Computer Games Development (Foundation Entry)

We aim to introduce you to a range of software development concepts including, problem analysis, specification, design, implementation, testing, and debugging, and also develop your confidence in applying essential programming skills.

This module uses security and forensic investigation to introduce computer technology. You will improve awareness of security threats and how to deal with them. It provides an overview of modern hardware and operating systems. You will examine threats to PC security and basic countermeasures, and investigate features of an IT system.

This module aims to encourage you to build an inquisitive and active approach to problem-solving with an emphasis on IT-related problems. You will develop confidence in the representation, interpretation and manipulation of information in different formats.

This module aims to equip you with a set of skills, knowledge, and personal attributes that ensure you are more likely to be successful in your chosen route of academic study. You will develop the ability to understand what and how you are learning, and to review, plan and take responsibility for your learning.

This module will improve your academic writing skills and build your confidence in written work. You'll be introduced to a variety of writing styles and develop your verbal and visual communication skills to build your confidence. You'll also be introduced to a variety of communication methods.

This module is designed to help you develop and reinforce basic mathematical skills needed for study in science, engineering, and computing subjects. Emphasis will be placed on building confidence and competence in a range of mathematical skills that are used in real-world problems.

This module aims to provide a learning environment emphasising on discovery and teamwork. You'll learn an overview of key practical aspects of computing. You will also begin the development of problem-solving skills relevant to computing professionals. The module aims to develop skills in usability and interface design and evaluation. 

Networks are a key part of most computer systems. This module will introduce you to the fundamentals of networking and networked systems. You'll develop the understanding you need to investigate relevant computer network standards and protocols. 

We aim to encourage your interest in game analysis and to foster your creative thinking in the development of computer games. We will also develop your understanding of commercial practices in game development, introduce you to methods and technologies for game development, and provide the necessary mathematical foundation for computer game development.

This module will develop your ability to analyse a simple problem with a view to implementing a software solution. You will be provided with core skills in computer programming and debugging necessary to implement a readable and maintainable solution to a given problem. You will develop your software design skills and you'll be introduced to advanced programming techniques in preparation for study of an advanced programming module.

In this module you'll explore the fundamentals of computer architecture and operating systems, exploring the nature and consequences of security threats and data breaches, as well as countermeasures. You'll examine the legal, ethical and privacy issues associated with collected data and discuss issues arising with emerging technologies such as smart cities, smart vehicles, the Internet of Things (IoT) and online shopping.

Within an interactive and stimulating learning environment, you will work in teams to discuss and explore a variety of systems. This will develop an in-depth understanding and the practicalities of database design and implementation which you can add to your programming skillset.

This module develops project leadership skills required by computer practitioners. The module explores working in an Agile way on a course-specific group project. You will reinforce your understanding of social, professional, ethical and legal aspects of Computing. The module will prepare you for your final year project by introducing teamwork, project planning and investigation skills.

Develop your understanding of games-specific algorithms and the ability to apply these using traditional languages and games-specific tools. You'll apply general programming skills in a game-specific context and enhance your ability to evaluate games and development environments.

On this module you'll develop the high-level skills necessary for major software projects. You'll cover the phases of specification, design, implementation and testing and maintenance. You'll consider specific issues that affect every phase of the lifecycle, including quality, usability and documentation.

The aim of this module is to develop your ability to solve typical industrial problems. You'll understand how to use algorithms and data in solving problems and how these can be presented using Windows and Unix.

Computer graphics are a vital part of modern human-computer interaction, but are highly resource intensive. You'll explore the algorithms and hardware that attempt to meet the demands of real-time rendering of 2D and 3D graphics. You'll be introduced to mathematical techniques used to represent and manipulate images, and explore how graphics libraries are used to produce more complex and realistic graphics. You'll be able to extend your programming skills to the generation, manipulation and display of graphical images using a popular graphics library.

On this module you'll develop an understanding in using algorithms and data structures using various techniques and discrete mathematics. You'll then be able to apply this knowledge to illustrate design, analysis and optimisation and solve a wide range of problems.

On this module you will research, study and produce a report based on the investigation of a problem and the development of a solution. This project will be the culmination of the your study and will draw on the material and skills developed during the course.

In this module you will explore management, development and implementation techniques and tools used within the modern game industry. This is all building on the content learned in previous games development modules.

Math and Tech for Games expands on the content delivered in the Games Development 2 module. This module presents the latest advances in games development theory and practice for the latest technologies. The module reflects a constant change in the industry, and influences stem from popular games consoles such as Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii.

This module aims to introduce and familiarise you with the approach and techniques of Artificial Intelligence. It will introduce you to AI in the context of computer games and will explore some of the theoretical underpinnings of AI and Computing.

In this module, you will develop an understanding of modern mobile development platforms and the skills you need to develop cross-platform applications for mobile devices. You will be able to explore a range of technical problems and solutions inherent in developing coss platform applications for ubiquitous computing platforms such as mobile, desktop, wearable and smart devices.

The aim of this module is to introduce you to the processes of interface design and evaluation. You'll cover computer users, interaction technology and concepts, interactive applications and the context of computer use.

This module provides the necessary tools for analysing datasets and visualizing their properties.