Bradford College

Enrolment Dates

Course Overview

Games and Digital Media is a contemporary programme that makes use of theory, technical skills and professional skills to give you a broad sense of the sector and a strong link into the highly competitive gaming market.

You will be provided with a technical overview on topics such as 3D media and animation, before you eventually choose to specialise according to your preference, which the remainder of your work, including your Final Year Project, will then be based upon. Throughout this process, this training will be substantiated with the analysis of theoretical work and subsequent written pieces. This work will combine to create your portfolio, a central product of the course and a key concept to success in future employment.

Course Structure

At level 4, you will receive a broad-based introduction to Games and Digital Media, which will place you in good stead for further development and eventual specialising. You will learn how to create 3D media, as well as how to apply Computing theory to strengthen your practice. Additionally, you will begin to compile an e-portfolio, which you will maintain throughout the course, and learn about how to promote your portfolio internationally via a website.

During level 5, the skills you have acquired in 3D and digital media will be enhanced, and extended via the introduction of topics such as animation, mobile development and level design. You will continue to work on Computing theories and the application of these to your practical work, as well as participating in a small scale group exercise, which will build on your technical and organisational skills in preparation for your Final Year Project at the end of level 6.

Upon reaching level 6, you will be ready to develop your technical abilities to an advanced level. Additionally, you will begin to study entrepreneurship, marketing and business skills, as well as completing your e-portfolio, to stand you in good stead for future employability. You will also complete a Final Year Project, a major piece of work which will showcase your technical ability and personal innovation for your chosen pathway.

Modules Covered

Level 4 modules will include:

• Digital Media Development
• 3D Asset Production
• Programming Concepts
• Games Theory & Practice
• Personal & Professional Portfolio Development
• Website Design

Level 5 modules will include:

• Game Level Analysis & Design
• Advanced 3D and Digital Media
• Interactive Systems Development
• Digital Animation
• Mobile Application Development Project Management for IT

Level 6 modules will include:

• Object Oriented Programming
• Digital Environments
• Entrepreneurship & Marketing
• Employability Skills for Computer Graduates
• Final Year Project

Learning Methods

The course uses a wide range of learning methods with a focus on practical workshops. These are designed to allow you to develop your skills and knowledge in a supportive environment.

Additionally, although contact hours are tutor and group-based, independent learning is increasingly developed throughout the course, and actively encouraged for your personal development; use of problem-based exercises and relevant scenarios aid this process.

Teaching Methods

Concepts and theories that are presented through lectures are then explored and developed during tutor led tutorials and student led seminars. Case studies and interactive Workshops are also implemented to aid learning, and there is a strong focus on Personal Development Planning, which aims to prepare you for employment and consider ethical, social and legal issues which can face the computer professional.

Additionally, although contact hours are tutor and group-based, independent learning is increasingly developed throughout the course, and actively encouraged for your personal development; use of problem-based exercises and relevant scenarios aid this process.
 

Assessment

Assessment is centred on the practical and professional skills required by the industry, and therefore you will be specifically focusing on deriving a solution to a specified problem through researching, analysing and evaluating the issue. This creates a workload which is primarily practical, but will be substantiated through written work such as reports and essays.

During the second and third years of the course, you will prepare for, and carry out, an exciting and engaging group project which will form an essential and central part of your assessment.

Work Placement/Fieldwork

There are no work placements or fieldwork elements to the course. However, wherever possible, you will tackle a 'live' brief for your final year project and work closely with local industry in carrying this out.

What`s Next?

The computer games industry offers a wide range of exciting opportunities for developers. Jobs include: Animator, Game Support Specialist, Games Programmer and Games Project Management.

Did You Know?

Salaries within the computing/gaming industry typically range from £19,000 a year to over £60,000 depending on the level of management or specialism involved in the role.

You will benefit from working on real life projects and design briefs and will be encouraged to enter regional and national competitions.

Our Computing department achieved student satisfaction rates of 92% in the 2009 National Student Survey.
 

Programme Spec URL

http://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/specs/bsc-hons-games-and-digital-media.pdf

Entry Requirements

180 tariff points with GCSEs at Grade C or above in Mathematics and English, or equivalent.

Applications are welcomed and encouraged from those who do not meet the standard entry requirements but can demonstrate the ability to study at Higher Education level.
Some credit points may be built up through prior learning and experience.

Did you know?

We were delighted that the QAA's Integrated Quality and Enhancement Review (IQER), carried out in January 2010 concluded that they had 'Confidence' (the highest judgement possible) in the quality of our Higher Education provision.

For further details read the summary report