Computer Games Development

What is the Course about?

Games Development is one of the most exciting and dynamic areas of software development that one can work in. Graduates of this course are sought after by both multinational and indigenous industry leaders such as Microsoft, Black Shamrock, Glu Mobile and Dice Studios.

The games industry continues to grow rapidly and Ireland is gaining international recognition as a centre of excellence due to the calibre of graduates in this field.

Course Structure

This course provides students with the skills they need to become professional games developers. Students will acquire skills in software design and programming, game design, graphics programming, and artificial intelligence. On completion, students will have produced several complete game concepts in a playable form.

Lectures and course practicals cover game industry development technologies, including: programming languages (C++, C#, JavaScript, Python and HTML5) game engine and frameworks (Unity 3D, Unreal Engine, SFML, SDL, OpenGL) and source code control systems (Git/Github). Students have the opportunity to make their own technology selection for the final year project.

Collaboration is actively encouraged throughout this course. Collaboration, beginning in first year, with students from Interactive Digital Art and Design will result in the creation of numerous portfolio titles, game projects and technical demonstrations.

Is this course for you?

Have you a deep interest in how things work? Have you the persistence to see a task through to completion? Are you creative and proud of your work,willing to go the extra mile to get it just right? Have you a passion for learning new things? You are not just a consumer of content but also a creator.

Special Features:

• An active learning environment that includes dedicated game development studios.
• Games Development students have competed successfully in national and international digital game events including:
  • 2023 Games Fleadh Winners of six awards including Best Game built using Software libraries
  • 2022 Games Fleadh: Robocode winners and winner of 3 special prizes including Best in Game Play.
  • 2019 Games Fleadh: Game Studio Ireland Challenge.
  • College Cup Champions and winners of four other awards.
  • GameCraft 2019: Recipient of first, second and third prize.
• SETU Carlow's final year project showcase is attended by leading employers in the games and IT industries.
• The department maintains an international perspective through widespread collaboration with other computing departments and higher education providers with active research links with Netherlands, France, China, Finland, Norway, Hungary and UK.
• Graduates of this course are sought after by employers and Institute of Technology Carlow alumni are working for prominent companies such as Frostbite Studios, Aeria Games, Glu Mobile, Havok, Demonware, Engage XR and Microsoft.
• Exit Award: Higher Certificate in Computer Games Design and Programming (NFQ Level 6) after Year 2 and Bachelor of Science in Computer Games Programming (NFQ Level 7) after Year 3.