Computer games represents one of the world’s largest and fastest growing entertainment industries, where specialists with the right mix of technical skills and artistic flair are in high demand. This cutting-edge course gives you vital insights into latest industry practice and sets you up for a dynamic career.
- Build the skills and knowledge you need to apply for an exciting range of specialised 3D art roles
- Learn how to use Maya, Photoshop, Substance, Unreal Engine 4 and ZBrush as your core set of tools
- Have access to facilities equipped for games development including our XR (cross-reality) lab kitted out with specialist equipment
- Spend an optional year on industrial placement as part of your studies – a great experience that really sets you apart in the job market
- Benefit from the expertise of our teaching team who have fantastic links with industry
- Create a game as a team in your final year as part of the Game Development module
You can also take the BSc (Hons) Computer Games Modelling and Animation without a foundation year. Find out more.
Our facilities
You’ll get to use cutting-edge software development tools in our industry-standard laboratories. Facilities include:
- Computer Games Labs: These spaces are home to our specialist software access and hardware facilities. Software includes Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3Ds Max, Substance, Houdini, ZBrush, Photoshop, Unreal Engine, Unity Engine and Steam
- XR Lab (cross-reality): This dedicated space is for mixed-course games development as well as providing a flexible space for visualisation and other projects. The lab provides specialist games and visualisation hardware, including Vive Pro Eye headsets, Rifts and Wacom drawing tablets. There are eight workstations outfitted with 2080 graphics cards so you can approach raytracing projects and AI workloads
- CAVE Lab: This impressive lab provides data visualisation hardware. The pod contains a 270-degree 3D projection set up allowing multiple users to experience a shared virtual environment. Workstations with Tesla graphics cards for data processing and AI projects are also available
- Makerspace: Get ready to turn your ideas into prototypes! The space includes a whole host of equipment, including 3D printers, CNC machines, and a laser cutter to bring your product to life. It's also a great space to collaborate with students from across the University
Our showreel showcases and celebrates work made by students from all years of our degree, including group work and individual projects. Take a look and be inspired by what you could create as a student at Derby.
In your final year, you'll work with students on our BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming degree to create a game. Your game will then be featured in the university's Games Expo.
Foundation Year - helping you to achieve more
Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree. It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change and want to get to grips with aspects of subjects which are new to you.
Our degrees with a foundation year are continuous, meaning that you won’t need to apply again once you have successfully completed the first year.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
You will study three modules per semester, each delivered through a mixture of lectures, tutorials and practical sessions where you will learn to work with Maya, Photoshop, ZBrush and Unreal® Engine 4. Your year on work placement will take place between stages two and three of your studies.
How you will be assessed
Assessment is 100% coursework through a mixture of group and individual assignments. In the final year, 25% of your assessment will be for a personal project.
Personal academic tutoring
Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.
Find out more about personal academic tutoring
2023 entry
These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2023 entry.
| Requirement | What we're looking for | | UCAS points | 72 |
| A Level | DDD |
| T Level | Pass |
| BTEC | MPP |
| GCSE | GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification |
| Access to HE | Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2 |
English language requirements
IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
2024 entry
These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2024 entry.
| Requirement | What we're looking for | | UCAS points | 72 |
| A Level | DDD |
| T Level | Pass |
| BTEC | MMP |
| GCSE | GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification |
| Access to HE | Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 0, Merit: 24, Pass: 21 |
English language requirements
IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
How to apply
Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.
The computer games industry needs specialists with a powerful combination of skills so this degree makes you highly employable.
Having completed the programme, you will be capable of creating and animating 3D art in a real-time environment using the very latest techniques. You will also be able to demonstrate your flair and originality to prospective employers.
In addition, you will discover that the skills you have developed can be transferred to a range of different industries such as film and visualisation.
Previous graduates have gone on to work for companies such as Epic Games, Bloc Digital, Jaguar Land Rover, Bulkhead Interactive, Sumo Digital, Ubisoft and Rockstar Games.
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
Contact us Contact us Teaching hours
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Additional costs and optional extras
We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.
Included in your fees
- Software - Z Brush and Adobe Creative Cloud via university labs. Maya, Substance Suite, Unreal Engine 4 - available for free download at home
- Study trips - previously EGX Birmingham £15, Harry Potter World £35
- Industry speakers
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
- Wacom PTH-651-ENES Intuos Pro Graphics Tablet - from £229.99 (This is the model recommended by the College - others are available)
- Printer consumables approx. £100 per annum
Optional costs not included in your fees
- Recommended to purchase a portable hard drive approx. £50 -£100
- Personal computer with high end graphics card for game development outside of University (Prices vary but on average £1500)
Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.
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