The Student Room Group

unfortunately no, better off doing a computer science degree in MMU for more career path(including Game). If you do game development course - you can only go into game only and generally these course are kinda meh in most unis. Game development career are very competitive, anyone with computer science degree can also apply for it.

So if you really want to go into game then i suggest looking for a University with strong connection to game industry.
https://tiga.org/education/tiga-university-accreditation
In the link - you will found a list of universities that do game course with the tiga accreditation.

The only game course that is well known is probably the one in Abertay - https://www.abertay.ac.uk/news/2018/abertay-games-courses-ranked-best-in-europe/
The course were ranked globally high even if the University ranking is very low in the league, so i would consider this as firm choice. I think GTA/rock star some well known companies were founded there. They have very strong connection to the industry and employer working for them.
Reply 2
Original post by beyond21
unfortunately no, better off doing a computer science degree in MMU for more career path(including Game). If you do game development course - you can only go into game only and generally these course are kinda meh in most unis. Game development career are very competitive, anyone with computer science degree can also apply for it.

So if you really want to go into game then i suggest looking for a University with strong connection to game industry.
https://tiga.org/education/tiga-university-accreditation
In the link - you will found a list of universities that do game course with the tiga accreditation.

The only game course that is well known is probably the one in Abertay - https://www.abertay.ac.uk/news/2018/abertay-games-courses-ranked-best-in-europe/
The course were ranked globally high even if the University ranking is very low in the league, so i would consider this as firm choice. I think GTA/rock star some well known companies were founded there. They have very strong connection to the industry and employer working for them.

Thank you! I'll have a look at the TIGA accredidation unis but I checked Abertay uni yesterday, it looked okay but... its in Dundee and thats A) Miles away and B) I don't think the city is that good. C) its gonna be freezing.
Reply 3

I studied Computer Games Technology at Abertay and it was really good, but I agree with what beyond21 said - CS is almost always the best option. CS with games development is also an option, or simply CS at a university that offers a lot of optional modules that are relevant to games. I would only tentatively recommend going down the games route if you think you would find CS too boring and could see yourself dropping out. There's another accreditation for games courses called ScreenSkills that is also worth noting (https://www.screenskills.com/courses/search/#/?q=&industries=Games&coursetypes=&georegions=&pageindex=1&layout=list). Apart from Abertay, Derby, Teesside and Goldsmiths also seem to offer good games courses.

(For the record, I'm doing a CS masters at Bath now.)
Reply 4
Original post by void*
I studied Computer Games Technology at Abertay and it was really good, but I agree with what beyond21 said - CS is almost always the best option. CS with games development is also an option, or simply CS at a university that offers a lot of optional modules that are relevant to games. I would only tentatively recommend going dowwn the games route if you think you would find CS too boring and could see yourself dropping out. There's another accreditation for games courses called ScreenSkills that is also worth noting (https://www.screenskills.com/courses/search/#/?q=&industries=Games&coursetypes=&georegions=&pageindex=1&layout=list). Apart from Abertay, Derby, Teesside and Goldsmiths also seem to offer good games courses.

(For the record, I'm doing a CS masters at Bath now.)

I probably would find computer science quite boring as it is such a large topic with so many open ends. But I already know that I want my career path to focus on games. Right now my top 2 options are: (https://www.mmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/course/bsc-computer-games-development/)MMU
(https://www.abertay.ac.uk/course-search/undergraduate/computer-game-applications-development/)Abertay. But I want to go to the MMU one because manchester is just a better place and its closer to where I live.
Reply 5
Original post by void*
I studied Computer Games Technology at Abertay and it was really good, but I agree with what beyond21 said - CS is almost always the best option. CS with games development is also an option, or simply CS at a university that offers a lot of optional modules that are relevant to games. I would only tentatively recommend going down the games route if you think you would find CS too boring and could see yourself dropping out. There's another accreditation for games courses called ScreenSkills that is also worth noting (https://www.screenskills.com/courses/search/#/?q=&industries=Games&coursetypes=&georegions=&pageindex=1&layout=list). Apart from Abertay, Derby, Teesside and Goldsmiths also seem to offer good games courses.

(For the record, I'm doing a CS masters at Bath now.)

If all else fails, I might just got to a coding bootcamp. I really don't want to spend like 4 of my years not working towards something I want to do .
Reply 6
Original post by JDgoldvox
I probably would find computer science quite boring as it is such a large topic with so many open ends. But I already know that I want my career path to focus on games. Right now my top 2 options are: (https://www.mmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/course/bsc-computer-games-development/)MMU
(https://www.abertay.ac.uk/course-search/undergraduate/computer-game-applications-development/)Abertay. But I want to go to the MMU one because manchester is just a better place and its closer to where I live.

OK, I'm going to play devil's advocate here to make you examine your decision and hopefully not have regrets further down the line - I wish you the best in whatever course you decide to pursue! :smile: I've lived for multiple years in both Dundee and Manchester and I agree that Manchester has a nicer city centre - if you were considering Edinburgh instead then I would say it's worth braving the cold for!

CS is a wide field, sure, but so too is games programming and you probably won't find all of it interesting. If you find work at a large games studio then you could easily end up working on or specialising in areas such as analytics, automated QA, databases, dev ops, GUI development, network programming, tools development, or some other less glamorous part of games development. If you find yourself work at a small games studio then you will likely have to wear many hats, not all of which will suit you. It seems like the MMU course has CS modules in it such as "Databases" and "Data Structures and Algorithms" - will you be able to stand these? And to focus on the 1st year, it doesn't seem like there are many modules with a games focus as "Programming", "Maths for Computing" and "Graduate Skills" all seem quite general. My main concern with the curriculum is that it tries to cover both games design and games programming, which are two very different fields. The design modules will come at the expense of further technical modules and the course looks to have quite a few less technical modules than Abertay.

Have you researched the games industry and read the blogs of people who are in it? It's a career that you should embark on for the passion because the pay is towards the low end of the scale for programming jobs, there is often unpaid overtime ("crunch"), and job security is low (one badly-reviewed game can sink a company). I work at a VR company at the moment and all of my ex-games industry colleagues are relieved to be out of the industry. It can certainly be fun as a new graduate but as you get older your priorities will likely change. Of course there are studios who really care for and look after their staff, but these seem to be in a minority in the games industry. As a graduate you probably won't have the luxury of choice and will have to seize any opportunity that arises.

Original post by JDgoldvox
If all else fails, I might just got to a coding bootcamp. I really don't want to spend like 4 of my years not working towards something I want to do .

A CS degree would take you towards your goal - it's the most requested course in graduate game programmer job advertisements (followed by Maths, Physics and Engineering). I rarely see companies requesting games degrees. A games degree will put your CV into a pigeonhole that targets a single industry, yet isn't even the most desired degree by that industry! There are way more games graduates than graduate positions in the games industry and some of my colleagues at Abertay didn't make it into the industry or only got jobs as manual game testers. And that's before you even consider all the CS grads and other grads that you'll be competing against! Games development is one of the most technically demanding areas of programming and you will face stiff competition for jobs - you need to be hard-working, passionate, and talented in order to succeed. And if you don't make it with a games degree then there isn't really a plan B.

I'll leave you with some advice from Frontier Developments:

GUIDANCE FOR STUDENTS

Do you want to become a professional game programmer and you think Frontier might be the place for you? We value both strong academic achievements and proven practical skills, so we'd encourage you to pursue a good education while building games or technology in your own time.

A-level or diploma studies in computing, maths or sciences are recommended, but we value diversity and rounded education so don't hold back from pursuing your interests! We do require a degree or equivalent qualification in a subject that involves lots of programming. We strongly recommend the more rigorous academic courses such as Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or Engineering as offering the best grounding for a programming career with Frontier.

https://www.frontier.co.uk/careers/programmer-application-guidance#id_first
Original post by JDgoldvox
Thank you! I'll have a look at the TIGA accredidation unis but I checked Abertay uni yesterday, it looked okay but... its in Dundee and thats A) Miles away and B) I don't think the city is that good. C) its gonna be freezing.

Abertay is the only game course that can complete with most Russell group Computer Science courses if going into the game. Other game courses aren't worth it especially MMU. Even if you spend 3 years and get a 1st, I'd say employability is very low and you won't find job in the industry. If I was an employer I'd want to recruit someone with a software engineering/CS background rather than a Game Programming/Tech/Design course. The only reason i say Abertay is because most people have heard of it. Other game courses out there are just to scam students for money tbh. CS degree can get you to understand the software fundamental and you can build a website/app. The concept isn't much of a difference to the game as long as you understand the coding but most importantly is the theory behind it. https://www.ncl.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees/g450/ The one at Newcastle Computer Science(game engineering) is pretty good if you looks at the modules. If don't meet the grade can try getting through clearing. Abertay 2nd year entry is also the same as newcastle i think. But scotland is a bit different so you can go into first year in Abertay which is better as it helps you build up the knowledge for the course. If you want to spend your 30k tuition fees on a course, I'd say go for a course that actually worth the money.
Reply 8
Original post by void*
OK, I'm going to play devil's advocate here to make you examine your decision and hopefully not have regrets further down the line - I wish you the best in whatever course you decide to pursue! :smile: I've lived for multiple years in both Dundee and Manchester and I agree that Manchester has a nicer city centre - if you were considering Edinburgh instead then I would say it's worth braving the cold for!

CS is a wide field, sure, but so too is games programming and you probably won't find all of it interesting. If you find work at a large games studio then you could easily end up working on or specialising in areas such as analytics, automated QA, databases, dev ops, GUI development, network programming, tools development, or some other less glamorous part of games development. If you find yourself work at a small games studio then you will likely have to wear many hats, not all of which will suit you. It seems like the MMU course has CS modules in it such as "Databases" and "Data Structures and Algorithms" - will you be able to stand these? And to focus on the 1st year, it doesn't seem like there are many modules with a games focus as "Programming", "Maths for Computing" and "Graduate Skills" all seem quite general. My main concern with the curriculum is that it tries to cover both games design and games programming, which are two very different fields. The design modules will come at the expense of further technical modules and the course looks to have quite a few less technical modules than Abertay.

Have you researched the games industry and read the blogs of people who are in it? It's a career that you should embark on for the passion because the pay is towards the low end of the scale for programming jobs, there is often unpaid overtime ("crunch"), and job security is low (one badly-reviewed game can sink a company). I work at a VR company at the moment and all of my ex-games industry colleagues are relieved to be out of the industry. It can certainly be fun as a new graduate but as you get older your priorities will likely change. Of course there are studios who really care for and look after their staff, but these seem to be in a minority in the games industry. As a graduate you probably won't have the luxury of choice and will have to seize any opportunity that arises.


A CS degree would take you towards your goal - it's the most requested course in graduate game programmer job advertisements (followed by Maths, Physics and Engineering). I rarely see companies requesting games degrees. A games degree will put your CV into a pigeonhole that targets a single industry, yet isn't even the most desired degree by that industry! There are way more games graduates than graduate positions in the games industry and some of my colleagues at Abertay didn't make it into the industry or only got jobs as manual game testers. And that's before you even consider all the CS grads and other grads that you'll be competing against! Games development is one of the most technically demanding areas of programming and you will face stiff competition for jobs - you need to be hard-working, passionate, and talented in order to succeed. And if you don't make it with a games degree then there isn't really a plan B.

I'll leave you with some advice from Frontier Developments:

GUIDANCE FOR STUDENTS

Do you want to become a professional game programmer and you think Frontier might be the place for you? We value both strong academic achievements and proven practical skills, so we'd encourage you to pursue a good education while building games or technology in your own time.

A-level or diploma studies in computing, maths or sciences are recommended, but we value diversity and rounded education so don't hold back from pursuing your interests! We do require a degree or equivalent qualification in a subject that involves lots of programming. We strongly recommend the more rigorous academic courses such as Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or Engineering as offering the best grounding for a programming career with Frontier.

https://www.frontier.co.uk/careers/programmer-application-guidance#id_first

I know I answered extremely late, but I have read all these posts multiple times. Each time stressing me out more and more lol. I appreciate your advice!
I got accepted to abertay, newcastle and staffordshire. Im still thinking whether I should change my last two universities with something higher in the leader board. Im not entirely sure. But after reading this forum once more, I have considered a choice I have on my UCAS application currently.
Reply 9
Original post by JDgoldvox
I know I answered extremely late, but I have read all these posts multiple times. Each time stressing me out more and more lol. I appreciate your advice!
I got accepted to abertay, newcastle and staffordshire. Im still thinking whether I should change my last two universities with something higher in the leader board. Im not entirely sure. But after reading this forum once more, I have considered a choice I have on my UCAS application currently.

Aw, sorry, I didn't mean to stress you out! Congrats on the offers :smile: Newcastle is pretty well-ranked in general and also has good connections with the games industry (especially to local studios like Ubisoft Reflections and Sumo Digital). Staffordshire also have a good reputation for games courses, most of which are accredited by TIGA. These choices are better than Manchester Met imo, but academics isn't all that counts and you should consider the whole package and go where you think you'll be happy. One other bit of advice I would give you is to choose a degree with an industrial placement, or at least try to gain summer/year-long internships. I interned at PlayStation and it really helped me to secure a graduate position.
(edited 3 years ago)
Reply 10
Original post by void*
Aw, sorry, I didn't mean to stress you out! Congrats on the offers :smile: Newcastle is pretty well-ranked in general and also has good connections with the games industry (especially to local studios like Ubisoft Reflections and Sumo Digital). Staffordshire also have a good reputation for games courses, most of which are accredited by TIGA. These choices are better than Manchester Met imo, but academics isn't all that counts and you should consider the whole package and go where you think you'll be happy. One other bit of advice I would give you is to choose a degree with an industrial placement, or at least try to gain summer/year-long internships. I interned at PlayStation and it really helped me to secure a graduate position.

My final choices are(If you're curious):

Abertay -Computer Games Technology (offer received)
Staffordshire University - Computer Games Technology (offer received)
Newcastle University - Computer Science (Game Engineering) (offer received)
UCL (University College London) - Computer science
University of Leeds - Computer Science with High-Performance Graphics and Games Engineering
Reply 11
Original post by JDgoldvox
My final choices are(If you're curious):

Abertay -Computer Games Technology (offer received)
Staffordshire University - Computer Games Technology (offer received)
Newcastle University - Computer Science (Game Engineering) (offer received)
UCL (University College London) - Computer science
University of Leeds - Computer Science with High-Performance Graphics and Games Engineering

Nice choices! Thanks for sharing. If you get into UCL and can afford it, etc. then that could be a good choice (they have a good reputation for computer graphics although not so many ties to the games industry). For CS with more of a games focus though, I think the Leeds course has a fantastic curriculum and is a good university with a strong CS department.
Reply 12
Original post by void*
Nice choices! Thanks for sharing. If you get into UCL and can afford it, etc. then that could be a good choice (they have a good reputation for computer graphics although not so many ties to the games industry). For CS with more of a games focus though, I think the Leeds course has a fantastic curriculum and is a good university with a strong CS department.

I just found something that was posted 7 years ago lol. https://gyazo.com/0207fb419636cc8221cc98d3281e5d87
Reply 13
Original post by beyond21
Abertay is the only game course that can complete with most Russell group Computer Science courses if going into the game. Other game courses aren't worth it especially MMU. Even if you spend 3 years and get a 1st, I'd say employability is very low and you won't find job in the industry. If I was an employer I'd want to recruit someone with a software engineering/CS background rather than a Game Programming/Tech/Design course. The only reason i say Abertay is because most people have heard of it. Other game courses out there are just to scam students for money tbh. CS degree can get you to understand the software fundamental and you can build a website/app. The concept isn't much of a difference to the game as long as you understand the coding but most importantly is the theory behind it. https://www.ncl.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees/g450/ The one at Newcastle Computer Science(game engineering) is pretty good if you looks at the modules. If don't meet the grade can try getting through clearing. Abertay 2nd year entry is also the same as newcastle i think. But scotland is a bit different so you can go into first year in Abertay which is better as it helps you build up the knowledge for the course. If you want to spend your 30k tuition fees on a course, I'd say go for a course that actually worth the money.


what do you think of this course? https://www.tees.ac.uk/undergraduate_courses/Computer_Games/BSc_(Hons)_Computer_Games_Programming.cfm

Hi!

My name is Chris and I'm a current Games Technology student at Coventry University (currently doing freelance game dev work as my placement year between year 2 and 3).

If you haven't considered Coventry for game development, I'd definitely suggest looking into the course. The employability rate is high because of the University's contacts with the industry and we regularly have guest speaker talks from contacts in Leamington Spa (one of the game industry hubs in the UK).

If you have any questions about the course or about my experience as a games tech student, do feel free to send a message.

https://www.coventry.ac.uk/course-structure/ug/2021-22/eec/games-technology-bsc/

I hope you have a great day,
-Chris
Reply 15
Original post by Coventry University Student Ambassadors
Hi!

My name is Chris and I'm a current Games Technology student at Coventry University (currently doing freelance game dev work as my placement year between year 2 and 3).

If you haven't considered Coventry for game development, I'd definitely suggest looking into the course. The employability rate is high because of the University's contacts with the industry and we regularly have guest speaker talks from contacts in Leamington Spa (one of the game industry hubs in the UK).

If you have any questions about the course or about my experience as a games tech student, do feel free to send a message.

https://www.coventry.ac.uk/course-structure/ug/2021-22/eec/games-technology-bsc/

I hope you have a great day,
-Chris

Is it better than Teesside university?
Original post by N20
Is it better than Teesside university?

Hi,

I can't say if it's better as I don't know much about Teesside but I'm more than happy to answer any questions about the course that you might have (feel free to message this account and it will get to me), you can then use the information to do your own comparison and make your decision. I definitely recommend at least considering this course and am satisfied with my time here so far.

-Chris
yes hi chris! i am a student at coventry uni who has just done their first year in computing, i found the degree hard and decided to switch to games technology, i was just wondering as a second nearly third year student if you could offer me any advice as a student newly going into this?
Original post by Coventry University Student Ambassadors
Hi!

My name is Chris and I'm a current Games Technology student at Coventry University (currently doing freelance game dev work as my placement year between year 2 and 3).

If you haven't considered Coventry for game development, I'd definitely suggest looking into the course. The employability rate is high because of the University's contacts with the industry and we regularly have guest speaker talks from contacts in Leamington Spa (one of the game industry hubs in the UK).

If you have any questions about the course or about my experience as a games tech student, do feel free to send a message.

https://www.coventry.ac.uk/course-structure/ug/2021-22/eec/games-technology-bsc/

I hope you have a great day,
-Chris

yes hi chris! i am a student at coventry uni who has just done their first year in computing, i found the degree hard and decided to switch to games technology, i was just wondering as a second nearly third year student if you could offer me any advice as a student newly going into this?

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