Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Computer Science (Games Development)

Code

SE600

Location

Waterford

Campus

Cork Road

Level Level 8
Duration 4 years
CAO Points 309
Credits 240
Global Applicants View details
Study Abroad View details
Placements View details
Fees View details

What is the BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing (Games Development)?

The BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing (Games Development) is a full-time, four-year, honours degree course of study that can be chosen within the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Computer Science (Common Entry)

Course Aims

Game developers design and create video games for computers and mobile devices. Students will develop a portfolio of playable games and game prototypes using high-level game development tools such as Unity and Unreal. In addition, they will develop proficiency in high performance game development using industry-standard languages such as C++, C# and JavaScript. Genres of games which students will develop include 2D side-scrolling platformers, first-person shooters and survival games in 2D/3D. Students will develop skills to enable them to create games ranging in technical complexity from indie and casual games up to AAA high-end commercial games.

Flexible Semester

Students take part in a (paid) work placement in semester 6. This placement takes place in a software house or the IT department of a large company or industry. Companies such as IBM and Microsoft have a long association with the placement of our students. Students have found this an invaluable experience.

Remixes & Reboots: Technology

There have been huge developments in the ways in which we use technology in 2013, compared with 2003 and many of them are up for discussion in this episode of Reboots & Remixes. Smartphones, tablets, social media, YouTube, Skype, gaming - and we're only scratching the surface.

This episode was written, edited and produced by Sean Bray and Rob O'Connor.
Features contributions from Eamonn de Leastar (TSSG), Danny O'Dwyer (Gamespot), Dr. Niamh Murphy (SETU Waterford) and Stuart Clarke (Hotpress).

Year 1

Semester 1	Semester 2
Programming Fundamentals 1	Programming Fundamentals 2
The Computer Industry	Web App Development
Discrete Mathematics	Computer Systems 2
Computer Systems 1	Applied Calculus
Physics 1	Physics 2
Website Development	2D Game Development

Year 2

Semester 3	Semester 4
Data Structures and Algorithms	Database Structures and Algorithms 2
Relational Databases	Statistics and Probability
Computer Networks	Applied Cryptography
Mathematical Methods	Software Eng. Practice
Introduction to Game Design	Introduction to Game Development
Professional Communications	3D Game Assets

Year 3

Semester 5	Semester 6
Games Development Practicum	Choose one of the following electives:
Web App Development 2	*Study Abroad
NoSQL Databases	*Industrial Placement
Developer Operations	*Voluntary Organisation Project
Professional Practice	*Professional Certification
Introduction to C++ for Games	* = Elective

Year 4

Semester 7	Semester 8
Data Mining 1	Functional Programming
Mobile App Development 2	Project 2
Distributed Systems	Data Mining 2
Project 1	Advanced 3D Game Development
Game Development in C++	Free Elective
Mobile Game Development

Leaving Cert: Entry requirements for the BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing (Games Development)

2 subjects: H5
4 subjects: O6/H7
English or Irish: O6/H7
Mathematics: O3/H7

How to apply for the BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing (Games Development) on the CAO:

The entry route for this programme is from SE600 Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Computer Science (Common Entry). Applicants who select degree option SE600 GAD (Games Development) are guaranteed a place in that programme, subject to meeting the entry requirements and points. Applicants who are undecided about their degree option should choose SE600 GEN.

At the end of year 1, students must confirm their degree option and may change their selection up to that date.

Advanced and Equivalent Entry for the BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing (Games Development):

Career Opportunities for BSc (Hons) in Computer Science (Games Development) graduates:

Employment prospects in computing are extremely healthy at the moment, with demand for skilled graduates exceeding supply. Graduates of this course will have the skills necessary to follow opportunities that present themselves in this growing industry as well as having the freedom to choose their own career path.

Follow on Study for BSc (Hons) in Computer Science (Games Development) graduates:

MSc in Computing in Information Systems Processes - SE61M

MSc in Computer Science in (Enterprise Software Systems) - SE61S

Career Opportunities for BSc (Hons) in Computer Science (Games Development) graduates:

Completion of a level 8 programme will also enable students to undertake taught Masters programmes or Masters degrees by research at SETU Waterford or other third-level colleges