利莫利克大学

About You

If you are a creative type of person who enjoys puzzles and solving problems, this could be the programme for you. If you enjoy any kind of games, whether computer games or traditional board games, particularly if you like playing with alternative/optional rules, then this might be the course for you.

Why Study Computer Games Development at UL?

The Computer Games Industry is an exciting field, currently outselling the film industry worldwide. Computer Game development is innovative and exciting from a technological and creative perspective, providing career opportunities for imaginative, logical, and energetic students. Graduates will have the satisfaction of seeing their work being enjoyed by a global audience. You will learn the art and science of computer games programming and design.

This programme will equip you with the skills and technological ability to develop both Computer Game and computer graphic related systems. You will study Computer Science, with special emphasis on topics relevant to Game Design such as software development, mobile devices, computer graphics and artificial intelligence. You will also study topics relevant to development of a game concept to the final “shooting script” (prior to programming).

The key aims of the B.Sc. (Hons) in Computer Games Development programme are to provide you with:

• Knowledge of the various programming languages and related platforms.
• Skills in System Analysis, and integration of software components.
• Expertise in areas such as the human computer interface and artificial intelligence which will enable you to develop software for an array of computer graphics and computer games domains.

Course Structure

You will study the modules presented in Year 1 of the Common Entry route to Computer Games Development. The emphasis in Year 1 is on programming, an appreciation of its basis, and the study of the physical machine on which programs run. In the second year, and in the first semester of third year, the programme will extend your knowledge of general software development, while other modules are directly relevant to game development.

In semester two of year three, you will have an eight month cooperative education placement, either in Ireland or abroad, where you will get the opportunity to apply the knowledge you have learned, increase your awareness of the computer games work place and develop your social and business skills.

In the fourth year, you will undertake a significant independent project in the area. Normally this will involve development of one or more software components of a computer game, or developing a complete game using existing software components. In addition, you will continue to deepen your knowledge of general software development and to acquire deeper expertise in specialised aspects of game related issues.

Career Prospects

Career open to you with a degree in Computer Games Development include:

• Games programmer
• Graphics programming
• High performance computing
• Research and development in media and entertainment related technologies
• Software development
• Software engineering
• Systems analysis and design

For the qualified graduate, job opportunities abound in the software and software games industry. There is a worldwide scarcity of software developers especially in the domains of graphics programming and computer simulation. Employment possibilities in the computer games arena in Ireland and the UK are mainly in the area of games programming and design and games project management.