Creative Computing (Gaming)

We teach you core skills essential to game design and digital creativity more widely, including software development (C languages, Java), level construction (Unity, Unreal), web app deployment (HTML5, JavaScript, PHP), and asset creation (Adobe, Autodesk).

These technical elements are complemented by critical insights into game development from industry specialists. Specific Gaming modules explore the ideation and prototype production process, from narrative and character development, through asset creation, UX design and rule-making, to development milestones (vertical slice, code freeze, beta testing) and marketing.

You can choose which optional modules to study, to suit your interests and career aspirations.

Year 1
Master the basics. Start your journey through Creative Computing (Gaming) by developing key skills in computing and digital design. We provide an induction to computer science (binary, hardware, operating systems, networking) and probe the social and ethical consequences that are distinct to the digital age. Weekly tech workshops expose you to the basics of web development, physical computing (Arduino, Raspberry Pi) and object-oriented programming. Specific modules on creative problem solving, interface design and coding for the visual arts enrich your understanding of how creativity and computing combine.

Year 2
Begin to specialise. We teach you principles of effective games design and assembly using a selection of retro and current titles, interactive tools and game engines. You’ll encounter the practical aspects of 2D / 3D asset creation, level construction and rule making, while considering the creative strategies and marketing decisions that underpin today’s games industry. Your games specific learning is accompanied with an in-depth ‘code lab’ that spotlights the C programming languages.

Elective modules provide space to improve programming literacy, interface with creative companies, and experiment with some of the latest consumer grade interactive devices.

Year 3
Kickstart your career. You’ll enhance your specialist gaming knowledge, while setting yourself up for success in the tech / creative industries. Two thirds of your time is spent developing significant digital artefacts. These works become the showcase pieces of a compelling, industry-focused creative portfolio.

Optional modules target interdisciplinary collaboration, professional development and enterprise engagement.

Creative Computing (Gaming) is almost entirely coursework assessed. You’ll deliver a varied and balanced collection of artefacts including game slices, prototype software, experiment portfolios, digital interfaces, interactive stories and web apps. Project work is supported by contextual essays, reflective commentaries, sketchbooks, reports, pitches, presentations, debates and b/vlogs.

You’ll be taught through creative workshops, technical labs, seminars and project drop-ins. These sessions are supported by individual and team tutorials throughout your degree programme. CodeLab modules are delivered in small groups. This provides the tutor contact time you need to learn computer programming effectively.

A network of visiting speakers and mentors keep you in touch with developments in the tech and creative sectors, while a team of technical demonstrators reinforce the ‘skills training’ aspects of your learning.

You’ll have the opportunity to study in a wide range of locations around the world. Our students have completed exchange programmes in a variety of countries including Spain, Sweden and the USA.

We draw on a diverse network of industry partners. We collaborate with emerging tech companies, prolific creative media practitioners, and a collective of independent animation and game studios in Bath, Bristol and beyond. Our students are invited to work on these exciting projects, and enjoy the industry contacts and funding that they often provide.

Many of our students take on freelance work and placements during their time with us.

You’ll have access to countless collaborative possibilities. Co-create with students studying storytelling, animation, film-making, publishing, dance, music technology – the list goes on – to create unique and compelling digital work.

This optional placement year provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.

By completing the module, you'll be entitled to the addition of 'with Professional Placement Year' to your degree title.

Before your Professional Placement Year, you'll work to secure your placement, constructing a development plan with your module leader and your placement coordinator from our Careers and Employability team.

On your return to University for your final year, you'll submit your Placement Portfolio, detailing your development on your placement.

You'll have access to our:

• Commons building
  You're taught within the cutting-edge Commons building, situated at the heart of our stunning Newton Park campus.
• High-end computing spaces, populated with 24 Windows machines with i9 processors and GTX 1060/1080 graphics cards.
• Virtual Learning Environment
• Newton Park library
• Free access to software, creative, design and business skills courses via LinkedIn Learning
• Writing and Learning Centre
• English Language Unit

You can also hire out equipment using SISO, Bath Spa University’s free equipment loan service.