Copmuter Science
Computer science with a games technology specialisation addresses the technical foundations of software engineering alongside the specific challenges of designing and building interactive digital games. Games development is one of the most technically demanding areas of software engineering, requiring expertise in real-time rendering, physics simulation, artificial intelligence, network programming, audio systems and the performance optimisation that makes large, complex interactive systems run smoothly. It is also a creative and commercially significant industry, and computer scientists who can combine software rigour with an understanding of games systems are highly sought.
At Nottingham Trent, this four-year programme begins with a foundation year, which provides the mathematical, programming and computer science preparation needed to succeed in the main degree. Following the foundation year, you will study core computer science topics including algorithms, data structures, software engineering, operating systems and databases, alongside the games-specific content of graphics programming, game engine architecture, artificial intelligence for games, and interactive simulation. You will work on substantial projects throughout the programme, developing your technical skills and your ability to manage the complexity of real software development.
The typical entry tariff is 104 UCAS points.
Graduates work as games programmers, software engineers, graphics developers and tools engineers in the games industry, as well as in broader software development roles where the rigorous problem-solving and performance-focused mindset of games technology graduates is valued. The UK games industry is large and internationally significant, with major studios and independent developers spread across the country. Graduates also move into simulation, visualisation, virtual reality and augmented reality development, defence technology, and other sectors where interactive real-time systems are built and maintained.