Best Uni for Programming in C/C#/games programming

What Uni are you studying at? I am definitely going to put a portfolio together both this year and when I go to university for when I graduate. But yeah, I am aware most employers look for a Computer Science course over a games course. The Derby course I hear is quite good, seeing as it's taught by ex-industry lecturers. Other than Derby and UWS I wouldn't want to do any other games programming course as I've heard there's no point.

I guess it would be best not to limit my choices anyway. As for the C++ I was only going by what I was told I'm not really sure of the best route to take. I haven't really any language experience yet, but I'm going to be doing a little programming in my Access Course. I think C++ can be a monster of a language to learn, but then again, if you know where to start...

Hey Out of curiosity what is Queens University like and what do you mostly study on the course? I was thinking of looking at Queens Uni, Belfast, but wasn't sure whether it was for me.

Don't contradict the iPhone game widow! IPhone apps are usually written in objective C. Games are either written in some scripting language using an engine which then converts the game into C++ or written directly in C++. Adobe flash has been banned by apple.

I'll check with John when he gets home to make sure im totally correct.

I'm at Portsmouth, they do Java. It's not the best Uni for Comp Sci, but at A-Level I was more concerned with tinkering with programming and my computer than the A-Levels, and it's fairly close to my home.

My friend only has good things to say about the derby course and I've heard it has a good reputation so I'd definitely say that's the one to do if you are going to do a games course.

As for getting into programming, I recommend get a good book on C++ (accelerated C++ is said to be one of the better ones) and just make it your interest. Don't be surprised when you find yourself sat at the computer for a whole day, only taking breaks to eat and drink

I did the old Computer Science MEng so its different from what they teach now AFAIK. In my day there was no C++ taught as they still were convinced it wasn't necessary thats changed and they now teach it on all the courses. You could maybe try the games programming degree its meant to be good, lots of Maths and C++ but thats what you will need!

Its a nice place to study, the department is really friendly and there is a good atmosphere in the labs. I loved my time there though so I am biased!

Nope. Adobe flash as been very recently updated to support more simple iPhone app publishing and is growing in popularity as a way to make iPhone apps and games.
C++ is not a tool used to develop iPhone apps except through bizarre hacks and workarounds which make it not even worth doing.

Oh okay, I thought you were still there It's a shame they didn't teach it then. They teach C++ now though? That's quite good to hear! I'll have to really think about it though, I live in Brighton so relocating to Belfast is quite harsh for my family

hull do a CS & games dev course and focus on c# (not sure on the maths requirement...)

although I wouldn't recommend doing a games based degree as they don't command much respect from industry, it would be much better to do vanilla CS and then specialise.

Ok thats true about flash, John hadn't mentiond since it was banned some months ago.

However, I know for a fact C++ is used to directly program IPhone Games having sat and watched someone doing that for the past 2 years. There is no way you could make a full complex game any other way on the IPhone as its so perfomance dependant.

Hmm, I just looked up iPhone development and it seems that indeed C++ is used. However as far as I can tell, Objective-C is the only language that has access to the iPhones API and thus C++'s role is primarily to interface with libraries and for the more intense processing. Still, pretty interesting.

Sorry for off topic.

Oh yeah, Haskell is taught at Kent alongside Occam, PHP and then mainly Java. They have an optional module for C.

I've got a list of universities I'd be interested in, but I guess calling round them to find out the language they focus on couldn't hurt.

If Java is fine to learn C alongside then I guess I'd be happy enough. Reading and Nottingham are both places I'd be interested to go to, but if I could get into Bristol, UWS or Kings I'd be happy.

I guess you could try looking at the list here and see if anywhere takes your fancy: http://search.ucas.com/cgi-bin/hsrun/search/search/StateId/Q4WuaoidDhIZslalufoHIvzeCk_rG-4cLs/HAHTpage/search.HsKeywordSuggestion.whereNext?query=5083&word=COMPUTING+GAME+DESIGN&single=N

I havent read the whole thread but in that list it shows every uni offering courses you might be interested, you can see all the entry requirements too.
I personally would say look at a standard computer science course, you can then specialise later on if its what you still want to do. But of course, it still keeps your options open where as the degrees listed on the UCAS site dont really.

Where did you go to find that? I tried clicking the link but it keeps directing me to a "server timed out" page. Might be helpful for me!

Think you mean Ocaml (re: objective Caml)

Or he means Occam

Hhaha^ indeed... I hate Occam. I am so glad I will never ever (hopefully) have to do it ever again in my life.

By far one of the worst courseworks during my time @ Uni!