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.

• CodeLab I
• Web Development
• Experience Design
• Ideation and Creative Problem Solving
• Introduction to Computing
• Digital Storytelling
• Image, Sound and Code
• Digital Citizenship

• CodeLab II
• Emerging Technologies
• Creative Industry Challenge
• Computer 3D Modelling and Visualisation
• Games Development
• Smartphone Apps
• Motion Graphics and Sound
• Games Studio
• The Responsive Web
• Professional Placement Year

• Applied Computing
• Creative Incubator
• Cyber Security
• Web Games
• Physical Computing
• Realtime Animation and Interactivity
• Virtual and Augmented Reality
• Serious Games
• Commercial Games
• Web Apps
• Tomorrow’s Web

Creative Computing students across all pathways can apply for Erasmus+ and Exchange programme opportunities offered by Bath Spa University.

We draw on a diverse network of industry partners established by the university’s Digital Academy and Centre for Creative Computing. We collaborate with emerging tech companies, prolific creative media practitioners, and a collective of independent animation and game studios across 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. Join forces with students studying storytelling, animation, film-making, publishing, dance, music technology – the list goes on – to create unique and compelling digital work.

We encourage you to participate in regional game jams, animation festivals and sandbox events. A programme of internal ‘build’ competitions provide chances for you to test out new ideas and collaborate with peers or creatives pursuing other subject areas.

Project Pickaxe
An ongoing MineCraft build of our Newton Park campus.

MediaWall
Creative Computing students design and contribute to installations for MediaWall.

Serious Games
Collaborations with Bath Spa’s Institute of Education on multiple games that tackle real-world problems. These projects almost always combine aspects of animation, gaming and software development.

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.
• Apple iMac suites
  Core modules are taught across several Apple iMac suites, each loaded with industry standard digital design packages, prototyping tools and Integrated Development Environments.
• Virtual Learning Environment
• Newton Park library

• Exclusive access to a collection of top-spec 4K Windows systems with CPU and GPU water cooling. These machines are networked to dedicated external storage and are offered with Unity, Unreal, 3ds Max, Blender and Spine installs.
• Excellent e-learning provisions and a personal ‘software bible’.
• An equipment loan service that offers a wide range of audiovisual production gear, interactive devices, and peripherals.