BSc (Hons) Games Design and Development, LIT-Tipperary
Awarding Body: HETAC, Level 8
Duration: 4 Years
Number Of Places: 20
Course Code: LC418
This programme is designed to produce graduates with an in-depth knowledge of the critical aspects of games design and development. They will acquire the necessary knowledge to cope with the changing nature of the games industry throughout their careers. Students will be taught techniques for analysis, design and development of games for platforms such as mobiles, handheld consoled, PC’s, 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, participants will be required to complete a substantial project under the guidance of an ICT Specialist. Graduates can expect to take up employment in industries ranging from small or medium-sized entertainment media enterprises to large multinationals.
Entry Requirements:
A minimum of 2 Honours and 4 Passes in six Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English/Irish.
OR
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.
OR
Mature applicants will be required to undertake a written assessment and complete a detailed written application in accordance with the Institute’s entry procedures. The application process will consider the applicant’s academic ability (previous education, readiness for 3rd level study) and their suitability (communication skills, motivation and interest in the course and career area).
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.
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.
What our Students say:
After graduating I returned to work in DemonWare where I had just completed a summer internship. My role in DemonWare relied heavily on the skills and training I received in LIT Tipperary in programming, algorithms, networks, design patterns and hardware systems.
While at LIT Tipperary I was involved in the TippSoc Gaming society. Through the activities of this group I picked up extra skills and met people from the games industry which helped me get the job I have today. LIT Tipperary is an excellent place to study with lecturers you can interact with and its societies provide invaluable experiences and contacts.
David Brennan
Network Programmer, Activision (DemonWare)
Further Studies
Students who successfully complete this programme will be eligible for a wide range of taught and research Level 9 Masters Programmes in Ireland and abroad.
Jobs Include:
Games Design and Development provides graduates with exciting career opportunities in a rapidly changing sector of the computing industry. Graduates will be able to gain employment in different areas of entertainment media enterprises such as Games Development, Mobile Application Design and Development, Design, Interactive TV, e-Learning and Online entertainment applications. Graduates of this programme will possess attributes making them suitable for employment in a range of positions that might include:
* Games Programmer
* Game Testers
* Level Designers
* Game Designers
* Games Middleware Engine Developer
* Games Developer Tools Designer
* Graphics & Audio Software Production
* Project Manager
For Further Information Contact:
Philip Bourke
Tel: 0504 28258
Email: philip.bourke@lit.ie
For more see http://www.lit.ie/courses/LC418
[updated Jan. 2012]