BSc (Hons) in Computing in Games Development
Three great reasons to consider this course
- Study the creative, developmental and programming components needed for computer game development.
- 83% of graduates are in employment after 6 months of graduating.
- Students undertaking this programme will have the opportunity to participate in various competitions and field-trips at regional, national and European levels to facilitate show casing, networking and evaluating their work both technically and creatively.
Course Summary
The Computer Games Industry is vibrant and has enormous future growth potential far beyond entertainment only. This programme aims to produce graduate software developers who have a focus on computer game development.
This honours degree aims to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and skill in developing software and the opportunity to gain expertise in the development of computer games.
As well as giving learners the strong computing foundation needed to build a game, there will also be a significant focus on the creative aspects of games' design and development. The emphasis in the first three years is on providing a solid foundation in fundamental computing knowledge and skills and in the technical and creative aspects of games development. Students will produce numerous portfolio pieces during the four-year programme, with a large project integrating content across multiple modules delivered in the second semester of each year. The final year offers specialist options and a team project that involves the development of a substantial computer game.
Year 1
Semester 1
- Programming (year-long)
- Client-Side Web Development
- Games Theory and Practice
- Mathematics 1
- Personal and Professional Development
Semester 2
- Programming (year-long)
- 3D Modelling and Animation
- Games Design Project
- Database Systems 1
- Introduction to Networking
- Applied Software Development Principles
- Intensive Project Abroad (optional)
Year 2
Semester 1
- Object-Oriented Programming (year-long)
- 2D Game Engine Development
- 2D and 3D Character Animation (year-long)
- Database Systems 2
- Software Testing
- Mathematics 2
- Intensive Project Abroad (optional)
Semester 2
- Object-Oriented Programming (year-long)
- 2D and 3D Character Animation (year-long)
- C++
- Calculus
- Applied Software Project Management
- UX Design
- Intensive Project Abroad (optional)
Year 3
Semester 1
- 3D Game Engine Development
- Games Physics
- Algorithms and Data Structures
- Universal Design Project
- Sound Technology
- Intensive Project Abroad (optional)
Semester 2
- Work Placement
- Approved Semester Abroad (optional)
Year 4
Semester 1
- 3D Game Development (year-long)
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Computing
- Research Methods
- Electives: Collaborative Project (year-long) OR Project (year-long) // Multi-Player Distributed Programming (year-long) // Artificial Intelligence // Procedural Game Audio // Digital Sculpting and Digital Painting // Intensive Project Abroad
Semester 2
- 3D Game Development (year-long)
- Entrepreneurship
- Electives: Collaborative Project (year-long) OR Project (year-long) // Multi-Player Distributed Programming (year-long)// // Machine Learning // Game Audio Implementation // Narrative Design
* All module titles are subject to change and are for indicative purposes only. The provision of electives each year is subject to numbers enrolling on each elective and available resources.
Notes:
- Elective modules are run based on the number of students who have selected the module and/or the availability of lecturing staff.
- Students will take either the Project or Collaborative Project in Year 4.
- The Intensive Project Abroad module is optional, worth 2.5 credits and does not contribute to the degree award.
- 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.
As a graduate of this course, you will have a skill set that will enable you to gain employment in the ever-growing games industry, working as part of a development team or in any area of the software development industry.
Typical career opportunities include:
- Game Engine Developer, Game (Narrative) Designer, Shader Programmer, Multiplayer Game Developer, UI and UX Designer, Creative Manager.
- Front End Developer, Java/ C++ Developer, Software Tester, Mobile Developer.
- Full Stack Developer, AI Developer, Database Developers.
- Software Architects, Build & Release Engineer, Requirements Engineers, Scrum Master.
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.
Please find information on fees and funding here: www.dkit.ie/fees
Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements:
Six Grades at O6 or H7 in Leaving Certificate
→ INCLUDING At least two H5 Grades
→ AND Mathematics Grade O3 or H6
→ AND English Grade O6 or H7 OR Irish Grade O6 or H7
Northern Ireland/UK Entry Requirements:
Applicants must meet the matriculation requirement of 6 different subjects which must include:
→ Mathematics at:
- GCSE: Grade B
- Or AS Level: Grade C
- Or A Level Grade E
→ English (or Irish) at GCSE (Grade A* - C) or better
→ Two subjects at either:
- ‘A Level’ (Grade A* - C)
- AND/OR Applied A-Level (Grade A* - C)
- AND/OR BTEC National Level 3 (National Award, Subsidiary Diploma, Extended Certificate, 90-Credit Diploma, Foundation Diploma) (Grade Merit or Distinction).
- AND/OR OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 (Introductory Diploma, Extended Certificate, Subsidiary Diploma, Foundation Diploma, 90-Credit Diploma) (Grade Merit or Distinction)
- OR BTEC National Level 3 Diploma (Grade min: MM)
- OR OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (Grade min: MM)
- OR BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma (Grade min: MMP)
→ The remaining subjects must be different from that presented above and may be drawn from recognised subjects at:
- GCSE (Grade A* - C)
- AND/OR AS Level’ (Grades A - E)
- AND/OR A-level’ (Grades A* - E)
- AND/OR Applied ‘A-level’ (Grade A* - E)
- AND/OR BTEC National Level 3 (National Award, Subsidiary Diploma, Extended Certificate, 90-Credit Diploma, Foundation Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma*) (Pass, Merit or Distinction).
- AND/OR OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 (Introductory Diploma, Extended Certificate, Subsidiary Diploma, Foundation Diploma, 90-Credit Diploma, Diploma or Extended Diploma*) (Pass, Merit or Distinction).
Work Placement takes place during Semester 2 of the third year of the programme. Students undertake a minimum of 15 weeks of placement with host companies. The host companies are provided by the department in co-ordination with the Placement Office. Students can also undertake a placement with an appropriate company which they have identified themselves.
This course is best-suited to:
- Students who wish to work in a creative, dynamic and rapidly growing industry.
- Students that are interested in creative content production and interactive story-telling.
- Students who enjoy working individually and in groups on novel and challenging projects.
- Students who enjoy programming and problem-solving in a novel domain.
- Students who wish to work in an industry that will grow, change and challenge them over the course of their professional life.
Niall McGuiness (Programme Director)
Email: niall.mcguinness@dkit.ie
| Course ID | DK820 |
| CAO Round 1 Entry Points (2022) | 309 Points |
| Course Type | Undergraduate |
| Study Mode | Full-Time |
| Level | 8 |
| Duration | 4 Years |
| Starting Date | September 2023 |
| School | School of Informatics & Creative Arts |
| Department | Visual and Human-Centred Computing |
| Awarding Body | Dundalk Institute of Technology |
| Delivery Method | On Campus |
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:
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 onto their chosen course. This includes students looking to transfer to DkIT from another Higher Education provider.
