BSc (Hons) in Games Design and Development

Course Code: LC418

Level

Duration

4 years

Department

Information Technology

CAO Points

270

Course Type

Undergraduate - CAO

Location

Thurles

This programme is designed to produce graduates with an in-depth knowledge of the essential aspects of games design and development. Students will learn the techniques for analysis, design and development of games for diverse platforms including mobile, handheld consoles, personal and tablet computers, games consoles and online games in a variety of computer programming languages. Students will produce game designs and implement these through a variety of game engines and frameworks using state of the art technology and specialised hardware. Our hardware facilities include Ireland’s largest Xbox 360 Game laboratory and access to Playstation development kits. LIT is licenced for leading multi-platform game engines to enhance your learning experience. LIT Thurles, a Digital Games Hub, is the home of Games Fleadh, one of Ireland’s most important games programming festivals. LIT Thurles alumni have worked on AAA titles such as StarCraft, Wolfenstien, Guitar Hero and Call of Duty. Our campus enterprise centre facilitates and is host to game studios start-ups who are actively supported by Thurles Chamber Enterprise Centre business mentors.

What are the entry requirements?

Leaving Certificate

A minimum of 2 H5 & 4 O6/H7 grades in six Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish.

Contact: Admissions@LIT.ie

Mature Applicants

Mature student (i.e. 23 years of age on 1^st January for admission in September) applicants must apply through the CAO on or before 1^st February.

Contact: Admissions@LIT.ie

International Applicants

Non-EU applicants should apply directly to the International Office at LIT allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by July 1st at the latest.

Contact: International@LIT.ie

Who can I contact?

What modules will I study?

Year 1

Title: Introduction to Programming

Credits: 05 Credits
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This module provides an introduction to the discipline, methodologies and techniques of computer programming using a modern programming language

Title: Computer Organisation and Architecture

Credits: 05 Credits
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To introduce the fundamentals of the operation and internal structure of a computer system.

Title: Data Essentials

Credits: 05 Credits
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Every day, we create 2.5 quintillion bytes of data. In fact it is estimated that 90% of the world's data has been created in the last two years alone. This data comes from everywhere: sensors used in intelligent devices, posts to social media sites, digital pictures, audio and videos, commercial systems, and games to name a few. 95% of all IT systems will capture some form of data, and use a database to store, modify, extract and search it. This module aims to provide the learner with a solid foundation for those who work with these data and databases. A fundamental understanding of basic concepts, design, and terminology will be gained.

Title: Computer Mathematics

Credits: 05 Credits
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This module is designed to provide the student with the fundamental mathematical concepts encountered in the study of a computing discipline.

Title: Web Development Fundamentals

Credits: 05 Credits
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This module will introduce the learner to the fundamentals involved in the development of web pages.

Title: Interpersonal Skills

Credits: 05 Credits
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The learner will be able to communicate proficiently in a professional context

Title: Structured Programming

Credits: 05 Credits
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This module provides an in-depth analysis and implementation of Structured Programming concepts

Title: Introduction to Object Oriented Programming

Credits: 05 Credits
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This module introduces the learner to the principles of object-oriented programming. The creation and manipulation of classes and objects using an object oriented programming language.

Title: Mathematical Methods

Credits: 05 Credits
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This module is designed to provide the student with a foundation in several mathematical methodologies encountered in the study of a computing discipline.

Title: Operating Systems Fundamentals

Credits: 05 Credits
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This moduile provides learners with an overview of the purpose, functions and structures of modern computer operating systems.

Title: Structured Query Language Essentials

Credits: 05 Credits
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The aim of this module is to advance the students’ knowledge of SQL (pronounced "ess-que-el") standing for Structured Query Language. SQL is used to communicate with a database. According to ANSI (American National Standards Institute), it is the standard language for relational database management systems. The student will be able to provide solutions to complex problems and have significant knowledge of features of the SQL language.

Title: Responsive Design and Web Development

Credits: 05 Credits
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This module will provide the learner with the skills required to design and develop interactive & responsive systems.
Year 2

Title: Fundamentals Of Data Structures & Algorithms

Credits: 05 Credits
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This module aims to provide an understanding of the fundamental characteristics of basic recursive algorithms and dynamic data structures.

Title: Object Oriented Theory and Programming

Credits: 05 Credits
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This module develops the students' programming and problem solving skills providing the learner with the principles and practices of programming using the object oriented techniques.

Title: Discrete Mathematics

Credits: 05 Credits
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This module describes the ideas and mathematical language used to formulate, in the neutral language of mathematics, many problems that arise in the area of computer science.

Title: Networking Fundamentals

Credits: 05 Credits
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This module will enable the learner to manage the computer networking components of multimedia or internet application development.

Title: Data Design and Programming

Credits: 05 Credits
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The aim of this module is develop the students’ knowledge in three key areas: database management systems administration, designing databases and data programming. Interfacing with the database through command line, scripting and GUI tools, the learner will thus be able to carry out the major implementation tasks (analysis, design, programming, and administration) associated with the implementation of a secure low-latency high-availability n-tier database system.

Title: Software Development

Credits: 05 Credits
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This module introduces learners to UML model specification and development enabling them to utilise models for problem solving in the context of the software development lifecycle.

Title: Applications Development

Credits: 05 Credits
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This module will provide the learner with the capability to develop small to medium scale applications using industry standard best practices and approaches.

Title: Problem-Solving With Data Structures & Algorithms

Credits: 05 Credits
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Data structures and algorithms are the basis for the efficient solution of programming tasks. In this module, students will study core algorithms and data structures, as well as being given an introduction to algorithm computational analysis.

The module will give students core algorithmic and data structure skills.

Title: Internetworking

Credits: 05 Credits
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This module introduces the TCP/ IP Internetworking layer and thereafter examines component protocols and systems, all of which are implemented in technologies on the Internet and corporate intranetworks. On the practical side learners are introduced to scripting and programming using socket API.

Title: Real Time Embedded Systems

Credits: 05 Credits
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This module introduces the learner to the concepts involved in controlling electronic hardware and collecting data from sensors using board level microcontrollers.

Title: Game Design

Credits: 05 Credits
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The aim of this module is to introduce the learner to the essential concepts of Game Design. This module will focus on developing the learner's abilities and awareness of game genres, games design, and ethical boundaries illustrating the need for a professional discipline and effective management throughout the games development lifecycle. Learners will have an appreciation for effective games design communication, technology selection, games production and distribution.

Title: Software Testing

Credits: 05 Credits
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This module introduces learners to software testing and enables them to undertake both structural and functional testing in the context of the software development lifecycle.
Year 3

Title: Project and Group Dynamics

Credits: 10 Credits
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The project involves the student in the specification, design and implementation of a medium‑to‑large‑scale practical project. This allows for the integration of learning from a variety of course subjects. Research skills, design methodologies, implementation and problem‑solving are also all core aspects of the project. Students will work independently or in small groups. Students will also be introduced to the core concepts of group dynamics, team building, creativity, decision making and problem solving within a project context.

Title: Work Placement

Credits: 10 Credits
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This placement module will provide students with an opportunity to apply the theoretical and practical knowledge gained on their programme while working in a professional IT environment. It will also afford them the opportunity to gain valuable career experience and developed their understanding of working in such an environment.

Title: Game Programming

Credits: 10 Credits
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This module will develop learners programming abilities with a primary focus on OO programming for digital games. The core elements include applied digital game case study based system analysis design and development using appropriate OO design patterns. On completion of this module learners will appreciate how to model a digital game using OO techniques and implement game in an OO programming language. The module will also strengthen digital game development skills to ensure programming skills of learners are adequate to support other modules on the program.

Title: Computer Graphics

Credits: 10 Credits
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This module introduces the basic concepts of computer graphics and raster based methods. It also provides the necessary theoretical background for computer graphics and demonstrates the application of computer science to graphics. It also offers the opportunity for learners to formulate and implement applications of computer graphics. The module further allows learners to develop programming skills in computer graphics by programming assignments.

Title: Software Security

Credits: 10 Credits
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This module introduces students to the different approaches and guidelines associated with the development of secure software, and provides them with skills to analyse code and design secure programs.

Title: Statistics, Algorithms and Artificial Intelligence

Credits: 10 Credits
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This module provides the student with the statistical and proabilistic concepts required for Computer Science. In addition it presents the algorithmic techniques of NP completeness and computational intractability, approximation algorithms, and randomized algorithms. These topics provide the basis for exploration of artificial intelligence problem solving methodologies.

Year 4

Title: Game Physics

Credits: 05 Credits

This module provides an introduction the principles and methods from mathematics, physics, and computer science underlying physics simulation and collision detection in computer games.

Title: Programming Game Engines

Credits: 05 Credits

This module exposes learners to design techniques, planning and programming techniques used to design, develop, test, distribute and maintain games engines. Learners will examine and implement features for the creation of game scenes which will include concepts such as image rendering, graphic & model animation, collision detection and collision response.

Title: Network Services and Socket Programming

Credits: 05 Credits

This module introduces the TCP/ IP protocol Stack's Transport and Application Layers and thereafter examines and analyses their prominent protocols and the systems built on those protocols. Furthermore it examines the design and implementation of networked utilities built using the BSD Sockets API.

Title: Software Project Management

Credits: 05 Credits

This module illustrates the need for professional discipline and effective management throughout the software development process. It provides the student with the skills required to manage a software development project.

Title: Data Analytics & Visualization

Credits: 05 Credits

Telemetry and other game datasets offer a rich insight into gamer behaviour, engagement, completion rates, satisfaction, preferences, and play strategy. This data if analysed offers valuable intelligence to developers to further improve the game, enhance the gamers’ experience, decrease churn and/or to create entirely new games.

A combination of demographic information about your gamers with access behaviour provides an insight into the market segment which will increase customer acquisition, and convert more users to pay-to-play.

The aim of this module is to build the learners’ understanding of the opportunities of using these extensive data sets. Learners will acquire the skills necessary to collect, clean, visualise, interpret and challenge the results, enabling them to take appropriate actions to improve game development.

Title: Game Development Project

Credits: 10 Credits

The project involves the student in the specification, design and implementation of a medium-to-large-scale project. This allows for the integration of learning from a variety of course subjects. Research skills, design methodologies, implementation and problem-solving are also all core aspects of the project.

Title: Game AI

Credits: 05 Credits

Explores implementing and studying artificial intelligence techniques to enhance the computer gaming experience.

Title: Cross Platform Game Development

Credits: 05 Credits

This module will allow learners to scrutinise platform architectures and appropriate programming concepts. Learners will be exposed to games design and scene development on mobile, handheld console, PC and games console platforms.

Title: Networked Games

Credits: 05 Credits

This module will explore and analyse network programming algorithms and architectures in the context of games programming.

Title: Concurrent & Distributed Systems

Credits: 05 Credits

sgw

Title: Computing and Modern Culture

Credits: 05 Credits

An exploration of the innovative theoretical and empirical research about cyberculture and computer games with an emphasis on interactive media and smartphones. The module explores concepts in "mobile,social,local" and it's scope includes the socio-cultural,political and economic dimensions of our online behaviors from a variety of perspectives.

Are there opportunities for further study?

Graduates may pursue further Level 9 or 10 programmes in a related field of study.

What are the career prospects?

Graduates of this course may work in positions such as:

• Game/Software Programmer
• Game/Software Tester
• Game/Software Designer

More Information

Who is the programme suited to?

Suited to people who are creative, analytical and logical and who are interested in computers and are passionate about game development. Creative and innovative minded people will be challenged in this programme to express their ideas and develop ground-breaking new game technologies.

Top 3 reasons to study this course

Ireland has a growing indie game developer community and indigenous game studios provide excellent employment opportunities.
State of the art technology is used across our Computing programmes to enhance the student’s learning experience.
Work placement is an integral part of all of our Computing programmes. Students will undertake six months industry work placement in Year 3 as part of their studies.