COURSE CURRICULUM

The BSc (Hons) in Games Development is a four-year program designed to equip students with the technical, creative, and analytical skills required to succeed in the rapidly expanding games industry. In Year 1, students build a strong foundation in communication, human-computer interaction, interaction design, 2D digital art, concept art for games, mathematics for graphics, game design, and programming, including object-oriented programming. Year 2 focuses on advanced technical skills and practical game development, covering computer architecture for game devices, motion graphics, 2D and 3D gameplay programming, user interface programming, assembly programming, agile software development, and software engineering for games, enabling students to integrate technical expertise with creative design. Year 3 emphasizes applied development and professional experience, with modules in data structures, AI algorithms, web development, databases, 3D graphics, and gameplay programming for mobile devices, alongside options for work placements, study abroad, or project-based electives. Year 4 allows students to specialize and develop advanced skills in game analytics, games engineering, online gaming technologies, concurrent programming, and artificial intelligence for games, alongside elective modules such as machine learning, real-world simulation, blockchain technology, UI/UX design, distributed development, cloud computing, data engineering, and data visualization. Students complete a major capstone project in Year 4, demonstrating their ability to design and deliver fully functional, high-quality game concepts. Throughout the program, learners gain hands-on experience with industry-standard programming languages (C++, C#, JavaScript, Python, HTML5), game engines and frameworks (Unity 3D, Unreal Engine, SFML, SDL, OpenGL), and version control systems (Git/GitHub). Collaboration is emphasized, particularly with students from Interactive Digital Art and Design, fostering teamwork and portfolio development. Graduates emerge as versatile, industry-ready games developers capable of contributing to Ireland’s growing digital and creative economy as well as international game development studios.