Our BSc (Hons) Games Computing with Virtual and Augmented Reality programme is designed for students wishing to combine their study of Games Computing with a focus on the game technologies of the future. The programme aims to prepare students to contribute to the growing development and interest in extended reality, with a focus on interaction, immersiveness, and entertainment. By combining core computer science and game development skills with an additional focus on extended reality, the course aims to create developers who are equipped to address the increasing demand for extended reality as a platform for game technologies. The course also aims to develop a skill set that is applicable to the wider spectrum of the digital sector. Beyond learning how to develop software, students can also develop an understanding of the interaction between the computer and its user, and how to design an engaging experience. How You Study In the first year, students have the opportunity to study the fundamental areas of computer science and game development. This includes programming fundamentals, maths for computing, and games development. In the second year, there is an in-depth study expected in areas of game computing, such as advanced programming, concept development, user experience design, and artificial intelligence, alongside a focus on game development for virtual and augmented reality. As well as completing a games development project in the third year, students can choose from a range of specialist optional modules, including Physics Simulation, Parallel Programming; Autonomous Mobile Robotics; Image Processing; and Cross-Platform Development. Modules First Year Algorithms and Complexity(Core) Game Design(Core) Game Development(Core) Game Studies(Core) Maths for Computing(Core) Object-Oriented Programming(Core) Programming Fundamentals(Core) Second Year Advanced Programming(Core) Artificial Intelligence(Core) Concept Development(Core) Game Development for Virtual and Augmented Reality(Core) Game Programming(Core) Team Software Engineering(Core) User Experience Design(Core) Third Year Procedural Content Generation(Core) Project(Core) XR Game Studio(Core) Autonomous Mobile Robotics(Option)† Big Data(Option)† Cross-Platform Development(Option)† Cyber Security(Option)† Image Processing(Option)† Machine Learning(Option)† Parallel Programming(Option)† Physics Simulation(Option)† † Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability. Special Features Students have the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community of active researchers and take part in extracurricular activities such as performance and games workshops, game jams, and national competitions. Students have access to a specialist development laboratory, industry-standard software development environments, 3D modelling software and virtual reality systems. Software development environments such as Unreal Engine 4, Unity Pro, and Visual Studio play a major part in the practical elements of the course. Placements There is the opportunity to take a work placement year between the second and third years of study. Students are academically supported throughout their placement, which can be overseas. There may also be opportunities to take shorter work placements and overseas study visits. Students on the placement year and on study visits are required to pay for their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs. There is no tuition fee for the placement year. How You Are Assessed The programme is assessed through a variety of means, including in-class tests, coursework, projects, and examinations. The majority of assessments are coursework-based, reflecting the practical and applied nature of games computing science. The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year. The University of Lincoln aims to ensure that staff return in-course assessments to students promptly. Entry Requirements United Kingdom A Level: BBC (112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A levels or equivalent qualifications). International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit or equivalent. T Level: Merit Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points. A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, and EPQ. Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English and Maths. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered. The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications. International Non-UK Qualifications: If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications. International students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Fees and Scholarships Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start.For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships. Career Opportunities This degree aims to equip graduates with the skills necessary for a technical career. Graduates can work across the games industry as developers, tools programmers, artificial intelligence programmers, level designers, mission scripters, games testers, and in many other roles in the wider IT industry. Lincoln graduates have gone on to work for computer games industry giants and other specialist companies in the sector. These include Electronic Arts (EA Games), Criterion Games, Rockstar Games, Sumo Digital, BAE Systems, and Team 17.
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