narrative and character development, through asset creation, UX design, and rule-making, to development milestones (vertical slice, code freeze, beta testing) and marketing.
You can choose which optional modules to study, to suit your interests and career aspirations.
Course structure
Year 1
Develop core skills. Start your journey through Creative Computing by mastering the basics of computing and digital creativity. You'll learn how to code through modules that uncover the fundamentals of programming and web development. Specific modules on creative problem solving, experience design, and coding for the visual arts enrich your understanding of how creativity and technology collide. Weekly workshops introduce essential tools and software for building digital experiences and asset creation. You'll also explore how to create engaging narratives for digital platforms.
Year 2
Begin to specialize. We teach you principles of effective game design and assembly using a selection of retro and current titles, interactive tools, and game engines. You’ll encounter the practical aspects of 2D / 3D asset creation, level construction, and rule-making while considering the creative strategies and marketing decisions that underpin today’s games industry. Your game-specific learning is enhanced by modules that advance your understanding of programming to include object-oriented techniques and working with real-time data. You'll also experiment with emerging technologies and collaborate with industry partners on live briefs.
Year 3
Kickstart your career. You’ll enhance your specialist gaming knowledge while setting yourself up for success in the tech / creative industries. Two-thirds of your time is spent developing significant digital artifacts. These works become the showcase pieces of a compelling, industry-focused creative portfolio. Optional modules give space for creating original, playful ideas within the areas of physical computing or web games.
How will I be assessed?
Creative Computing is entirely coursework-assessed. You'll deliver a varied and balanced collection of projects including prototype software, websites, apps, games, and VR experiences.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Recent graduates of Creative Computing are working at Rockstar Games, Codemasters, Complete Control, Dyson, Rocketmakers, Aerian, Network N, and more.
The diverse nature of Creative Computing at Bath Spa opens up a wide range of employment opportunities in both the creative and tech sectors. Possible roles include:
- Creative Technologist
- Games Developer
- Web Developer
- Software Developer
- Digital 3D Design
- UX Designer
- Creative Producer
- Creative Tech Research and Development Associate
You may also decide to pursue further study or train to teach with a PGCE.
Facilities
Program delivery
How will I be taught?
You’ll be taught through practical workshops and project-based learning. These sessions are supported by individual and team tutorials throughout your Creative Computing course. The practical nature of the course offers you the time and freedom to try new ideas, develop new skills, and take a deep dive into topics of interest.
A network of visiting speakers and mentors keeps you in touch with the tech and creative sectors, while our technical demonstrators support you in developing new skills.
Course length
Three years full-time, or four years full-time with a professional placement year. Part-time available.
Program Admission Requirements
Show your commitment and readiness for Grad school by taking the GRE - the most broadly accepted exam for graduate programs internationally.