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Undergraduate

BSc (Hons) in Computing in Games Development

Forge digital worlds where your computing passion meets play
DK820
278 Points

CAO Code

DK820

Start Date

September 2024

Course Capacity

40

Duration

4 Years

Work Placement

Yes

NFQ Level

8

Discipline Area

Computing

Course Type

Undergraduate

Study Mode

Full-Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Overview

Students will gain a solid foundation in fundamental computing knowledge and the technical and creative skills of games development in topics such as; Programming, 3D Modelling and Animation, Games Design, Game Engine Development, 2D and 3D Character Animation and UX Design. Students will produce numerous portfolio pieces during the course, with the final year offering specialist options and a team project that involves the development of a substantial computer game.

What makes this course different

Work Placement

In 3rd Year (Semester 2) students undertake a minimum of 15 weeks of work placement with host companies.

DkIT

Excellent Career Prospects

83% of graduates are in employment after 6 months of graduating. (DkIT/HEA Graduate Survey)

Understanding the Industry

The computer games industry is a thriving and dynamic sector that encompasses the development, publishing, and distribution of video games for various platforms, including PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. It is a multi-billion-dollar industry, with many global and indie developers having their headquarters based in Ireland. The industry continues to evolve, embracing innovative technologies such as virtual reality and cloud gaming, while also expanding its global reach, making it a huge part of modern entertainment.

Career Opportunities

Future Careers:

  • Game Engine Developer
  • Game Designer
  • Shader Programmer
  • UI and UX Designer
  • Creative Manager
  • Front End Developer
  • Software Tester
  • Mobile Developer
  • Full Stack Developer
  • AI Developer
  • Software Architects

Graduates work at

  • DkIT
  • DkIT
  • DkIT
  • DkIT

Course Delivery and Modules

This course is delivered in a combination of lectures, lab classes and tutorials. There is a specific focus on problem-based learning and so much of the programme content is delivered in small 20-student computer labs where students can avail of greater feedback and interaction with their lecturer. There are numerous support services available within the department to enable and encourage all students to realise their personal and professional potential.

Elective module choices in the final year of the programme allow students to focus on the discipline that they intend to pursue as a career after graduation.

  • Year 1

    • Programming
    • Client-Side Web Development
    • Games Theory and Practice
    • Mathematics
    • Personal and Professional Development
    • 3D Modelling and Animation
    • Games Design Project
    • Database Systems
    • Introduction to Networking
    • Applied Software Development Principles
    • Intensive Project Abroad (optional)
  • Year 2

    • Object-Oriented Programming
    • 2D Game Engine Development
    • 2D and 3D Character Animation
    • Database Systems
    • Software Testing
    • Mathematics
    • Intensive Project Abroad (optional)
    • C++
    • Calculus
    • Applied Software Project Management
    • UX Design
  • Year 3

    • 3D Game Engine Development
    • Games Physics
    • Algorithms and Data Structures
    • Universal Design Project
    • Sound Technology
    • Intensive Project Abroad (optional)
    • Work Placement
    • Approved Semester Abroad (optional)
  • Year 4

    • 3D Game Development
    • Legal and Ethical Issues in Computing
    • Research Methods
    • Entrepreneurship

    Electives:

    • Collaborative Project OR Project
    • Multi-Player Distributed Programming
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Procedural Game Audio
    • Digital Sculpting and Digital Painting
    • Intensive Project Abroad
    • Machine Learning
    • Game Audio Implementation
    • Narrative Design

Work Placement

In 3rd Year (Semester 2) students undertake a minimum of 15 weeks of work placement with host companies.

The host companies are provided by the department in coordination with the Placement Office or students can undertake a placement with an appropriate company which they have identified themselves. 

Education Progression

Graduates with a satisfactory level of achievement may be able to undertake postgraduate (HDip/ Masters/PhD) studies in a relevant area. Postgraduate research opportunities, either a research masters or PhD are also available at DkIT.

Postgraduate 1 - 2 years Online, On Campus

MSc in Computing in Medical Device Software Engineering

View Course Details
Springboard, Postgraduate 2 Years Online

MSc in Computing in Computer Animation

View Course Details

Fees and Funding

Please find information on fees and funding here: www.dkit.ie/fees

Entry Requirements

In addition to the standard entry requirements below, Maths Grade O3 or H6 is also required. Applicants from NI/UK require a GCSE Maths Grade B or AS Level Grade C or A Level Grade E.

Recent CAO Points

2023 CAO Round 1 Points

278

How To Apply

Apply on CAO

All standard entry first-year applicants must apply for entry through the CAO. See Important application dates for CAO and information for specific applicant types below:

CAO Code: DK820
Apply on CAO

Advanced Entry & Transfer Applications

Advanced Entry is for applicants who have previous educational achievements and/or work experience and want to be considered for direct entry into year  2, 3, or 4 of a course. This includes students looking to transfer to DkIT from another Higher Education provider.

Closing Date: 6th June
Apply Now

International Application (non-EU)

International Applicants (not from or living in the EU) can apply through an agent or directly to DkIT to study this course.

Ask us a Question

If you have a question about the BSc (Hons) in Computing in Games Development please ask it below and we will get back to you.


Niall McGuiness

Programme Director

Email: niall.mcguinness@dkit.ie

Disclaimer: All module titles are subject to change and for indicative purposes only. All courses are delivered subject to demand and timetables are subject to change. Elective Module options will only run subject to student numbers. The relevant Department will determine the viability of each elective module option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose that option. Students will be offered alternative elective modules on their programme should their preferred elective option not be proceeding. Award Options for Common Entry Programmes: The relevant Department will determine the viability of each award option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose either option. If the numbers for one of the Award options exceed available places, students for this option will be selected based on Academic Merit (highest grades).