Guidance Teachers Event

Games Programmes

Computer Games Software Development

Entry Requirements: ABBB

Essential Subject: Mathematics

Recommended Subjects: Computing or Information Systems

Key Features: Placements, Guest Lectures, Specialist Labs, Portfolio Development

Associated Careers: Gameplay, AI, Graphics Programmer, Software Developer

Background • Jamie is 18 from Motherwell.• High achiever academically. He is strong in science and maths. • He speaks fluent French as travelled a lot when younger due to

his fathers job. • He enjoys reading, social networking playing video games,

travel and writing code.

Goals • To develop game programming skills• Gain a BSC Games Software development• Get a student job whilst at Uni• Move to the city to avoid commute

Technology • Unity, Maya, Java, Web technologies

Games Software Development Student GCU

Jamie, 18‘I have been coding for years. Its what I do in my spare time. I have heard about Game Jam @ GCU and want to take part’

Student Journey

1

2

4

3

Generic Introduction to course completing level 1 with Maths, Intro to Game Design

and Programming, 3D Graphics Fundamentals, IP1, Portfolio Development

Modules in AI, Graphics Programming, Parallel Programming and Project work,

prepare the undergrads for jobs in highly technical roles

More specifically directed towards area of study, important for sucessful

progression to have underpinning of working with Game Engines and 3D Maths. Further modules in Games

Design. Project work IP2.

Research methods and Professional Issues prepare students for Honours Projects, Further programming and

mobile development allow students to hone technical skills

Also passed with distinction, participated in Game Jam, and entered IP 1 project for competition

Took a years placement between level 2 and 3 and worked as programmer for local Blue chip

First Class Honours with Sandwich. Participated in Game Jam, team came third and mentioned in the press. Portfolio prepared for graduated recruitment.

Jamie, 18

Computer Games Design

Entry Requirements: ABBB

Essential Subject: Mathematics

Recommended Subjects: Computing or Information Systems

Associated Careers: Game Designer, Level Designer, UX Designer

Key Features: Placements, Guest Lectures, Specialist Labs, Portfolio Development

Background • Maria moved to Glasgow 5 years ago from Prague with her family.• She works in a coffee shop part-time. • She writes her own blog on buildings she has visited and uses

various social networking tools to circulate• Enjoys clubbing, travel, playing all types of games, currently

revisiting favorite childhood game Pokemon

Goals • To develop a portfolio of games• Possibly learn to sketch• Fit my studies in around work and other commitments• Internship placement abroad

Technology • Wordpress, Social Networking, Gaming, Creative Story writing tools

Games Design Student GCU

Jamie, 18‘I thought about studying architecture as I love design but I am very passionate about Games and interested in how industry and how they are made.’

Maria, 19

Student Journey

1

2

4

3

Generic Introduction to course completing with Maths, Intro to Game Design and Programming, 3D Graphics

Fundamentals, IP1, Portfolio Development

Level 3 introduces the student to areas such as User Research, Psychology of player behaviour, Narrative, Serious

Games studies and IP3

Studies lean more towards study of Game Design, Introducing HCI and Game

Content design, further programming, 3d modelling and IP2 work

Research methods and Professional Issues prepare students for Honours Projects.

Experimental Game design, Technical Game Design, and Affective Design modules

challenge the students giving them the competitive edge required for a career in

the Games Industry

Team won prize for Integrated project work, Volunteer at Game Jam

Maria, 19

Student graduated with hons 2;1, Indie internship company have offered further work

Summer internship placement with small company in Dundee

Student failed modules at level 2 as had to return to Prague. Completed modules before progressing to level 3 the following year

Computer Games Art & Animation

Entry Requirements: BBB

Essential Subject: Art & Design

Key Features: Placements, Guest Lectures, Specialist Labs, Portfolio Development

Associated Careers: Concept Artist, Character Artist, 3D Modeller, Animator

Background • Laila lives in Giffnock with her parents and young brother• She works in an after school club• Enjoys photography, Movies, socialising with friends

Goals • Improve portfolio• Meet new people with similar interests• Camp America during Uni Summer break

Technology • Social networking, casual app games, determined to complete candy crush

Games Art and Animation Student GCU

’I have been sketching and drawing all through school. My cousin works in the Games Industry in the states. Its what I want to do’

Laila, 17

Student Journey

1

2

4

3

Generic Introduction to course completing with Maths, Intro to Game Design and Programming,

3D Graphics Fundamentals, Good 2D art skills development from Digital Design Suite, Portfolio

Development, IP1

Discovering different specialist roles in the Games Industry. The student will also be exposed to our

fields via an Industrial Practice module.

Student becomes more familiar with 3D Art creation including modules on Digital Sculpting

and Animation pipeline. 2D art skills will be reinforced with modules from Digital Design Suite

and IP2

Specalising in an area of interest and Industry focus

Laila, 17

Participated in game jam and was able to contribute to the art work.

Started to flesh out portfolio

Increased exposure to 3D art modulesmeans that the student can bring in

more 3D Art into Portfolio

Student’s will be discovering theirSpecialism. The students portfolio will

start to reflect

The Student is now fully specialised,their portfolio will now be leading

to a certain Industry job role.

Laila is now working as 3D modelerfor a large AAA Games Studio in

Germany