Games Design & Development - BSc (Honours) in Computing
(Level 8)
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Programme Description | | This programme is designed to produce graduates with an in-depth knowledge of the critical aspects of games design and development. Students will be taught the techniques for analysis, design and development of games for platforms such as mobiles, handheld consoles, PCs, games consoles, interactive TV and online games in a variety of computer languages.
Students will develop problem specifications and their respective solutions related to games design and development. In addition, students on the programme will be required to complete a substantial project under guidance.
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Entry Requirements: | | Leaving Certificate: A minimum of 2 Honours and 4 Passes in six Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English/Irish. FETAC: A full FETAC Level 5 award, including a distinction grade in at least three modules or a FETAC Level 6 award. Applicants must have passed a Mathematics module in their FETAC Award or have passed Mathematics at Leaving Certificate to qualify for entry to this programme. Mature: Refer to the admissions section. |
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Modules:
Year 1: | | Introduction to Programming, Web Development Fundamentals, Computer System Concepts, Mathematics for Computing, Operating System Fundamentals, Organisations and Business Processes, Introduction to Computer Networks, Introduction to OO Programming, Programme Design Concepts, Electronics for Computing, Mathematical Methods, Operating Systems Management, Interpersonal Development. |
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Year 2:
| | Digital Games Design, Structured Programming, Database Planning and Design, Human Computer Interface, Introduction to Object Oriented Design, Management Principles, Data Structures, Internetworking, Microprocessor Systems, Statistical Data Analysis, Database Systems implementation, Enterprise Application Development. |
Year 3:
| | Digital Game Programming Principles and Practice, Network Services and Applications, Algorithms, Professional Development, Computer Graphics, Software Security and Testing, Embedded Systems, Advanced Digital Game Programming, Artificial intelligence, Project and Teamwork, Employment Placement. |
Year 4:
| | Programming Digital Game Engines, Software Project Management, Concurrent Algorithms, Networked Games, Game Physics, Platform Digital Game Development, Digital Game Artificial Intelligence, Distributed Algorithms, Computing and Modern Culture, Graphics and Audio, Project. |
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Duration: | | |
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Class Contact Hours: | | Year 1: 25 hours per week
Year 2: 24 hours per week
Year 3: 18 hours per week
Year 4: 16 hours per week
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CAO Points: | | |
Top 3 Reasons to Choose:
| | Top 3 Reasons to choose Games Design and Development at LIT Thurles
1. The programme has been developed in collaboration with games industry professionals and the programme covers all the technical aspects of games design and development including; hardware, electronics and programming progressing towards the creation of custom games engines. LIT Thurles has also partnered with the International Games Developers Association.
2. The programme uses state of the art technology with specialised hardware and is also licenced for leading multi-platform game engines to enhance students’ learning experience. This includes Ireland’s largest Xbox 360 Game laboratory and also access to Playstation and PSP development kits.
3. LIT Thurles is host to the annual games programming portfolio events, including Games Fleadh and Global Game Jam. Games Fleadh is Ireland’s largest computer and console games programming festival and offers students an opportunity to network with employers in the industry.
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What our Students say: | | “To me, LIT Tipperary is a place like no other. I’ve just completed second year of my Games Design degree and have never looked back since I started. The skills and knowledge I have learned both in class and from other students will be invaluable to me in future years and hopefully will secure me a promising job in an industry I love. As I start my summer internship with NeverMind Games, I am excited about what the future holds. Great college events, such as Global Game Jam and Games Fleadh were the highlights of the year and working with amazing people on amazing projects reassures me that I am heading down the right career path.”
Joseph Bentley, current student, Games Programmer at NeverMind Games
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Further Studies | | Graduates of the programme will be suitable for employment in a wide range of positions including: Games Programmer, Game Tester, Game Designer, Games Middleware Engine Developer, Games Developer Tools Designer and in Graphics and in Audio Software Production. |
Did You Know? | | • LIT Thurles students have worked on AAA titles including StarCraft, Wolfenstien, Guitar Hero and Call of Duty.
• €30k + is the starting salary earned by 10-20% of Computing graduates.
• Ireland has a growing indie game developer community and indigenous game studios including OpenEmotion Studios, Tribal City Interactive, BatCat Games, NeverMind Games, Atom Split Games.
• International gaming technology businesses are locating in Ireland, including: Activision Blizzard, DemonWare, Havok, Gala Networks Europe, EA BioWare, ZeniMax Online Studios, Zynga Game Ireland and PlayFirst.
• The Forfás Report ‘The Games Sector in Ireland: An Action Plan for Growth’ estimates that numbers employed in the digital games industry will grow significantly in the coming years.
• The Irish Government has pledged to support our indigenous digital game industry by reforming Research and Development supports available to the industry, setting aside funding from the Innovation Fund Ireland for digital gaming start-ups.
• It’s been estimated by industry representative body Games Ireland that numbers employed within the industry will double over the next two years.
• Analysts estimate that the worldwide gaming market is currently worth in excess of US$50 billion.
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Jobs Include: | | Graduates of the programme will be suitable for employment in a wide range of positions including; Games Programmer, Game Tester, Game Designer, Games Middleware Engine Developer, Games Developer Tools Designer and in Graphics and in Audio Software production. |
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For Further Information Contact: | | |
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