UCAS code
I601Mode of Study
Full-time, Full-time sandwich with work placement, Part-timeDuration
3 years full-time, 4 years sandwich with work placement, 6 years part-timeStart date
September 2023, September 2024Accredited
Yes
Overview
Our award-winning Computer Games Production degree course will help you achieve your dream of becoming a computer games producer or project manager.
You’ll also develop the essential business expertise to start your own indie games studio and tackle the challenges that arise – from funding and protecting your innovative ideas, to team and project management, marketing, and leadership. By working with fellow students from our Computer Games Technology degree course, you’ll gain experience in all areas of game development.
Our course emphasises collaboration and has strong ties with the South Coast games industry, so you'll have many opportunities to work with games companies, culminating in a year-long shippable development project in your final year.
The independent games industry is skyrocketing. According to Ukie, the trade body for the UK games industry, video games contributed a record £2.91 billion to the UK economy in 2019 and the pandemic has created a huge revenue opportunity. Now’s the golden time to make your mark.
Course highlights
- Learn current industry standards by studying modules created with eminent games companies such as Rare
- Build your industry contacts by collaborating with games companies
- Learn from a teaching team with a mix of managerial experience and industry expertise
- Attend guest lectures by industry speakers to increase your industry knowledge
- Take advantage of a self-employed placement year to gain valuable professional experience
- Showcase your work at our annual Graduate Show to attract potential employers and the wider public
Accreditation
This course is accredited by TIGA (The Independent Game Developers’ Association) as delivering skills relevant to the games industry. TIGA accreditation is applicable to courses meeting any of a range of games industry needs, such as programming, art, design and entrepreneurship.
In 2021, the University of Portsmouth was awarded Best Educational Institution at the TIGA Games Industry Awards.
Watch our Computer Games 2021 showreel
See highlights of the best work from our Computer Games students across all years.
Video showing highlights of the best work from our Computer Animation students. (No dialogue.)
Entry requirements
BSc (Hons) Computer Games Production
Typical offers
- A levels – ABB–BBC
- UCAS points – 112–128 points (calculate your UCAS points)
- T levels – Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDM–DMM
- International Baccalaureate – 25-26
You may need to have studied specific subjects – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept
Selection process
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) direct entry applicants will need a portfolio of work to support their application.
For more information on how to put together a portfolio, read our Computer Games courses portfolio guide.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Typical offers
- A levels – ABB–BBC
- UCAS points – 112-128 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels – Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDM–DMM
- International Baccalaureate – 25–26
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept at UCAS.
Selection process
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) direct entry applicants will need a portfolio of work to support their application.
For more information on how to put together a portfolio, read our Computer Games courses portfolio guide.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Facilities
Careers and opportunities
The UK games industry has boomed despite the pandemic. Between 2019 and 2020, its generated revenue increased by 20% to £907 million, accelerating the UK's gross domestic profit to £2.2 billion (£4 million more than the previous year). In addition, almost 31,000 new jobs related to games studios were created – over 4,000 more than before the pandemic (TIGA, 2020).
Over the next few years, revenue and job opportunities in the UK games industry are expected to rise, so as a graduate, you'll be well-positioned to help further expand this exciting, innovative industry.
Graduate destinations
Our graduates have worked at some of the biggest names in the games industry, including:
- Black Rock
- Climax
- Codemasters
- Creative Assembly
- d3t
- Electronic Arts
- Frontier
- Jagex
- Kwalee
- Rebellion
- Sony
Ongoing careers support
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
The course helped me get a two-month internship as a Product Manager at a significant mobile games company. ...With only a few weeks left before my graduation, I was able to secure a full-time position as an Associate Product Manager with BossAlien, working on the Star Wars IP.
Placement year (optional)
Between your second and third year (full-time), you can complete an optional work placement to gain professional experience and enhance your skills. It also makes a great incentive for employers once you graduate.
You can work for a company, organisation or agency, or you can go self-employed and start your own business with fellow students or by yourself.
Whatever you decide – or even if you just want some employability advice – our exclusive Creative Careers team can support you every step of the way.
Creative Careers
Our in-faculty Creative Careers team has extensive recruitment experience and knows the creative sector well, making it easier for students to find placements within the creative industries.
They can guide you through every step of the application process, including:
- Searching for the ideal job through their database of vacancies
- Giving tips on how to write an interesting CV that will catch employers' attention, no matter the role
- Organising mock interviews, so you can hone your technique and familiarise yourself with the recruitment environment
- Writing your startup business proposal – if you're going down the self-employment route
The team will continue to give you support throughout your placement year.
Featured placement
Lauren Ansdell-Miller – Self-employed
Lauren dove into a self-employed placement and set up her own company, Dyak Studios. Discover her entrepreneurial journey and learn about her highlights, challenges and best practices.
What you'll study on this BSc (Hons) Computer Games Production degree
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits. You'll need to study modules worth a total of 360 credits.
If you're studying full time, you'll complete modules worth 120 credits each year for 3 years, with an optional placement year.
If you're studying part time, you'll complete modules worth 60 credits each year for 6 years.
Modules (full-time)
Core modules in this year include:
- 3D Modelling – 20 credits
- Art Skills For Games – 20 credits
- Coding and Scripting for Games – 20 credits
- Game Development – 20 credits
- Games Design and Context – 20 credits
- Production Studio – 20 credits
There are no optional modules in this year.
Core modules in this year include:
- Leadership Development – 20 credits
- Student Enterprise For Games – 20 credits
Optional modules:
- Commercial Asset Production for Real Time – 40 credits
- Creative Technologies Study Exchange – 60 credits
- Design and Visual Research For Cinema and Game – 20 credits
- Design Games – 20 credits
- Designing for Animation – 20 credits
- Engaged Citizenship Through Interdisciplinary Practice – 20 credits
- Gameplay Programming – 20 credits
- Maths for Games – 20 credits
- Modern Foreign Language – 20 credits
- Professional Experience – 20 credits
- Program Consoles – 20 credits
- Programming Application Programming Interfaces – 20 credits
- Prototyping and Iterating Game Designs – 20 credits
On this course, you can do an optional work placement year between your 2nd and 3rd years to get valuable experience working in industry.
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
Core modules in this year include:
- Final Year Project – 40 credits
Optional modules in this year include:
- Group Leadership, Management and Production Skills: Part One – 20 credits
- Advanced Graphics Techniques – 20 credits
- Create Worlds – 20 credits
- Games Research – 20 credits
- Implementing Game Audio – 20 credits
- Motion Capture Applications – 20 credits
- Programming AI for Games – 20 credits
- Psychological Theory for Game Designers – 20 credits
- Targeting Platforms – 20 credits
Modules (part-time)
Core modules in this year include:
- 3D Modelling – 20 credits
- Coding and Scripting for Games – 20 credits
- Games Design and Context – 20 credits
There are no optional modules in this year.
Core modules in this year include:
- Art Skills For Games – 20 credits
- Game Development – 20 credits
- Production Studio – 20 credits
There are no optional modules in this year.
Optional modules in this year include:
- Designing for Animation – 20 credits
- Programming Application Programming Interfaces – 20 credits
- Prototyping and Iterating Game Designs – 20 credits
- Design and Visual Research for Cinema And Game – 20 credits
- Design Games – 20 credits
- Maths for Games – 20 credits
Core modules in this year include:
- Leadership Development – 20 credits
- Student Enterprise for Games – 20 credits
Optional modules in this year include:
- Enterprise, Innovation and Opportunity – 20 credits
- Student Enterprise for Games – 20 credits
- Commercial Asset Production for Real Time – 40 credits
- Engaged Citizenship Through Interdisciplinary Practice – 20 credits
- Gameplay Programming – 20 credits
- Modern Foreign Language – 20 credits
- Professional Experience – 20 credits
- Program Consoles – 20 credits
- Maths for Games – 20 credits
- Creative Technologies study exchange – 60 credits
Core modules in this year include:
- Final Year Project – 40 credits
Optional modules in this year include:
- Create Worlds – 20 credits
- Games Research – 20 credits
- Implementing Game Audio – 20 credits
- Programming AI for Games – 20 credits
Core modules in this year include:
- Group Leadership, Management and Production Skills: Part One – 20 credits
- Group Leadership, Management and Production Skills: Part Two – 20 credits
Optional modules in this year include:
- Advanced Graphics Techniques – 20 credits
- Motion Capture Applications – 20 credits
- Psychological Theory for Game Designers – 20 credits
- Targeting Platforms – 20 credits
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
I started exploring how I could combine my passion for video games and Esports with my future development and stumbled across the ... Computer Games Enterprise course. [It] looked like the perfect combination of technical development and creativity.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- practical projects
- work portfolios
- academic and evaluative essays
- multiple choice tests
- oral presentations
- examinations
- case studies
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- digital lab sessions
- online lessons
- project work
We work with game developers and professional bodies such as The Independent Game Developers Association (TIGA) to make sure the course content stays up-to-date with industry trends and developments. So your skills will be up to date when you finish the course.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting your learning
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
You'll have regular contact with your personal tutor in learning activities or scheduled meetings. You can also make an appointment with them if you need extra support.
In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you’ll also have access to a Faculty student support advisor. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing and refer you to specialist support services.
You'll have help from a team of faculty academic skills tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
If you need support with software and equipment or you want to learn additional skills (including skills not covered on your course), our creative skills tutors provide free workshops, activities and one-on-one tutorials. Skills you can learn include life drawing, film camera operation and video production.
Computing support staff are always available to give technical support in the Faculty's computer suites during normal working hours. There's also some support available from 5.00pm to midnight at busy times of the year.
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University’s Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- academic writing
- note taking
- time management
- critical thinking
- presentation skills
- referencing
- working in groups
- revision, memory and exam techniques
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
Full-time
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International (non-EU) students – £17,900 per year (subject to annual increase)
Part-time
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £3,080 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £3,080 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International (non-EU) students – £8,950 per year (subject to annual increase)
Full-time
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 per year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International (non-EU) students – £18,800 per year (subject to annual increase)
Part-time
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £3,080 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £3,080 per year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International (non-EU) students – £9,400 per year (subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Costs breakdown
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
You may need to spend £20 - £75 per annum on drawing and modelling materials, printing, memory sticks or CDs, and DVDs. (Depending upon option modules selected).
If you take the Student Enterprise Module, you’ll need to pay an additional cost of approximately £20.
You may need to contribute up to £20 towards occasional coach trips.
If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £925 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £925 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £1,800 a year (subject to annual increase)
Apply
Starting in 2023
Apply through Clearing (Full-time only)
Still looking to start a course this Autumn? Click here to discover your options
Read to apply? Apply online here or call +44 (0)23 9284 8074
Applying for Year 2 or 3
If you've already completed part of this course with us or another university and would like to apply for the second or third year, use our online application form
Apply for this part-time course using our online application form. Our courses fill up quickly, so submit your application as soon as you decide which course you want to study.
Not quite ready to apply?
You can sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Starting in 2024
To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – I601
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Apply for this part-time course using our online application form. Our courses fill up quickly, so submit your application as soon as you decide which course you want to study.
Not quite ready to apply?
You can sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.