BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology - FAQs

Is this the right course for me?
It will be very helpful to you if you have a high level of enthusiasm for games and gaming culture. You need to be very interested in the whole area, as the degree requires a high level of engagement and involvement with both content and peers. For the major themes (graphics and programming), an interest in graphics and/or programming would be beneficial. It will help you if you have already experimented with graphic production and programming code. It doesn't matter if you have no experience of either area, but pre-existing interest/experimentation in these areas may help to indicate if the degree will be right for you

Which specific skills do I need?
Do you have a passion for the area, are you flexible and do you have a real willingness to work in teams?

Being passionate means being serious about your interest and your approach to the course. Are you always first in line to buy the latest new game? Do you devour gaming magazines and games websites looking for the latest trends and ideas? Do you seek information about games culture so 'keep up' with the latest developments and to maintain your awareness of the industry? Do you like to be at the cutting edge of gaming tools, platforms and trends? Can you name the main players in the UK games scene?

Are you flexible and adaptable? Can you see yourself easily moving between projects? For example, one day you may be working on a Football game, the next you might be developing a fantasy RPG. Are you the sort of person who genuinely likes to communicate with other people, working cooperatively to negotiate effective solutions? Do you like the idea of working with others - listening to the opinions of other people and incorporating a range of ideas - not just your own - into the final product?

What sort of supporting evidence do I need?
At present you don't need a showreel and we will not be interviewing candidates for a place. This may change in future. Decisions concerning entry will be based on the UCAS entry requirements (as outlined above).

How do I change course after I have started??
We make every effort to accommodate change based on clear and informed decisions concerning career concerns or ideas. However changing course is not something that should be undertaken lightly for obvious reasons. It is very difficult to change course in mid year because of the work already missed. Students would have to demonstrate existing qualifications or skills that match the requirements of that missed work. Students are always encouraged to restart on a newly chosen course. In addition course numbers may be full precluding any transfer. Finally unit credits from one course may not count on another and students may not begin a course if they are failing units from their original course: they have to withdraw and be reconsidered for another degree.

How do I gain entry to the course at level 2 or level 3?
At present there are no prerequisite units for entry to the course at level 2. If you want to change into the course at this level you will need to demonstrate proficiency in C++ (for programming specialisation), animation production software (3D Studio Max) and bitmap/vector editing software (for graphics specialisation).

What will I study?
You will study a range of units related to the area. For example, in your first year you start your 'Game Studies' options, which include analysing game play and game genres. You work on your first game project as a programmer or artist. During the course you also study project management for games development and production as a central area. As you move through the course, you explore one of two main themes (graphics or programming) in detail; there is also an option to gain specialist skills in the role of 'games producer'.

After studying in the course, what will I be able to do/make/create?
By the end of year one you will have worked on a small game demo adapting existing, or creating your own, code and graphics. You will be starting to acquire specialist programming and graphics skills. By the end of year two you will be able to design a game and will have a good understanding of the process of setting up your own limited company. You will also continue to build on the skills you have been acquiring in character and environment development.

By the end of your third year, you will have worked in a year long project team to produce a game. If you have been following the programming theme, you will also have developed specialist programming skills (DirectX, Physics). You will now have the skills to be able to write your own game, program on consoles and have a high level understanding of AI and rendering. If you have been following the graphics theme, you will have developed specialist animation and modelling skills and you will be able to incorporate your characters/environments into your own game.

What is the workload like?
You will find your first year challenging as you learn to adapt to the university environment. In your second and third year the workload will mean that you are encouraged to treat your degree as a full time job.

What equipment/software will I need on my home system?
The University of Portsmouth provides well equipped up to date labs. We recommend that if you have a home computer you have access to a word processing programme and freely available tools such as Gmax for modelling and a C++ Compiler for programming. If you are considering buying a computer for use at university then you might look at desktops as these will not only allow you to complete assignments but will also allow you to play the latest games. Laptops are very convenient, but you may find that laptops that are able to play the latest games are prohibitively expensive. If a computer is powerful enough to play the latest first person shooters (Half-life 2 or Doom 3) and roleplaying games then it will be powerful enough for all your university work.

What equipment/software will I use at University?
We provide fully equipped labs that have 3D StudioMax, Photoshop, Visual Studio.NET and other relevant software tools. You will also gain experience of packages like Alien Brain, SoftImage and Maya. We also provide access to games consoles and games and make available a full range of video and sound recording equipment. You may also have use of a VR lab and associated equipment if necessary for your work. We have a laboratory set up for developing console games. This laboratory is equipped with PS2 Linux development kits. We also have 50 PS2 Linux development kits for lending to students so they can continue their work on their own computers.

Which buildings/rooms will I use?
You will use the multimedia lab, lecture theatres and tutorial rooms. You will also have access to the games research lab.

Can I take a year off to get some work experience? Is it a good idea to do this and what support will I receive to arrange this?
Yes, you can take a year out to gain work experience. It's a good idea to do this as it may help lead you to a job because the industry values experience in addition to skills. We will help you by giving you possible contacts for placements but you will need to be proactive in seeking and arranging your placement.

Will I get a job?
Industry experts have been closely involved in the development of the degree. Industry representatives say that they expect to maintain close links with the course to identify potential employees. However, without a 'crystal ball' it is obviously impossible to tell whether or not you will get a job, but by doing the degree you give yourself the best chance of acquiring skills that are valued by the games industry.

What will I earn?
At the end of 2004 in the UK, graduate starting salaries were within the following broad ranges: Junior Programmer £15-18K Junior Artist £10-14K Managers and producers are likely to earn more at the graduate entry level. Of course as rates change, the type of work changes and your experience level increases so too will your earning power.

Is it going to be worthwhile to do this course?
Yes, because although you are specialising in game technology knowledge and skills these skills are transferable and will help establish you as a life long learner. The games industry is a large industry and working practices are constantly changing and evolving in line with changing technology. As new consoles are developed it is likely that larger teams will be needed by the industry and it is equally likely that while some lesser skilled jobs are completed offshore, higher skilled jobs (management, specialist design and programming) will attract a higher salary.

What opportunities exist for post graduate study and further research?
There are opportunities for MSc and PhD research study on completion of undergraduate studies. An MSc in Computer Games Technology is going through validation at the moment ready for start in October 2006.

Is there any special advice for applicants?
It is fun but it is also hard work. In some ways it is almost a lifestyle choice.