Need some guidance.

[Anonymous]

Sorry about being the millionth person to start a topic like this but I was just wondering about what course I should do in college to become a games programmer?

I have narrowed my choices down to Media and Games Development in UL, Computer Science in Trinity and IT in Galway. I’m from Galway myself but my preference is CS in TCD at the moment. I’ve looked into the other courses on offer, but I don’t think that they are really for me.

My question is do you think it is a better idea to do CS in Trinity than to to do the other two courses in terms of getting jobs afterwards? I mean, my ultimate goal is to get involved in the games business, but I am willing to work in other areas as well. All areas of computers interest me, and that is why I am partial to CS in Trinity, although it doesn’t offer valuable work experience as the course in UL does.

Also, do you think that people in the games industry would prefer a specialised degree such as the UL degree or the general CS degree. I’m aware that projects and experience is also important as well though.

No urgency as I’ve filled out my CAO already with CS in Trinity No. 1. I’m just wondering whether I should change my mind as I am very much interested in games and wonder whether it would be a good course to do.

Thanks for any help you can give me! Many thanks!

– Jon

[Anonymous]

I have narrowed my choices down to Media and Games Development in UL, Computer Science in Trinity and IT in Galway. I’m from Galway myself but my preference is CS in TCD at the moment. I’ve looked into the other courses on offer, but I don’t think that they are really for me.
[/quote:12f82f572f]
It looks like you already have your answer! Only you can say what course is right for you.

Both general and specific courses have their advantages and disadvantages. It’s up to you to weigh those against each other. From what you’ve wrote, the TCD course sounds better for you. You can always take a masters degree that focuses on game programming after. A general comp sci degree will teach you the all-round fundamentals and prepare you for any career in computing, just in case you decide not to go into game programming.

[Anonymous]

I have narrowed my choices down to Media and Games Development in UL, Computer Science in Trinity and IT in Galway. I’m from Galway myself but my preference is CS in TCD at the moment. I’ve looked into the other courses on offer, but I don’t think that they are really for me.
[/quote:8d577327df]
It looks like you already have your answer! Only you can say what course is right for you.

Both general and specific courses have their advantages and disadvantages. It’s up to you to weigh those against each other. From what you’ve wrote, the TCD course sounds better for you. You can always take a masters degree that focuses on game programming after. A general comp sci degree will teach you the all-round fundamentals and prepare you for any career in computing, just in case you decide not to go into game programming.[/quote:8d577327df]
Alright, thanks for your reply! Yeah, I am pretty sure about my choice but I am a very indecisive person. Always thinking of other options and such. Yeah, a masters in computer games is definently a worthy option I’d like to look into. Thanks again!

[Anonymous]

Always exploring other options is a fantastic quality to have – especially if you’re going to be a programmer.

Good luck with the application! :)

[Anonymous]

Thanks! I think I will get it though, it was only 365 points last year and 350 the year before and I hope to get about 480 if all goes well. I’ll keep you all updated.

[Anonymous]

My brother did CS in Trinity about 6 years ago. Now im sure things have changed since then, but at the time, it had the highest dropout rate in the country, and after he evtunally came out the other end, the drought had hit, and he now works in insurance.

But as i hardly have a clue how to go about going in the industry (ive been asking similar questions here myself) im not sure if it would apply to you, as my brother didnt have a clue what he wanted to do anyway (probably just wanted to get a decent job anywhere) and you seem to have your eyes set on a goal career, which is great.

Just thought i should add my 2 cents anyway. :)

[Anonymous]

My brother did CS in Trinity about 6 years ago. Now im sure things have changed since then, but at the time, it had the highest dropout rate in the country, and after he evtunally came out the other end, the drought had hit, and he now works in insurance.

But as i hardly have a clue how to go about going in the industry (ive been asking similar questions here myself) im not sure if it would apply to you, as my brother didnt have a clue what he wanted to do anyway (probably just wanted to get a decent job anywhere) and you seem to have your eyes set on a goal career, which is great.

Just thought i should add my 2 cents anyway. :)[/quote:14fd9aaef8]
Unlucky for him. My brother did IT in college about seven years ago and had the same problem. He has found himself a job now though, and it seems more and more jobs are coming around these days. He got himself a job in Dell and a local computer repair shop and he has good job prospects now.

My cousin did this course 5 years ago and he is now doing a PHD in Trinity, so he definently loved it. I think that it would be a great course to start in. Thanks for your input! I appreciate it.

I’m just wondering whether the work experience available in UL and Galway would be better than the no work experience in Trinity and whether people in the games industry really care about experience or the course? Thanks again.

[Anonymous]

I’m sure Trinity could help you get a summer placement at the end of the second year. It may be worth enquiring about it before accepting a place on the course.

Not all good comp sci degrees include a work placement. Call studios in the UK and Ireland to see what they have to say about how important work placements are in their hiring process.

[Anonymous]

i did IT in galway and i have to say the work placement part of the course is weak as it only lasts for 5 months and most companies won’t take people for such as short time meaning not everyone got placement and nearly half the class ended up doing a 6 weeks project instead of placement

the placement in UL lasts for 9 months.

also C++ isn’t taught as part of the IT course in galway, only C and java, so you’ll have to learn that yourself.

[Anonymous]

work placement in u.c.c. is organised for ya. nice way to get your foot in the door of your first job. A good few get offered jobs before they return for final year.

[Anonymous]

I’m sure Trinity could help you get a summer placement at the end of the second year. It may be worth enquiring about it before accepting a place on the course.

Not all good comp sci degrees include a work placement. Call studios in the UK and Ireland to see what they have to say about how important work placements are in their hiring process.[/quote:9f9e0bc6b5]
Yeah they do have that option. I will check it out thanks. I will ask the studios and see what they say thanks.

Thanks for everyone else’s opinion as well, what I’m hearing is that the experience in Galway isn’t great but it should be good in UL. Thanks, I’ll do more research.

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