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81% of our research outputs are internationally excellent

The last intake for this course is Sept 2022/23. For 2023/24 entry, please visit BSc (Hons) Games Computing. 

BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Games Development degree at Northumbria will open the door to a vast range of careers within this industry.

From day one, you will be immersed in an exciting, innovative environment where you will develop your theoretical and technical knowledge and skills which will be directly relatable to your future career. This course has been developed to meet the demand for skilled individuals who understand how computers work and who have a desire to work for a games development studio after graduation. This course aims to provide you with a deep knowledge of the principles of computer science, enhanced by specialist skills in developing computer games.
Northumbria is ranked 5th in the sector nationally and 1st in the North East for the sustained employment of Computer Science graduates one year after graduation. (Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) 2017)
Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional. (British Computing society (BCS) 2019)

For more information in relation to studying computer science with games development, contact Northumbria University today on 0191 406 0901

For more information in relation to studying Computer Science with Games Development, contact Northumbria University today on 0191 4060901 orregister for Computer Science with Games Development updates.

 

 

See other similar courses you may be interested in: Computer Science with AI 

Course Information

UCAS Code
G405

Level of Study
Undergraduate

Mode of Study
3 years full-time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department
Computer and Information Sciences

Location
City Campus, Northumbria University

City
Newcastle

Fee Information

Module Information

News & Events / Computer & Information Sciences

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Department / Computer and Information Sciences

Computer and Information Sciences encompasses all of our work in artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer forensics, human computer interaction, games and more.

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Book An Open Day / Experience Computer Science with Games Development BSc (Hons)

Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study Computer Science with Games Development. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the facilities.

Entry Requirements 2024/25

Standard Entry

GCSE requirementsA good GCSE profile is expected including Maths and English Language at minimum grade C or equivalent.  If you have studied for a new GCSE for which you will be awarded a numerical grade then you will need to achieve a minimum grade 4.

UCAS Tariff Points120-128 UCAS Tariff points including one or more of the following: 

GCE and VCE Advanced Level: From at least 2 GCE/VCE A Levels 

Edexcel/BTEC National Extended Diploma:Distinction, Distinction, Merit 

Scottish Highers:BBBCC - BBBBC at Higher level, CCC - BCC at Advanced Higher 

Irish Highers:BBBBB  - ABBBB

IB Diploma:120-128 UCAS Tariff points including minimum score of 4 in at least three subjects at Higher level

Access to HE Diploma:Award of full Access to HE Diploma including 18 credits at Distinction and 27 at Merit

Qualification combinationsThe University welcomes applications from students studying qualifications from different qualification types - for example A level and a BTEC qualification in combination, and if you are made an offer you will be asked to achieve UCAS Tariff points from all of the qualifications you are studying at level 3.  Should the course you wish to study have a subject specific requirement then you must also meet this requirement, usually from GCE A level.

Applicants from the EUApplicants from the EU are welcome to apply and if the qualification you are studying is not listed here then please contact the Admissions Team for advice or see our EU Applicants pages here https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/international/european-union/eu-applications/ 

International applicantsThe University is pleased to welcome international applicants from over 100 countries and considers a wide range of qualifications for entry to its programmes.  For specific information please visit our International Admissions pages here https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/international/international-admissions/ 

International applicants are also required to have one of the following English language qualifications with grades as shown below

  • A British      Council International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0      (or above) with a minimum score in each component of Reading, Writing,      Listening and Speaking of 5.5
  • Pearson      Academic score of 54 (or above) with a minimum score in each component of      Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking of 51

The University also accepts many other English language qualifications and if you have any questions about our English Language requirements pl

Fees and Funding 2024/25 Entry

UK Fee in Year 1: TBC

* The maximum tuition fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by government. Tuition fees may increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, these are subject to government regulations and in line with inflation.


EU Fee in Year 1: TBC

International Fee in Year 1: TBC


Please see the main Funding Pages for 24/25 scholarship information.

 


ADDITIONAL COSTS

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How to Apply

Please use the Apply Now button at the top of this page to submit your application.

Certain applications may need to be submitted via an external application system, such as UCAS, Lawcabs or DfE Apply.

The Apply Now button will redirect you to the relevant website if this is the case.

You can find further application advice, such as what to include in your application and what happens after you apply, on our Admissions Hub Admissions | Northumbria University



Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

KF5002 -

Web Programming (Core,20 Credits)

The module aims to provide you with knowledge of the principles and practice of developing dynamic, interactive web sites and applications using both server-side and client-side technologies and of issues relating to their use. This will include the retrieval and processing of structured data and its integration to create standards compliant web interfaces. The storage and manipulation of structured data, especially in relational databases, within a web based system will also be covered. A consideration of relevant security issues and methods of working with the Document Object Model (DOM) to manipulate web application interfaces will also be provided. In particular, you will cover the following topics:

• Database applications on the web and their components: database integration and database driven web based systems, database connectivity, manipulating relational database data – record insertion, updating and deletion
• Introduction to other structured data sources, e.g. XML or JSON.
• Retrieving, processing and displaying data from structured data sources to create standards compliant, device agnostic, and accessible web interfaces.
• Client-side and server-side validation of user input and other security issues. Working with user sessions
• Working with the Document Object Model (DOM) to manipulate web application interfaces.
• Asynchronous Javascript and XML (AJAX): the XMLHTTPRequest object, communicating with a web server, parsing and displaying the returned structured data.

More information

KF5008 -

Program Design and Development (Core,20 Credits)

You will extend your understanding of system development in this module. In particular, you will cover program design issues within the context of an industry-standard approach. You will learn how to implement designs, including the selection, implementation and processing of appropriate data structures and algorithms, and how to evaluate design models and appreciate the place of these models within a software development approach.

You will develop your knowledge of design by gaining understanding of the principles and concepts upon which design depends. In addition, you will learn to apply an industry-standard approach for design and employ appropriate modelling tools. You will also develop an understanding of the issues involved with the implementation of such models, including the selection and implementation of data structures.

More information

KF5012 -

Software Engineering Practice (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about the principles of software engineering and the management of software engineering projects. You will apply these in the context of a small development project and relate then to your other studies. In addition, you will see how the various skills in project management and software engineering combine to aid the delivery of a successful outcome in a commercial and economic context.

The module aims to help you understand the skills required in employment (and your continuing education) in your subject area and to apply them to complete a project, achieving a level of understanding of employer requirements.

More information

KF5042 -

Intelligent Systems (Core,20 Credits)

The aim of the module is to provide you with a broad introduction to the core areas of artificial intelligence with a focus on applications, tools and technologies used in building intelligent systems. You will learn key theoretical concepts and research advances in intelligent systems as well as state-of-the-art techniques such as knowledge representation, machine learning, data and text mining, natural language processing and understanding, and biologically inspired computing. You will learn how intelligent systems allow computers to represent, process and learn from data. You will also explore current and future applications of AI and how various AI techniques have been used to solve practical problems. Additionally, you will learn how to appropriately select from a range of AI techniques and tools to solve practical problems in different application domains. Furthermore, you will learn how to conduct performance evaluation of intelligent systems.

In particular, you will cover topics such as:

• An introduction to AI techniques, tools and applications used in intelligent systems
• Machine learning
• Biologically inspired computing
• Search, heuristics and optimisation techniques
• Data and text mining
• Natural language processing and understanding
• Data visualisation
• Selected key application areas of intelligent systems such as:
- Computer vision and digital forensics
- Biometrics, face detection and recognition
- Affective computing
- Information retrieval
- Sentiment analysis
- Intelligent robotics
- AI in games / VR / movie making

More information

KV5001 -

Academic Language Skills for Computer and Information Sciences (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

More information

KV5002 -

Computer Networks, Security and Operating Systems (Core,20 Credits)

This module introduces you to the fundamentals of computer networks, security and operating systems, including: network architecture and the five-layer Internet protocol stack, processes/threads, inter-process communication, memory management, file systems, and operating systems and network security. You will study:
* network architecture: the five-layer Internet protocol stack (application, transport, network, datalink, and physical layers), switching techniques (e.g. circuit and packet), protocols (e.g. TCP, UDP, IP);
* processes and threads: concepts, use and implementation, creation and destruction, context switching, scheduling, synchronisation;
* inter-process communication: shared memory, message passing, pipes, sockets;
* memory management: memory allocation schemes, paging, virtual memory;
* file systems: file concept, file system structure and implementation, directories, free space allocation;
* operating system and network security: confidentiality, integrity, availability, threats and attacks (e.g. denial of service, spoofing, man-in-the-middle), access control, user authentication, cryptography for data and network security, secure network protocols (e.g. TLS/SSL).

More information

KV5003 -

Human Computer Interaction (Core,20 Credits)

This module will introduce you to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), a field of study focusing on the design of computer technology and, in particular, the interaction between humans (the users) and computers. It brings together multiple disciplines, such as computer science, the social sciences, design and human-factors engineering. In addition to the underlying principles and theories we will engage critically with contemporary HCI research.

Specific topics we will cover will include, but will not be limited to, the following:

• User-centred design lifecycle
• Understanding human capabilities (visual and auditory perception, ergonomics, cognitive models); Social models that inform interaction design, e.g., culture, communication, networks and organizations; Accessibility
• Understanding context: Requirements capture methods
• Understanding design: Usability heuristics and evaluation; User interface standards
• Interface paradigms and metaphors; Principles of good interface design
• Prototyping techniques for interface design
• Evaluation methods: expert appraisal and user-led

More information

KV5001 -

Academic Language Skills for Computer and Information Sciences (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

More information

KV5007 -

Work placement year (Optional,120 Credits)

This module is designed for all standard full-time undergraduate programmes within the Faculty of Engineering and Environment to provide you with the option to take a one year work placement as part of your programme.

You will be able to use the placement experience to develop and enhance appropriate areas of your knowledge and understanding, your intellectual and professional skills, and your personal value attributes, relevant to your programme of study, as well as accreditation bodies such as BCS, IET, IMechE, RICS, CIOB and CIBSE within the appropriate working environments. Due to its overall positive impact on employability, degree classification and graduate starting salaries, the University strongly encourages you to pursue a work placement as part of your degree programme.

This module is a Pass/Fail module so does not contribute to the classification of your degree. When taken and passed, however, the Placement Year is recognised both in your transcript as a 120 credit Work Placement Module and on your degree certificate.

Your placement period will normally be full-time and must total a minimum of 40 weeks.

More information

KV5008 -

Study abroad year (Optional,120 Credits)

This module is designed for all standard full-time undergraduate programmes within the Faculty of Engineering and Environment and provides you with the option to study abroad for one full year as part of your programme.

This is a 120 credit module which is available between Levels 5 and 6. You will undertake a year of study abroad at an approved partner University where you will have access to modules from your discipline, but taught in a different learning culture. This gives you the opportunity to broaden your overall experience of learning. The structure of study will be dependent on the partner and will be recorded for an individual student on the learning agreement signed by the host University, the student, and the home University (Northumbria).

Your study abroad year will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. It will not count towards your final degree classification but, it is recognised in your transcript as a 120 credit Study Abroad module and on your degree certificate in the format – “Degree title (with Study Abroad Year)”.

More information

KC6004 -

Data Security and Governance (Optional,20 Credits)

This module is set in the context of today’s society and the organisations within. Social behaviour, often in the virtual environment, creates a range of ethical issues centering on information security and governance. In addition to exploring these social and ethical issues, legal and regulatory frameworks that have been developed in recent years to try to address these issues are examined. You will also learn about cybersecurity in organisations and will be introduced to a range of common threats and countermeasures. Topics include basic definitions of terminology alongside practical and theoretical frameworks to help you identify key governance and security issues, and explore potential preventative measures. You will be covering terms such as ‘governance’ and ‘cybersecurity’, frameworks which include the information life cycle, regulations and guidelines relating to professional conduct, privacy and data protection, surveillance, freedom of expression, and freedom of information and intellectual property. Cybersecurity topics will include user authentication, cloud storage, organisational security cultures, access control and encryption, social engineering, user privacy, organisational cyber-attack risk evaluation and breach reporting. Key topics are:

Organisational information and knowledge assets and Information Life Cycle
Corporate and information governance and professional conduct
Privacy, freedom of expression and surveillance
Data protection and freedom of information
Impact of globalisation on governance and security
Intellectual property
Cybersecurity and organisational security culture
Social Engineering
Attack and defence including user authentication, access control and encryption
Privacy and security in the cloud
Future of privacy and security
Cybersecurity risk evaluation and breach reporting

More information

KC6005 -

Smart Technologies and Agile UX design (Optional,20 Credits)

The module aim is to develop understanding of the user and their experience with smart technology applications through experimental design and testing to be able to make recommendations for improvements. To help achieve this, the module gets you to think about the bigger picture when developing experimental application tests for smart technologies; these could be changeable depending on the user environment which impact on the user and interaction with the device. This approach will help to galvanise the module aim, which will improve planning, and strategy when developing experimental test designs in order to carry out experimental testing of a specific smart technologies application, leading to recommendations for improvements to user experience and interaction design.

In particular, you will cover topics such as:

• Cultural shifts and trends in mobile devices and smart technologies.
• Techniques for analysing user behaviour and experience in specific contexts.
• Review of experimental methodologies.
• Experimental good practice.
• Design and implementation of in-context experiments to test user experience and interaction design.
• Presentation and evaluation of experimental findings.
• Making recommendations for future provision.

More information

KC6012 -

Graduate Enterprise (Optional,20 Credits)

The aim of this module is to encourage the understanding and application of business and management competences as applied to small business. It will provide you with an understanding and application of competencies required to create and operate a small enterprise. You will gain a practical (learning by doing) insight into the setting up and operation of a small business, and will have a raised awareness of the self-employment opportunities that graduates can exploit, developing a critical awareness of small business creation and operation and of the enterprise economy.

You will cover topics such as:
• Small Business in the economy.
• Business idea generation.
• Entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial team.
• Business planning and finance and use of advisors.
• Marketing and market research.
• Sales for SMEs.
• Effective presentation.
• Networking.
• Public relations.
• Information and control of enterprise.
• Business growth.
• Financial outcomes and reporting.
• Legal issues.

More information

KF6012 -

Web Application Integration (Optional,20 Credits)

You will learn how to write robust web applications that integrate server-side and client-side technologies. For the server side you will learn how to create reusable components written in Object Oriented PHP and how to use database systems including SQLite. For the client-side you will learn how to create robust Single Page Applications (SPA) using a modern JavaScript framework such as React or AngularJS. To integrate the client and server sides you will learn how to structure data as JSON and the use of HTTP methods and approaches for interaction. You will also learn how to implement and use token-based approaches for authentication. The module will set the approaches you learn in the context of architectural concerns including maintainability, scalability, security and robustness. You will become familiar with architectural concepts including Representational State Transfer (REST), Model View Controller (MVC), and Multitier (N-tier), as well as gain an appreciation of applied object-oriented and component-based development.

More information

KF6015 -

Games Design (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about the design of computer games, the needs of and the issues facing the games industry and their impact upon games design. You will analyse a games problem and create a design for their solution using industry standard methods. In particular you will learn about:
• Principles of good game design
• The elements of game design
• How games are made in the industry and the makeup of the industry
• Professional, legal, social and ethical issues faced by the industry in general, and how they affect the game designer.

More information

KF6017 -

Software Architecture for Games (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn about the structure of games software. Games engines are complex pieces of software that are worked on by a number of people, with different talents. To manage this complexity, programmers use a number of design patterns to decouple the code and make it more flexible and reusable. You will see how object-oriented principles such as generalisation and encapsulation can be used to achieve this.

Game engines are split into separate components, such as the gameplay component, graphics component, AI component, network component, etc. You will study common approaches used to design and implement a number of these components.

You will also learn to understand and communicate complex designs using diagrams and explanations. You will develop your programming skills to implement more complex object-oriented structures.

More information

KF6018 -

Computer Graphics and Animation (Optional,20 Credits)

This module will provide you with knowledge and understanding of the theoretical background to and the practical implementation of computer graphics and computer animation, which are two major components in the movie and game industries. They are also used in other industries for design and advertisement, such as furniture and car companies. On this module you will have the opportunity to experience hardware equipment used in the industries, such as a 3D motion capture system, 3D scanners and 3D printers, to help you better understand state-of-the-art computer graphics and animation pipelines.

You will learn about 3D modelling and rendering, perception principles, visualisation techniques, animation algorithms and simulations and how to implement software algorithms for 3D modelling, rendering, visualization and simulations - which you will use to develop your own software artefact. This module will cover the following topics:

1. Basic 3D geometry concepts, such as coordinates, transformations, view projections, etc.
2. 3D rendering components, such as modelling, illumination, shadowing, texture mapping, etc.
3. Character animation algorithms, such as motion capture, keyframe animation, forward/inverse kinematics, etc.
4. Physical simulations algorithms, such as cloth simulation, deformable objects, etc.

The module will, where appropriate, make use of well-known research papers and journals in computer graphics and animation, to help you develop your critical thinking skills, as well as your research and development skills.

More information

KF6052 -

Machine Learning and Computer Vision (Optional,20 Credits)

The aim of the module is to provide you with knowledge and understanding of machine learning techniques and computer vision systems, including how to solve problems in these areas. In particular, you will cover topics such as:

• Machine learning
• Supervised machine learning techniques and classifiers
• Unsupervised machine learning techniques
• Computer vision and digital image fundamentals
• Legal, ethical and social issues in computer vision, and techniques for security.
• Application of machine learning techniques in computer vision (biometric systems, face, iris, fingerprint, etc.)

More information

KV5001 -

Academic Language Skills for Computer and Information Sciences (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

More information

KV6002 -

Team Project and Professionalism (Core,20 Credits)

This module functions as a “cap-stone” to your Batchelor studies. The module gives you the opportunity to work in a team to build a significant computing product directly related to your programme of study. This develops and demonstrates your skills in leadership, team work, project management, planning, communication (both written and oral) as well as technical skills in the technology you choose to implement in. This module aims to give you further experience of team working in the specialism you have selected which is an invaluable asset and highly prized by employers. The project and its potential future commercial exploitation provide a context for you to critically evaluate your and your team’s performance, the fitness for purpose of the product you have developed and the legal, ethical, professional and social content of your chosen specialism. Appropriate Information Security factors will be considered as part of this evaluation. As part of this learning journey you will also explore the associated commercial and economic factors.

You will have the opportunity to apply a wide range of development skills (in specification, design and implementation) to your product development. All products will consider all aspects of the development life cycle. Some projects may be driven by research activity in the department’s research groups, some by the expectations of a “client” and some by students’ own interests. A “client” is a non-fictitious potential benefactor of the project for example a student’s employer, former placement provider, local charity etc. who are willing to formally consent to be involved in the project.

Wider Legal, Ethical, Social and Professional implications will be examined to enable you to appreciate the responsibilities involved in the development and use of computer products both in work and throughout society.

More information

KV6003 -

Individual Computing Project (Core,40 Credits)

This module is an individual project where you have the opportunity to define your own project topic or select one provided by academic staff, and produce a significant piece of practical computing work related to the aims of your programme. To do this you will need to use and further develop skills and expertise that you have learnt elsewhere in your programme. You will become knowledgeable in your chosen topic including important concepts and literature and you will acquire new or extend existing skills or learning that are needed to carry out the project. These could be technical skills such as a new programming language, or other knowledge and skills such as experimental methods used in your chosen area and/or the use of statistical techniques to analyse your results. You will also acquire or further develop your professional skills and competencies including communication skills (both oral presentation and report writing), literature searching and review, research methods and design, data analysis, project management and personal time management.

Your project must include you undertaking practical work of some sort using computing/IT technology. This is most frequently achieved by the creation of an artefact as the focus for covering all or part of an implementation lifecycle. However, there are a number of approaches you can take. For example, you could choose to conduct a more product-focused project where the main deliverable is a product of some kind such as a piece of software, a game, a computer network, an information strategy, a hardware device with software, and the approach/design for this. Or it could be a more investigative and/or research-focused project such as a digital forensics investigation, a comparison analysis of AI algorithms, a user experience investigation, an experimental evaluation of a network protocol. Or your project could be a mix of both of these such as building a simulated network to investigate security vulnerabilities and mitigation schemes, creating a prototype to test the effectiveness of a digital technology. Projects based solely on literature review activity and/or user/market surveys are not acceptable.

More information

KV6006 -

Internet of Things (Optional,20 Credits)

This module is designed to provide you with an appreciation of Intenet of Things. It treats the theory and practical techniques required to implement such systems on commonly used IoT platforms. You will cover aspects of IoT architecture and topologies, sensors and actuators, IoT Standards and Communication Protocols, personal and pervasive sensing, IoT Security and security standards, and IoT applications.

The syllabus of the module will cover topics such as:
• Sensors & Actuators
• Platforms & intergation to the Cloud
• IoT data processing and analytics
• Human in the Loop
• Modular IoT approaches & working with industry
• IoT applications
• IoT Challenges: Security, Legal & Ethical

More information

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

KF5002 -

Web Programming (Core,20 Credits)

The module aims to provide you with knowledge of the principles and practice of developing dynamic, interactive web sites and applications using both server-side and client-side technologies and of issues relating to their use. This will include the retrieval and processing of structured data and its integration to create standards compliant web interfaces. The storage and manipulation of structured data, especially in relational databases, within a web based system will also be covered. A consideration of relevant security issues and methods of working with the Document Object Model (DOM) to manipulate web application interfaces will also be provided. In particular, you will cover the following topics:

• Database applications on the web and their components: database integration and database driven web based systems, database connectivity, manipulating relational database data – record insertion, updating and deletion
• Introduction to other structured data sources, e.g. XML or JSON.
• Retrieving, processing and displaying data from structured data sources to create standards compliant, device agnostic, and accessible web interfaces.
• Client-side and server-side validation of user input and other security issues. Working with user sessions
• Working with the Document Object Model (DOM) to manipulate web application interfaces.
• Asynchronous Javascript and XML (AJAX): the XMLHTTPRequest object, communicating with a web server, parsing and displaying the returned structured data.

More information

KF5008 -

Program Design and Development (Core,20 Credits)

You will extend your understanding of system development in this module. In particular, you will cover program design issues within the context of an industry-standard approach. You will learn how to implement designs, including the selection, implementation and processing of appropriate data structures and algorithms, and how to evaluate design models and appreciate the place of these models within a software development approach.

You will develop your knowledge of design by gaining understanding of the principles and concepts upon which design depends. In addition, you will learn to apply an industry-standard approach for design and employ appropriate modelling tools. You will also develop an understanding of the issues involved with the implementation of such models, including the selection and implementation of data structures.

More information

KF5012 -

Software Engineering Practice (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about the principles of software engineering and the management of software engineering projects. You will apply these in the context of a small development project and relate then to your other studies. In addition, you will see how the various skills in project management and software engineering combine to aid the delivery of a successful outcome in a commercial and economic context.

The module aims to help you understand the skills required in employment (and your continuing education) in your subject area and to apply them to complete a project, achieving a level of understanding of employer requirements.

More information

KF5042 -

Intelligent Systems (Core,20 Credits)

The aim of the module is to provide you with a broad introduction to the core areas of artificial intelligence with a focus on applications, tools and technologies used in building intelligent systems. You will learn key theoretical concepts and research advances in intelligent systems as well as state-of-the-art techniques such as knowledge representation, machine learning, data and text mining, natural language processing and understanding, and biologically inspired computing. You will learn how intelligent systems allow computers to represent, process and learn from data. You will also explore current and future applications of AI and how various AI techniques have been used to solve practical problems. Additionally, you will learn how to appropriately select from a range of AI techniques and tools to solve practical problems in different application domains. Furthermore, you will learn how to conduct performance evaluation of intelligent systems.

In particular, you will cover topics such as:

• An introduction to AI techniques, tools and applications used in intelligent systems
• Machine learning
• Biologically inspired computing
• Search, heuristics and optimisation techniques
• Data and text mining
• Natural language processing and understanding
• Data visualisation
• Selected key application areas of intelligent systems such as:
- Computer vision and digital forensics
- Biometrics, face detection and recognition
- Affective computing
- Information retrieval
- Sentiment analysis
- Intelligent robotics
- AI in games / VR / movie making

More information

KV5001 -

Academic Language Skills for Computer and Information Sciences (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

More information

KV5002 -

Computer Networks, Security and Operating Systems (Core,20 Credits)

This module introduces you to the fundamentals of computer networks, security and operating systems, including: network architecture and the five-layer Internet protocol stack, processes/threads, inter-process communication, memory management, file systems, and operating systems and network security. You will study:
* network architecture: the five-layer Internet protocol stack (application, transport, network, datalink, and physical layers), switching techniques (e.g. circuit and packet), protocols (e.g. TCP, UDP, IP);
* processes and threads: concepts, use and implementation, creation and destruction, context switching, scheduling, synchronisation;
* inter-process communication: shared memory, message passing, pipes, sockets;
* memory management: memory allocation schemes, paging, virtual memory;
* file systems: file concept, file system structure and implementation, directories, free space allocation;
* operating system and network security: confidentiality, integrity, availability, threats and attacks (e.g. denial of service, spoofing, man-in-the-middle), access control, user authentication, cryptography for data and network security, secure network protocols (e.g. TLS/SSL).

More information

KV5003 -

Human Computer Interaction (Core,20 Credits)

This module will introduce you to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), a field of study focusing on the design of computer technology and, in particular, the interaction between humans (the users) and computers. It brings together multiple disciplines, such as computer science, the social sciences, design and human-factors engineering. In addition to the underlying principles and theories we will engage critically with contemporary HCI research.

Specific topics we will cover will include, but will not be limited to, the following:

• User-centred design lifecycle
• Understanding human capabilities (visual and auditory perception, ergonomics, cognitive models); Social models that inform interaction design, e.g., culture, communication, networks and organizations; Accessibility
• Understanding context: Requirements capture methods
• Understanding design: Usability heuristics and evaluation; User interface standards
• Interface paradigms and metaphors; Principles of good interface design
• Prototyping techniques for interface design
• Evaluation methods: expert appraisal and user-led

More information

KV5001 -

Academic Language Skills for Computer and Information Sciences (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

More information

KV5007 -

Work placement year (Optional,120 Credits)

This module is designed for all standard full-time undergraduate programmes within the Faculty of Engineering and Environment to provide you with the option to take a one year work placement as part of your programme.

You will be able to use the placement experience to develop and enhance appropriate areas of your knowledge and understanding, your intellectual and professional skills, and your personal value attributes, relevant to your programme of study, as well as accreditation bodies such as BCS, IET, IMechE, RICS, CIOB and CIBSE within the appropriate working environments. Due to its overall positive impact on employability, degree classification and graduate starting salaries, the University strongly encourages you to pursue a work placement as part of your degree programme.

This module is a Pass/Fail module so does not contribute to the classification of your degree. When taken and passed, however, the Placement Year is recognised both in your transcript as a 120 credit Work Placement Module and on your degree certificate.

Your placement period will normally be full-time and must total a minimum of 40 weeks.

More information

KV5008 -

Study abroad year (Optional,120 Credits)

This module is designed for all standard full-time undergraduate programmes within the Faculty of Engineering and Environment and provides you with the option to study abroad for one full year as part of your programme.

This is a 120 credit module which is available between Levels 5 and 6. You will undertake a year of study abroad at an approved partner University where you will have access to modules from your discipline, but taught in a different learning culture. This gives you the opportunity to broaden your overall experience of learning. The structure of study will be dependent on the partner and will be recorded for an individual student on the learning agreement signed by the host University, the student, and the home University (Northumbria).

Your study abroad year will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. It will not count towards your final degree classification but, it is recognised in your transcript as a 120 credit Study Abroad module and on your degree certificate in the format – “Degree title (with Study Abroad Year)”.

More information

KC6004 -

Data Security and Governance (Optional,20 Credits)

This module is set in the context of today’s society and the organisations within. Social behaviour, often in the virtual environment, creates a range of ethical issues centering on information security and governance. In addition to exploring these social and ethical issues, legal and regulatory frameworks that have been developed in recent years to try to address these issues are examined. You will also learn about cybersecurity in organisations and will be introduced to a range of common threats and countermeasures. Topics include basic definitions of terminology alongside practical and theoretical frameworks to help you identify key governance and security issues, and explore potential preventative measures. You will be covering terms such as ‘governance’ and ‘cybersecurity’, frameworks which include the information life cycle, regulations and guidelines relating to professional conduct, privacy and data protection, surveillance, freedom of expression, and freedom of information and intellectual property. Cybersecurity topics will include user authentication, cloud storage, organisational security cultures, access control and encryption, social engineering, user privacy, organisational cyber-attack risk evaluation and breach reporting. Key topics are:

Organisational information and knowledge assets and Information Life Cycle
Corporate and information governance and professional conduct
Privacy, freedom of expression and surveillance
Data protection and freedom of information
Impact of globalisation on governance and security
Intellectual property
Cybersecurity and organisational security culture
Social Engineering
Attack and defence including user authentication, access control and encryption
Privacy and security in the cloud
Future of privacy and security
Cybersecurity risk evaluation and breach reporting

More information

KC6005 -

Smart Technologies and Agile UX design (Optional,20 Credits)

The module aim is to develop understanding of the user and their experience with smart technology applications through experimental design and testing to be able to make recommendations for improvements. To help achieve this, the module gets you to think about the bigger picture when developing experimental application tests for smart technologies; these could be changeable depending on the user environment which impact on the user and interaction with the device. This approach will help to galvanise the module aim, which will improve planning, and strategy when developing experimental test designs in order to carry out experimental testing of a specific smart technologies application, leading to recommendations for improvements to user experience and interaction design.

In particular, you will cover topics such as:

• Cultural shifts and trends in mobile devices and smart technologies.
• Techniques for analysing user behaviour and experience in specific contexts.
• Review of experimental methodologies.
• Experimental good practice.
• Design and implementation of in-context experiments to test user experience and interaction design.
• Presentation and evaluation of experimental findings.
• Making recommendations for future provision.

More information

KC6012 -

Graduate Enterprise (Optional,20 Credits)

The aim of this module is to encourage the understanding and application of business and management competences as applied to small business. It will provide you with an understanding and application of competencies required to create and operate a small enterprise. You will gain a practical (learning by doing) insight into the setting up and operation of a small business, and will have a raised awareness of the self-employment opportunities that graduates can exploit, developing a critical awareness of small business creation and operation and of the enterprise economy.

You will cover topics such as:
• Small Business in the economy.
• Business idea generation.
• Entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial team.
• Business planning and finance and use of advisors.
• Marketing and market research.
• Sales for SMEs.
• Effective presentation.
• Networking.
• Public relations.
• Information and control of enterprise.
• Business growth.
• Financial outcomes and reporting.
• Legal issues.

More information

KF6012 -

Web Application Integration (Optional,20 Credits)

You will learn how to write robust web applications that integrate server-side and client-side technologies. For the server side you will learn how to create reusable components written in Object Oriented PHP and how to use database systems including SQLite. For the client-side you will learn how to create robust Single Page Applications (SPA) using a modern JavaScript framework such as React or AngularJS. To integrate the client and server sides you will learn how to structure data as JSON and the use of HTTP methods and approaches for interaction. You will also learn how to implement and use token-based approaches for authentication. The module will set the approaches you learn in the context of architectural concerns including maintainability, scalability, security and robustness. You will become familiar with architectural concepts including Representational State Transfer (REST), Model View Controller (MVC), and Multitier (N-tier), as well as gain an appreciation of applied object-oriented and component-based development.

More information

KF6015 -

Games Design (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about the design of computer games, the needs of and the issues facing the games industry and their impact upon games design. You will analyse a games problem and create a design for their solution using industry standard methods. In particular you will learn about:
• Principles of good game design
• The elements of game design
• How games are made in the industry and the makeup of the industry
• Professional, legal, social and ethical issues faced by the industry in general, and how they affect the game designer.

More information

KF6017 -

Software Architecture for Games (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn about the structure of games software. Games engines are complex pieces of software that are worked on by a number of people, with different talents. To manage this complexity, programmers use a number of design patterns to decouple the code and make it more flexible and reusable. You will see how object-oriented principles such as generalisation and encapsulation can be used to achieve this.

Game engines are split into separate components, such as the gameplay component, graphics component, AI component, network component, etc. You will study common approaches used to design and implement a number of these components.

You will also learn to understand and communicate complex designs using diagrams and explanations. You will develop your programming skills to implement more complex object-oriented structures.

More information

KF6018 -

Computer Graphics and Animation (Optional,20 Credits)

This module will provide you with knowledge and understanding of the theoretical background to and the practical implementation of computer graphics and computer animation, which are two major components in the movie and game industries. They are also used in other industries for design and advertisement, such as furniture and car companies. On this module you will have the opportunity to experience hardware equipment used in the industries, such as a 3D motion capture system, 3D scanners and 3D printers, to help you better understand state-of-the-art computer graphics and animation pipelines.

You will learn about 3D modelling and rendering, perception principles, visualisation techniques, animation algorithms and simulations and how to implement software algorithms for 3D modelling, rendering, visualization and simulations - which you will use to develop your own software artefact. This module will cover the following topics:

1. Basic 3D geometry concepts, such as coordinates, transformations, view projections, etc.
2. 3D rendering components, such as modelling, illumination, shadowing, texture mapping, etc.
3. Character animation algorithms, such as motion capture, keyframe animation, forward/inverse kinematics, etc.
4. Physical simulations algorithms, such as cloth simulation, deformable objects, etc.

The module will, where appropriate, make use of well-known research papers and journals in computer graphics and animation, to help you develop your critical thinking skills, as well as your research and development skills.

More information

KF6052 -

Machine Learning and Computer Vision (Optional,20 Credits)

The aim of the module is to provide you with knowledge and understanding of machine learning techniques and computer vision systems, including how to solve problems in these areas. In particular, you will cover topics such as:

• Machine learning
• Supervised machine learning techniques and classifiers
• Unsupervised machine learning techniques
• Computer vision and digital image fundamentals
• Legal, ethical and social issues in computer vision, and techniques for security.
• Application of machine learning techniques in computer vision (biometric systems, face, iris, fingerprint, etc.)

More information

KV5001 -

Academic Language Skills for Computer and Information Sciences (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

More information

KV6002 -

Team Project and Professionalism (Core,20 Credits)

This module functions as a “cap-stone” to your Batchelor studies. The module gives you the opportunity to work in a team to build a significant computing product directly related to your programme of study. This develops and demonstrates your skills in leadership, team work, project management, planning, communication (both written and oral) as well as technical skills in the technology you choose to implement in. This module aims to give you further experience of team working in the specialism you have selected which is an invaluable asset and highly prized by employers. The project and its potential future commercial exploitation provide a context for you to critically evaluate your and your team’s performance, the fitness for purpose of the product you have developed and the legal, ethical, professional and social content of your chosen specialism. Appropriate Information Security factors will be considered as part of this evaluation. As part of this learning journey you will also explore the associated commercial and economic factors.

You will have the opportunity to apply a wide range of development skills (in specification, design and implementation) to your product development. All products will consider all aspects of the development life cycle. Some projects may be driven by research activity in the department’s research groups, some by the expectations of a “client” and some by students’ own interests. A “client” is a non-fictitious potential benefactor of the project for example a student’s employer, former placement provider, local charity etc. who are willing to formally consent to be involved in the project.

Wider Legal, Ethical, Social and Professional implications will be examined to enable you to appreciate the responsibilities involved in the development and use of computer products both in work and throughout society.

More information

KV6003 -

Individual Computing Project (Core,40 Credits)

This module is an individual project where you have the opportunity to define your own project topic or select one provided by academic staff, and produce a significant piece of practical computing work related to the aims of your programme. To do this you will need to use and further develop skills and expertise that you have learnt elsewhere in your programme. You will become knowledgeable in your chosen topic including important concepts and literature and you will acquire new or extend existing skills or learning that are needed to carry out the project. These could be technical skills such as a new programming language, or other knowledge and skills such as experimental methods used in your chosen area and/or the use of statistical techniques to analyse your results. You will also acquire or further develop your professional skills and competencies including communication skills (both oral presentation and report writing), literature searching and review, research methods and design, data analysis, project management and personal time management.

Your project must include you undertaking practical work of some sort using computing/IT technology. This is most frequently achieved by the creation of an artefact as the focus for covering all or part of an implementation lifecycle. However, there are a number of approaches you can take. For example, you could choose to conduct a more product-focused project where the main deliverable is a product of some kind such as a piece of software, a game, a computer network, an information strategy, a hardware device with software, and the approach/design for this. Or it could be a more investigative and/or research-focused project such as a digital forensics investigation, a comparison analysis of AI algorithms, a user experience investigation, an experimental evaluation of a network protocol. Or your project could be a mix of both of these such as building a simulated network to investigate security vulnerabilities and mitigation schemes, creating a prototype to test the effectiveness of a digital technology. Projects based solely on literature review activity and/or user/market surveys are not acceptable.

More information

KV6006 -

Internet of Things (Optional,20 Credits)

This module is designed to provide you with an appreciation of Intenet of Things. It treats the theory and practical techniques required to implement such systems on commonly used IoT platforms. You will cover aspects of IoT architecture and topologies, sensors and actuators, IoT Standards and Communication Protocols, personal and pervasive sensing, IoT Security and security standards, and IoT applications.

The syllabus of the module will cover topics such as:
• Sensors & Actuators
• Platforms & intergation to the Cloud
• IoT data processing and analytics
• Human in the Loop
• Modular IoT approaches & working with industry
• IoT applications
• IoT Challenges: Security, Legal & Ethical

More information

To start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.

Computer Science with Games Development BSc (Hons)

Home or EU applicants please apply through UCAS

International applicants please apply using the links below

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All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

Full time Courses starting in 2023 are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but may include elements of online learning. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to flex accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with additional restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors, potentially to a full online offer, should further restrictions be deemed necessary in future. Our online activity will be delivered through Blackboard Ultra, enabling collaboration, connection and engagement with materials and people.

 

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