Undergraduate Course

BSc Computer Games

(Including Foundation Year)

Now In Clearing

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Overview

The details

Course: Computer Games (Including Foundation Year)

UCAS code: G620

Start date: October 2025

Study mode: Full-time

Duration: 4 years

Location: Colchester Campus

Based in: Essex Pathways

Our BSc Computer Games (including Foundation Year) could be suitable for you if your academic qualifications do not yet meet our entry requirements for a three-year version of our computer science, electronic engineering and mathematics courses and you want a programme that improves your skills to support your academic performance.

Open to UK and EU applicants, this four-year course includes a Foundation Year (known as Year Zero) which is delivered by our Essex Pathways Department followed by a further three years of study in our School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering.

During Year Zero you will study on our Computer Science, Electronic Engineering and Mathematics Pathway which will cover topics such as statistical analysis and modelling, and computer programming. At the end of Year Zero all students who pass the pathway will have a choice of which course to progress with. As well as BSc Computer Games students on the Computer Science, Electronic Engineering and Mathematics Pathway could also study BSc Computer Science, BSc Mathematics or BEng Electronic Engineering.

This is a degree in world-making. You craft stories, characters and plot in order to build imaginary worlds that a player can journey through. Our work is driven by creativity and imagination as well as technical excellence; at Essex you master both game design and computer programming, giving you total control over the worlds you want to create.

Our course gives you the skills to design and specify complex, non-trivial games through focusing on the following areas:

the mechanics of a game, including gameplay elements and the relationship with story
the concepts and techniques of computer game programming
real and virtual worlds
artificial intelligence behaviours for non-player characters
2D and 3D graphic effects and game objects (e.g. weapon systems)

At the end of your course, you will be able to create the outline design specification for a computer game of your own design and implement a game using industry-standard techniques.

Our School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering is a community of scholars leading the way in technological research and development. Today's computer scientists are creative people who are focused and committed, yet restless and experimental. We are home to many of the world's top scientists, and our work is driven by creativity and imagination as well as technical excellence.

Both for entertainment and for more serious purposes such as virtual reality training, computer games, gamification and games intelligences are increasingly important in today's world.

Programming at Essex

Teaching someone to programme is about opening a door. In Year One, you will be introduced to programming using Python. We assess your ability to think in a programmatic way during the first week of term, and if you need additional support we offer classes to boost your programming skills and confidence.

Why we're great.

We are Top 25 in the UK for Computer Science in THE World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
86% of our Computer and Electrical Engineering undergraduate graduates are in employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2024).
You'll join a community of scholars leading the way in technological research and development.

Our expert staff

Our Essex Pathways Department is a gateway to the University of Essex, helping students without standard entry requirements to grow in confidence, unlock their potential, and nurture their ambitions so they can progress in academic study.

The University of Essex was the birthplace of the ‘virtual world'. Multi-User Dungeons (MUD) – multi-player, real-time virtual worlds – were created by our students, including Richard Bartle who still teaches Computer Games here today. Richard was also included in Geek.com's list of the most influential game developers of all time.

Our School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering research staff also includes Dr Adrian Clark, who works on computer graphics and augmented reality.

Specialist facilities

During Year Zero, you will have access to all of the facilities that the University of Essex has to offer, as well as those provided by our Essex Pathways Department to support you, such as:

We provide computer labs for internet research; classrooms with access to PowerPoint facilities for student presentations; AV facilities for teaching and access to web-based learning materials.
Our new Student Services Hub will support you and provide information for all your needs as a student.
Our social space is stocked with magazines and newspaper, and provides an informal setting to meet your lecturers, tutors and friends.

Our School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering also offers excellent on-campus facilities:

We have six laboratories that are exclusively for computer science and electronic engineering students. Three are open 24/7, and you have free access to the labs except when there is a scheduled practical class in progress.
All computers are dual boot Windows 10 and Linux. Apple Mac Computers are dual boot MacOS and Windows 10.
Software includes Java, Prolog, C++, Perl, Mysql, MATLAB, DB2, Microsoft Office, Visual Studio, and Project.
You have access to CAD tools and simulators for chip design (Xilinx) and computer networks (OMNeT++).
We also have specialist facilities for research into areas including non-invasive brain-computer interfaces, intelligent environments, robotics, optoelectronics, video, RF and MW, printed circuit milling, and semiconductors.

Your future

We have many graduates in senior positions in the computer communications industry, as well recent graduates working in IT and computer companies.

Our school has a large pool of external contacts, ranging from companies providing robots for the media industry, through vehicle diagnostics, to the transforming of unstructured data to cloud-based multidimensional data cubes, who work with us and our students to provide advice, placements and eventually graduate opportunities. Read more about computer science and electronic engineering career destinations.

Our recent graduates have gone on to secure impressive roles, including as a Java/ActionScript Developer for Playtech and as an Associate Software Developer for Sky.

We also work with our University's Student Development Team to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

Entry requirements

Clearing entry requirements

We currently have places available in Clearing across a range of courses, with most offers at BBC–CCD (112–88 UCAS tariff points) or equivalent. Grade requirements may be lower in some cases, and some courses may also have subject specific requirements. We consider each application individually so get in touch if your grades are below those outlined here. .

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English language requirements

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.

Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

English language shelf-life

Most English language qualifications have a validity period of 5 years. The validity period of Pearson Test of English, TOEFL and CBSE or CISCE English is 2 years.

If you require a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

Pre-sessional English courses

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Pending English language qualifications

You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.

If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk.

Additional Notes

If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College

Structure

Course structure

Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. The following modules are based on the current course structure and may change in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website and in line with your contract with us. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Components and modules explained

Components

Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.

Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.

Status	What this means
Core	You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory	You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Compulsory with Options	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Optional	You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.

The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.

Modules

Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.

In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.

Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:

100

The department or school the module will be taught by.

In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History.

The module number.

The UK academic level of the module.

A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course.

A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules.

A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification.

The term the module will be taught in.

AU: Autumn term
SP: Spring term
SU: Summer term
FY: Full year
AP: Autumn and Spring terms
PS: Spring and Summer terms
AS: Autumn and Summer terms

COMPONENT 01: CORE

Computer Programming

(30 CREDITS)

How do you test and evaluate the operation of simple computer programs? Or develop a program using tools in the Python programming language? Study the principles of procedural computing programming. Examine basic programming concepts, structures and methodologies. Understand good program design, learn to correct coding and practice debugging techniques.

View Computer Programming on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: CORE

Reading, Writing, Research, and Presentation Skills

(30 CREDITS)

This blended-learning module is designed to support students in their academic subject disciplines and to strengthen their confidence in key skills areas such as: academic writing, research, academic integrity, collaborative and reflective practices. The students are supported through the use of subject-specific materials tailored to their chosen degrees with alignment of assessments between academic subject modules and the skills module.

View Reading, Writing, Research, and Presentation Skills on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: CORE

Mathematical Methods and Statistics

(30 CREDITS)

Develop your problem-solving skills in this module, as you are introduced to Statistical and Mathematical concepts including mechanics. You become familiar with R software, one of the most widely used statistical analysis software in the world, and learn how to use it to analyse and interpret data. You study simple concepts and techniques like data description and distribution; before moving on to more complex topics and theories including Newton's laws of motion. While also covering everything from probability rules and hypothesis testing to advanced algebra - you will be well equipped to present your solutions and findings to an audience with no specialist knowledge of Statistics and Mechanics.

View Mathematical Methods and Statistics on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: CORE WITH OPTIONS

(30 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 01: CORE

Team Project Challenge

(15 CREDITS)

Our Team Project Challenge gives you the opportunity to develop a range of professional skills by working as part of a small student team on a specific project. The projects are research-based and incorporate the concepts of specifications, design, and implementation. You’ll learn about sustainability, project and time management, design, legal issues, health and safety, data analysis and presentation, team reporting, and self-evaluation. You’ll also develop skills such as critical thinking and problem solving, agility, leadership, collaboration across networks, and effective oral and written communication, as well as curiosity and imagination, all of which will enhance your knowledge, confidence and social skills necessary to innovate and succeed in a competitive global environment.

View Team Project Challenge on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: CORE

Mathematics for Computing

(15 CREDITS)

The aim of this module is to cover fundamental mathematics for Computer Scientists. It does not assume A-level mathematics, and the emphasis and delivery will be on understanding the key concepts as they apply to Computer Science.

View Mathematics for Computing on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: CORE

Introduction to Programming

(15 CREDITS)

The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the fundamental concepts of computer programming. After completing this module, students will be expected to be able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles and concepts that underlie the procedural programming model, explain and make use of high-level programming language features that support control, data and procedural abstraction. Also, they will be able to analyse and explain the behaviour of simple programs that incorporate standard control structures, parameterised functions, arrays, structures and I/O.

View Introduction to Programming on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: CORE

Object-Oriented Programming

(15 CREDITS)

Want to become a Java programmer? Topics covered in this module include control structures, classes, objects, inheritance, polymorphism, interfaces, file I/O, event handling, graphical components, and more. You will develop your programming skills in supervised lab sessions where help will be at hand should you require it.

View Object-Oriented Programming on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 05: CORE

Introduction to Databases

(15 CREDITS)

Databases are everywhere. They are employed in banking, production control and the stock market, as well as in scientific and engineering applications. For example, the Human Genome Project had the goal of mapping the sequence of chemical base pairs which make up human DNA. The result is a genome database. This module introduces the underlying principles of databases, database design and database systems. It covers the fundamental concepts of databases, and prepares the student for their use in commerce, science and engineering.

View Introduction to Databases on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 06: CORE

Web Development

(15 CREDITS)

The aim of this module is to provide students with an introduction to the principles and technology that underlie internet applications and the techniques used in the design and construction of web sites. Students showcase their skills by designing and building both client and server components of a data driven web site.

View Web Development on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 07: CORE

Data Structures and Algorithms I

(15 CREDITS)

View Data Structures and Algorithms I on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 08: CORE

Fundamentals of Digital Systems

(15 CREDITS)

Computers, embedded systems, and digital systems in general have become an essential part of most people's lives, whether directly or indirectly. The aim of this module is to introduce the software and hardware underpinnings of such systems at an introductory yet challenging level suitable for future computer scientists and engineers. Topics covered in the module include both top-view as well as bottom-view approaches to understanding digital computers. They range from the more theoretical (e.g., state machines, logic circuits, and von Neumann's architecture) to the more practical (e.g., how transistors produce binary signals, operating system functions, memory management, and common hardware devices). The module also includes problem solving classes in which a guided discussion of weekly exercises is aimed at giving the student an opportunity to consolidate his/her understanding of the topics involved. Upon completion of this module, students should have a good conceptual and practical understanding of the nature and architecture of digital computer systems and their components.

View Fundamentals of Digital Systems on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 01: CORE

Team Project Challenge

(15 CREDITS)

This course covers the principles of project management, team working, communication, legal issues, finance, and company organisation. Working in small teams, students will go through the full project life-cycle of design, development and implementation, for a bespoke software requirement. In this course, students gain vital experience to enable them to enter the computer science/Electrical engineering workforce, with a degree backed by the British Computer Society, and by the Institute of Engineering and Technology.

View Team Project Challenge on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: CORE

Application Programming

(15 CREDITS)

This module extends the students' knowledge and skills in object-oriented application programming by a treatment of further Java language principles and of important Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). The Java Collections API is explored in some more detail with emphasis on how to utilise these classes to best effect. A particular focus will be on the interaction with databases (e.g. via JDBC) and on writing secure applications.

View Application Programming on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: CORE

Data Structures and Algorithms

(15 CREDITS)

Data structures and algorithms lie at the heart of Computer Science as they are the basis for the efficient solution of programming tasks. In this module, students will study core algorithms and data structures, as well as being given an introduction to algorithm analysis and basic computability.

View Data Structures and Algorithms on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: CORE

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

(15 CREDITS)

Artificial intelligence will be a great driver of change in the coming decades. This module provides an introduction to three fundamental areas of artificial intelligence: search, knowledge representation, and machine learning. These underpin all more advanced areas of artificial intelligence and are of central importance to related fields such as computer games and robotics. Within each area, a range of methodologies and techniques are presented, with emphasis being placed on understanding their strengths and weaknesses and hence on assessing which is most suited to a particular task.

View Introduction to Artificial Intelligence on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 05: CORE

Computer Game Design

(15 CREDITS)

Most players think that designing computer games must be easy. How hard can it be? Well, writing books and painting pictures is also “easy”, but would you want to read those books, hang those pictures on the wall – or play those games? This module can’t teach you how to design games, any more than a creative writing module can teach you to write novels or an oil painting module can teach you to paint portraits. What it can do is help people who want – who need – to design games to hit the ground running. Where you run after that is up to you!

View Computer Game Design on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 06: CORE

Computer Game Programming

(15 CREDITS)

This module adds game-specific techniques and material to the general-purpose programming abilities acquired previously. Topics include fundamental game classes and loops; working with 2D graphics, images and sound; collision detection, Game AI, particle effects, procedural content generation, physics engines and more. Students showcase their programming skills and creative flair by designing and implementing a 2D video game.

View Computer Game Programming on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 07: CORE

C++ Programming

(15 CREDITS)

The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the C++ programming language. The contents covered by this module include basic concepts and features of C++ programming (e.g., operator overloading), C++ Standard Template Library, and inheritance, function overriding and exceptions.

View C++ Programming on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 08: CORE WITH OPTIONS

(15 CREDITS)

COMPONENT 01: CORE

Individual Capstone Project Challenge

(45 CREDITS)

The highlight of our undergraduate degree courses is the individual capstone project. This project module provides students with the opportunity to bring together all the skills they have gained during their degree and demonstrate that they can develop a product from the starting point of a single 1/2 page description, provided either by an academic member of staff or an external company. In all the student spends 450 hours throughout the academic year, reporting to their academic tutor, and in the case of company projects, to a company mentor. All projects are demonstrated to external companies on our Project Open Day.

View Individual Capstone Project Challenge on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 02: CORE

Physics-Based Games

(15 CREDITS)

Many of today’s best computer games rely on realistic physics at the core of their gameplay. In this course, students are taught how these physics engines work, and how to create physics-based games of their own. Students create a physics engine from scratch, and also learn how to use existing industry-standard open-source 2-D and 3-D physics engines. The necessary principles of physics and mathematics are taught, assuming very little prior knowledge. Vectors, matrices, and numerical integration are taught on a need-to-know basis, with code examples to illustrate the methods. Each lecture is followed by a lab session, where the new techniques are programmed by each student. Almost immediately, students will create scenarios where objects are moving and bouncing around the screen realistically. Each lab session ends in creating a small physics-based game. The course is assessed through tests, and a larger game-programming assignment.

View Physics-Based Games on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 03: CORE

High-Level Games Development

(15 CREDITS)

Unleash your creativity and technical skills in our High-Level Games Development module! Dive into the dynamic world of 3D game design and development using industry-standard tools. This hands-on module is your gateway to mastering the art and science of creating immersive 3D games. Through interactive lab sessions and engaging assignments, you will learn to design game architectures, implement AI behaviours for NPCs, craft stunning graphic effects, and build functional game mechanics, such as weapon systems and interactive environments. By the end of the module, you will have developed your own fully functional 3D game, showcasing advanced techniques that can set you apart in the competitive gaming industry. Whether you are dreaming of developing the next blockbuster game or simply looking to sharpen your programming skills in an exciting, creative field, this module provides the knowledge, tools, and experience to turn your ideas into reality. Join this module and start shaping the future of interactive entertainment!

View High-Level Games Development on our Module Directory

COMPONENT 04: CORE WITH OPTIONS

(45 CREDITS)

Teaching

Undergraduate students in the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering typically attend a two-hour lecture and a two-hour lab for each 15-credit module.
A significant amount of practical lab work will need to be undertaken for written assignments and as part of your learning.

Assessment

In your first year, you will have exams before the start of term in January.
Your assessed coursework will generally consist of essays, reports, in-class tests, individual or group oral presentations, and small scale research projects.
All credit-bearing modules will involve a final exam, which will be either essay-based or in the form of a test.

Fees and funding

Home/UK fee

£9,535 per year

International fee

£20,475 per year

The standard undergraduate degree fee for international students will apply in subsequent years.

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

Home/UK fees and funding information

International fees and funding information

What's next

Our events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex. We run a number of Open Days throughout the year which enable you to discover what our campus has to offer. You have the chance to:

tour our campus and accommodation
find out answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, graduate employability, student support and more
meet our students and staff

Check out our Visit Us pages to find out more information about booking onto one of our events. And if the dates aren’t suitable for you, feel free to book a campus tour here.

2025 Open Days (Colchester Campus)

Saturday 16 August 2025 - Colchester Clearing Open Day

Saturday 20 September 2025 - September Open Day

Saturday 8 November 2025 - November Open Day

Find out more

How to apply during Clearing

Once you’ve checked that we have the right course for you, applying couldn’t be simpler. Fill in our quick and easy Clearing application form with as much detail as you can. We’ll then take a look and get back to you with a decision.

Find out more about Clearing

Interviews

We don’t interview all applicants during Clearing, however, we will only make offers for the following courses after a successful interview:

BA Multimedia Journalism
BSc Nursing (Adult)
BSc Nursing (Mental Health)
BA Social Work

The interview allows our academics to find out more about you, and in turn you’ll be able to ask us any questions you might have. Further details will be emailed to you if you are shortlisted for interview.

Apply now

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Set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland - Wivenhoe Park and located two miles from the historic city centre of Colchester – England's oldest recorded development. Our Colchester Campus is also easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour.

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If you live too far away to come to Essex (or have a busy lifestyle), no problem. Our 360 degree virtual tours allows you to explore our University from the comfort of your home. Check out our Colchester virtual tour and Southend virtual tour to see accommodation options, facilities and social spaces.

At Essex we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive student community. We offer a wide range of support to individuals and groups of student members who may have specific requirements, interests or responsibilities.

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include, but are not limited to: strikes, other industrial action, staff illness, severe weather, fire, civil commotion, riot, invasion, terrorist attack or threat of terrorist attack (whether declared or not), natural disaster, restrictions imposed by government or public authorities, epidemic or pandemic disease, failure of public utilities or transport systems or the withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications. The University would inform and engage with you if your course was to be discontinued, and would provide you with options, where appropriate, in line with our Compensation and Refund Policy.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.