Game Development BSc (Hons)

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold award

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold award

Our commitment to high quality teaching has been recognised with a TEF Gold rating. The University has received an overall rating of Gold, as well as securing a Gold award in the framework's two new student experience and student outcomes categories.

Why choose this course?

Considering the many opportunities offered by the thriving games industry? This course is a great choice for aspiring game developers.

You will be creating and making games throughout your degree course, experiencing all aspects of game development from the initial design, prototyping and through to production and publishing. You will use industry-standard game engines like Unity and Unreal across various platforms, including PC, mobile, tablet, and the Sony PlayStation 5, using programming languages such as C++ and C#.

You will also gain expertise in artificial intelligence, generative AI, 3D graphics, multi-player games, and console game development. The course will equip you with the skills to create real-time strategy, puzzle, stealth, first-person, and educational games. Additionally, the course covers essential computer science concepts like requirements analysis and computing systems.

You will have the opportunity to participate in game jams, hackathons, and other development competitions, alongside optional events like the UK's major game development conference in Brighton. Upon graduation, you will have a compelling portfolio, positioning you well for an exciting career in the games industry.

Please note: this course was formerly known as Computer Games Programming BSc.

Kingston is second in London for Animation and Game Design (Guardian League Table, 2025).

Attendance UCAS code/apply Year of entry
3 years full time G625 2025
4 years full time with professional placement G611 2025
4 years full time including foundation year G624 2025
6 years part time Apply direct to the University 2025

Please note: Teaching on this course may take place on more than one KU campus.

Main Location Penrhyn Road

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • Kingston University is ranked No.2 in London for Animation and Game Design (The Guardian University Guide 2025).
  • Graduates from our course have found roles in games companies such as Rebellion, King, Sony, Mediatonic, Mojang, Rare, Rockstar, BossAlien and others
  • Kingston is a PlayStation licensed developer, and you will be able to create games for the PlayStation 5.
  • In our games inKUbator, you can learn directly from the industry via our regular programme of talks and activities. Speakers have been from Sony, Splash Damage, Rebellion, Minecraft, Aardvark Swift, Interactive Selection, CryTek and Unity.

What you will study

Year 1

Year 2

Optional professional placement year

Year 3/4

In Year 1 you will be introduced to the fundamentals of game development, including programming skills and the prototyping of new game ideas. Specialist modules guide you through the 2D game development in C++ and 3D games prototyping together with the science that underpins it. You will also broaden your knowledge in computing, including requirements analysis and design.

Core modules

Programming I: Thinking Like a Programmer

30 credits

We designed this module to establish a foundation for key Programming Concepts. We do not assume prior experience of programming, as we know you will all have widely different levels of existing knowledge. The module is designed to be accessible to a beginner while still being exciting for an experienced coder.

We are excited to be able to deliver this module using Kingston's own home-grown learning environment for programming, NoobLab. NoobLab gamifies your learning, making programming enjoyable and accessible for all existing ability levels – no other university offers this platform or unique approach to learning:

You will learn a variety of programming languages. In the first few weeks, we will use visual blocks that will allow you to construct programs and focus on thinking like a programmer rather than getting bogged down in grammar and syntax. Then, with these skills established, you will learn Python, Javascript and optionally Java, solving "Code Kata" style programming challenges on a weekly basis. This will equip you to build a graphical card game as your capstone project for the module.

Game Science

30 credits

The module will equip you with essential skills in mathematics and physics that are sought after and expected in the game industry. We understand that each of you may have different levels of previous preparation or skills, so we have designed the teaching materials to be accessible even if you did not excel in math during school. Moreover, all topics have been carefully selected to assist you as a programmer interested in game development. We promise not to teach any concepts unless they are directly applicable to writing games!

The module follows a "learning by doing" approach. After mastering indispensable fundamentals, you will find yourself writing code for increasingly complex games using Visual Studio, the de-facto standard C++ language, and our in-house game engine, GFC.

The module assignments, and particularly the final "Science Game", will contribute to your portfolio of games created throughout the course.

Games Programming

30 credits

We designed this module to provide an introduction to Games Programming using C++, the essential programming language of the games industry. You will be creating exciting arcade style 2D and 3D games practising your newly developed C++ programming skills, whilst making use of 2D sprites, 3D models as well as sounds and particle effects. Our in-house game engine provides an insight into the internal components of games whilst making the development process an enjoyable learning experience. The module assignments contribute to the portfolio of games that you make in your course.

Requirements Analysis and Design for Games Programming

30 credits

Good design is the key to good software, and at the heart of good software design is Requirements Analysis. This applies as much to game development as well as software design more generally.

You will learn how to identify project stakeholders and your prospective target audience of a software project, and carry out an effective stakeholder and user analysis. This will entail learning how to capture, evaluate, validate, and document requirements, using appropriate industry-standard methods, techniques, and tools with a particular focus on the games industry.

Additionally, you will learn the principles of software project management using Agile, iterative methodologies and have the opportunity to develop hands-on experience in an Agile project team.

Another key aspect of this module is learning and applying the elements of good user experience (UX) design. By the end of the module you will be able to use a prototyping tool to build wireframes, user interfaces and interactive prototypes, incorporating specific usability requirements and UX design principles. These skills will be applied when you build a high-fidelity prototype using contemporary software tools.

Furthermore, this module will introduce students to Future Skills through engagement with Navigate, a University-wide initiative to embed the future skills sought by business and the professions into our curriculum.

In Year 2 you will create games using engines such as Unity and Unreal. You will have the opportunity to further develop your C++, C# and 3D graphics and shader programming knowledge. You will learn how to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) in your games including for real time strategy, racing and combat games as well as more serious and educational games. Underpinning this will be computer science concepts such as computing systems, parallel processing and new topics such as artificial intelligence and neural networks.

Core modules

Computing Systems

30 credits

This module takes you on a journey, from underlying computer architecture through to operating systems and networking and finally on to cloud computing. We designed this module to enhance your understanding of how modern computer systems are designed and used.

You will explore the essential features of each of these technologies and acquire both theoretical and practical knowledge. In addition, you will also develop knowledge of containerisation, parallel programming and algorithm complexity to make use of new parallel and cloud computing architectures to design application scenarios for today's modern computing environments.

3D Graphics Programming and Artificial Intelligence

30 credits

This module is designed to allow you to master two pivotal techniques, artificial intelligence and 3D graphics rendering. This will serve as the cornerstone of your expertise in game development, enabling you to push boundaries by creating truly innovative and optimised game experiences. Instead of relying on high-level game engines, we will take you to lower-level programming, granting you a profound understanding of algorithms and techniques that underpin game development, regardless of which engine you happen to use.

Professional Game Development Environments

30 credits

This module teaches games programming using the two leading games engines – Unity and Unreal. In the first teaching block you will create a game in Unity, then in the second a game using Unreal blueprint as part of an agile games programming team. To make the games you will follow games industry best practice, including the use of Visual Studio and git as well as the game engines themselves.

The module stresses the importance of portfolio building to aid employability, and also the requirement to develop software in a rigorous, professional way. It is taught with an emphasis on spending time actually making games - not just learning the theory - so there are plenty of workshops on developing your practical skills.

Optional modules

Introductory Digital Media and Computer Generated Imagery

30 credits

You will learn the underlying principles of digital imaging in both its static and moving forms. The theory will be supported by workshops using professional imaging, and video editing software, as well as software tools for manipulating audio.

The CGI Foundation part introduces you to the use of a professional 3D computer graphics and animation application. You will learn how to build 3D models, shade them using assorted textures, illuminate them and render them out as images. You will learn how to make an efficient use of data, and appreciate the underlying topology of the geometry that makes up that model. Assessment will mostly be by the creation of 3D computer generated assets and presenting these as rendered images.

Multimedia Authoring and Design

30 credits

The primary aim of this module is to develop a range of skills in the creation of multimedia products, through the study and production of sophisticated content driven interactive material using industry standard multimedia authoring software. You will also be taught to write computer code (script) to a high level using a scripting language in order to generate interactive content, animation, navigation and data storage/retrieval.

Core modules

Industrial Placement

60 credits

This module is an essential course programme component for students on the sandwich route of an honours degree "with professional placement". It is a key element in providing an extended period in industry gaining real world employability skills. Students are supported both before and through their placement by the Placement Team. Students that successfully complete their placement year will graduate with a four-year sandwich degree.

In Year 3 you use agile team-work to develop a game in a multidisciplinary team from initial concept to the publishing stage with the aim of releasing the finished product on platforms such as the Google Play Store or itch.io. You will also develop skills in real-time console and multiplayer game development as well as rapid prototyping making use of generative artificial intelligence. In addition to the capstone project, which has a games theme, you may choose from a range of option modules.

Core modules

Multiplayer and Game Console Programming

30 credits

We designed this module to provide you with the advanced programming skills that are sought for in the game industry. The module is taught as "learning by doing" and comprises both theory taught in class and applied work in the laboratory.

First, you will create your own games by learning two important specialisms in computer games programming: low level device programming (such as for game consoles or mobile devices) and programming for networked games.

Second, you will develop your programming skills in the key language for the games industry, i.e., C++. In particular, you will practice some Unreal C++ and use the knowledge to develop an Unreal plug-in – very useful for your CV.

Third, as console manufacturers have decided to take advantage of multicores architectures to produce more and more complex games, you will exploit parallel programming models to deliver real-time performance.

Individual Project

30 credits

The Individual Project is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your skills in project management, research, analysis, critical thinking, technical skills and creativity, in relation to contemporary game development practices in industry.

You will be designing and developing a game or some game technology including making use of artificial intelligence in games. Your Individual Project offers an ideal chance to specialize and develop in-depth knowledge and experience of a particular technology that excites you, building on your previous years of learning on the various core and optional modules on our Games course.

The Individual Project is the capstone of your degree. Therefore, a good project will showcase your ability and aptitude for a chosen sector of the Games industry. It should form a significant part of your portfolio to impress future employers.

Game and Media Creation Processes

30 credits

In this module you will create computer games using industry-standard production and management techniques to a professional standard. Programmers and media students work together using agile team-working to collaboratively design, develop and test games with the potential to be published on app stores and game distribution platforms such as itch.io. The games will be developed using commercial game engines such as Unity and Unreal, with the artists using tools such as Maya and Photoshop.

As part of the module, industry speakers will provide unique insights into current practices and net-working opportunities and also advise on portfolio building to support your future games career.

Optional modules

Modelling and Animation

30 credits

Students taking this module will have already developed proficiency in the use of a professional 3D Modelling and Animation software application, and so will understand the principles of modelling, lighting, texturing and rendering. This module will enable them to strengthen these skills and build a portfolio of 3D computer assets and 3D animation. They will acquire additional skills such as the use of 3D sculpting software, rendering using techniques such as global illumination and image-based lighting with a high understanding and skill. Students will be able to show their modelled work as a turntable animation using different rendering techniques.

The principles of animation are introduced and students will learn how to apply these principles to 3D computer animation. This is a practical module where the majority of a student's time is spent working at a computer. Similarly, assessment is practically based with multiple choice tests to show they understand both basic and advanced theoretical techniques. Taught in common with CI5003 and cannot be taken if CI5003 has already been taken.

Mobile Application Development

30 credits

While this module provides a foundation for careers in mobile application development, mobile is becoming increasingly ubiquitous and the skills taught also have applications in UX, web development and software engineering in general. Although there are no prerequisites, it is assumed that students have acquired a general familiarity with programming and software development principles through their previous study.

The module is divided into two phases. In the first phase, students will be introduced to software development for the two major mobile platforms. This will cover development environments for these platforms, UI conventions, building and deploying simple applications. Students will then be introduced to cross platform development environments for mobile development.

In the second phase, standard frameworks for mobile web development will be introduced. The phase is organised around a practical project. Students will choose one of the platforms on which to build a mobile application of their choice. This project gives students the opportunity to specialise and explore their chosen platform in greater depth, acquiring the knowledge and proficiency to be able to design and build complex mobile apps. Students will be encouraged to publish their apps in one or both (in the case of a cross-platform app) of the two major app stores, thus providing an introduction to mobile application delivery and distribution.

Digital Entrepreneurship

30 credits

Entrepreneurship is a major driving force in creating economic growth and this module illustrates how to work in an entrepreneurial fashion. At the heart of entrepreneurship is innovation, which can come in many forms. Sometimes this can be an incremental but generally gives significant improvement to the customer. Alternatively it is a new breakthrough or transformational innovation. Incremental innovation is aimed at increasing the value of a product or service, to add more value and thereby creating new and superior value chains. Breakthrough innovation often creates new categories of product, or transforms the historical ways of doing things.

From this foundation, the module proceeds to explain how to develop a strategy, not only to satisfy the critical needs that organisations have, but also to explore the application and use of improved value chains using the concepts of corporate venturing (spin-out/intrapreneurship) and entrepreneurship (new venture creation).

However it is not simple to start a new company. Especially the tech branch is characterised by fast developments, shifts of focus and low barriers to entry, where holding back from "bleeding edge" is essential and is one of the important differentiating factors between Tech Entrepreneurship and other forms of entrepreneurship. This means that one can no longer count on "good luck", and insight, understanding, knowledge and a systematic approach all have to be learnt.

This module will convey the concepts needed for roles in analysis, consultancy and management in technology environments, plus the necessary knowledge to work successfully in an innovative company, as well as providing a good background for new venture creation (Entrepreneurship) for those considering self-employment or founding new technology firms

 

Please note

Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.

Foundation year

If you would like to study computing at Kingston University but are not yet ready to join the first year of a BSc (Hons) course, you can include an extra foundation year within your chosen degree. Please see the foundation year course page for details of modules.

What our students say

Without a doubt, the best part of the course is the projects. Almost every module at some point will have you program an application or game and as long as you meet the criteria, you can let your imagination run free. Not only is it fun but very rewarding to make something that others can enjoy. We talk to each other and play each other's games, and when someone enjoys your creation the feeling of pride is insurmountably thrilling. You get excited about your next project with even more ideas, and it hooks you in. Theories you've learned in lectures become practical applications, and those applications affirm your knowledge of said theories, creating a loop of enjoyable and rewarding learning experiences."

Three smiling students standing before a large screen

Light Rai, BSc Computer Games Programming

Not only have I thoroughly enjoyed every module so far, but we are also given many opportunities to succeed in the industry, such as the inKUbator Game Jam and the ability to show your games at Develop. Having just finished my first year, I found partaking in these events left me with a deeper understanding of the industry, gave me many connections in different companies and helped me make new friends along the way."

Andrea Lupori, a student in jeans with a KISS t-shirt, wearing glasses, stands with arms outstretched.

Andrea Lupori, BSc Computer Games Programming

Future Skills

Knowledge to give you the edge

Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.

As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.

At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.

A female engineering student, in the engineering lab.

Facilities

Our games lab seats around 60 students set up for agile team working. Three pairs of large projector screens in the laboratory allow students to participate in an interactive learning experience. The lab features high performance workstations with 12th gen Intel i7 processors, 1TB SSD drives and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 GPUs and PlayStation 5 development kits.

Industry standard development software and tools - such as Unity 3D Professional, Unreal 5; Visual C++ and Visual Studio as well as Steam SDKs are available as well as Maya, Blender and the Adobe Creative Suite.

Specialist hardware is available such as PlayStation development kits, Steam Decks, iPads, Android phones and tablets, Raspberry PIs, high-end digital cameras (4K) and a motion capture facility.

Our dedicated team of specialist IT technicians support the labs and are always on hand to provide assistance.

Sony PlayStation First

Kingston University is a PlayStation licensed developer, and you will have the opportunity to learn how to develop games for the PlayStation 5.

The Cave

The Centre for Augmented and Virtual Environments (the CAVE) features Oculus Quest 2s, Emotiv headsets, Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest Pro, Meta Quest 3, HTC Vive Pro 2 and an Omni Treadmill.

Entry requirements

Typical offer 2025

UCAS tariff points: BSc (Hons): 112-128 UCAS points from A-levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications; BSc (Hons) including foundation year: 64 UCAS points from A-levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications.

BSc (Hons) including foundation year: Candidates are also required to hold a GCSE Mathematics at grade C/4 or above or a recognised equivalent.

Typical offer 2024

UCAS tariff points: 112-128 for BSc (Hons); 64 for BSc (Hons) including foundation year from Level 3 qualifications.

A-Levels, BTEC Extended Diploma with grades DMM or BTEC Diploma with grades D*D* in a Computing, Science, Engineering or Maths subject area.

Candidates are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English Language.

Alternative routes

We will consider a range of alternative Level 3 qualifications such as an Access Course in a relevant science, computing, mathematics or engineering subject which has been passed with 112 UCAS points.

Applications from those that have undertaken a Computing foundation year will also be considered.

International

We welcome applications from international applicants. View our standard entry requirements from your country.

All non-UK applicants must meet our English language requirements. For this course it is Academic IELTS of 6.0, with no element below 5.5.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Typical offer and UCAS points explained

Like most universities, we use the UCAS Tariff point system for our course entry requirements.

Find out more about UCAS Tariff points and see how A-level, AS level, BTEC Diploma and T-level qualifications translate to the points system.

Teaching and assessment

Scheduled learning and teaching on this course includes timetabled activities including lectures, seminars and small group tutorials.

It may also include placements, project work, workshops, workshops in computer labs, and laboratory workshops.

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

Outside the scheduled learning and teaching hours, you will learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, preparing for and completing your work for assessments. Some independent study work may need to be completed on-campus, as you may need to access campus-based facilities such as studios and labs.

Academic support

Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.

Dedicated personal tutor

When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.

Your workload

A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.

One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 120 credits across a year (typical for an undergraduate course) would equate to 1,200 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below for each year of study. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.

  • Year 1: 32% scheduled learning and teaching
  • Year 2: 33% scheduled learning and teaching
  • Year 3: 30% scheduled learning and teaching

The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.

Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.

How you will be assessed

Types of assessment

  • Year 1: Coursework 80%; exams 15%; practical 5%
  • Year 2: Coursework 70%; exams 13%; practical 17%
  • Year 3: Coursework 90%; practical 10%

Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. If your course includes optional modules, this breakdown may change to reflect the modules chosen.

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetable

Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled learning and teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Class sizes

To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally enrols 45 students and lecture sizes are normally 45-290.  However this can vary by module and academic year.

Who teaches this course?

The course is taught at the School of Computer Science and Mathematics.

The School of Computer Science and Mathematics is driven by the philosophy of 'learning through making'; we focus strongly on facilitating a hands-on experience, student led and owned product portfolios and producing industry-ready graduates.

We utilise a range of innovating teaching and learning approaches in our invigorated and modernised degree programmes; combining studio practices, project-based learning, and context driven lectures to facilitate an informed approach to problem solving.

Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Course fees and funding

2025/26 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2025/26 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £9,250*
Foundation Year: £9,250
International

Year 1 (2025/26): £18,500
Year 2 (2026/27): £19,200
Year 3 (2027/28): £19,900
Year 4 (2028/29): £20,700

For courses with Professional Placement, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.

* For full-time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

2024/25 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2024/25 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £9,250*
Foundation Year: £9,250
International

Year 1 (2024/25): £17,800
Year 2 (2025/26): £18,500
Year 3 (2026/27): £19,200
Year 4 (2027/28): £20,100

For courses with Professional Placement, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.

* For full-time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

Note for EU students: UK withdrawal from the European Union

The Government has announced that new students from the European Union and Swiss Nationals starting their course after August 2021 will no longer be eligible for a student loan in England for Undergraduate or Postgraduate studies from the 2021/22 academic year. This decision only applies to new EU students starting after 2021/22. If you are an existing/continuing EU student, you will continue to be funded until you graduate or withdraw from your course.

Need to know more?

Our undergraduate fees and funding section provides information and advice on money matters.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks; this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residence. Free WiFi is available on each campus. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost between £100 and £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases, written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston upon Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Placements

If the placement year option is chosen, during this year travel costs will vary according to the location of the placement, and could be from £0 to £2,000.

Field trips

All field trips that are compulsory to attend to complete your course are paid for by the University. There may be small fees incurred for optional field trips such as travel costs and refreshments.

After you graduate

You'll be prepared for a wide range of careers in both game development and computing.

Examples of recent graduate roles:

  • Games programmer
  • Virtual reality game developer
  • C# Programmer
  • Software Developer
  • Network Programmer
  • Software Engineer
  • Lead iOS Developer
  • Junior VR Developer
  • Level Designer
  • Technical programmer
  • App developer

Examples of recent graduate destinations

  • Sony
  • BossAlien
  • Mediatonic
  • Twistplay
  • Rebellion
  • Rockstar
  • King
  • Ubisoft
  • D3T
  • Splash Damage
  • Rare
  • IBM
  • Chelsea App Factory
  • Future Visual
  • Infonetica
  • Accenture
  • Triple Play
  • Thomson Reuters
  • Lockheed Martin

Careers and recruitment advice

The Faculty has a specialist employability team. It provides friendly and high-quality careers and recruitment guidance, including advice and sessions on job-seeking skills such as CV preparation, application forms and interview techniques. Specific advice is also available for international students about the UK job market and employers' expectations and requirements.

The team runs employer events throughout the year, including job fairs, key speakers from industry and interviews on campus. These events give you the opportunity to hear from, and network with, employers in an informal setting.

Employability preparation at Kingston University

In addition to building expertise in your own discipline, our courses will also help you to develop key transferable skills that you'll need for professional life or further study once you graduate. 

As well as a range of careers and employability activities at Kingston, we also offer you the chance to apply and develop your skills in live contexts as an integral part of your course. Opportunities include:

  • placements;
  • working or studying abroad;
  • volunteering;
  • peer mentoring roles; and
  • internship opportunities within and outside the University.

In your final year, you'll get the opportunity to complete a major 'capstone' project where you can apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired to a range of real issues in different contexts. This is a great way to learn and is a valuable bridge to employment or further research at masters level.

Courses available after you graduate

If you decide that you would like to go on to postgraduate study after your undergraduate course, we offer a 10 per cent discount on our postgraduate course tuition fees to our alumni. Here are some courses that might interest you:

Games created by our students

Watch a compilation of demos featuring work created by our students during their time with InKUbator – the Kingston University games development studio:

Darklight

Watch a clip from Darklight, created by students during their course:

The Perfect Game

Watch a clip from The Perfect Game, created by students during their course:

Links with business and industry

Events and Lectures

inKUbator

The inKUbator provides games students with the opportunity to hear and learn from a large number of industry speakers and to work together in interdisciplinary teams to create games. Past speakers have been from Sony, Splash Damage, Aardvark Swift, Interactive Selection, CryTek and Unity.

Game Jams

We organise annual game jams, where students develop games over a 24 hour period in the games lab. These events, where students different courses meet and work together in a friendly and creative atmosphere, traditionally includes pizza! Students create games to a theme and in our most recent game jam the theme was "world peace". The most successful game was the game "Great American Punch" a Virtual Reality (VR) boxing game. Many of the games created in the game jam were then showcased at the PC Gamer Weekender in Kensington. This had a very positive write-up in the press (Techradar) as "one of the top five most impressive sights" at the event.

How we work with industry partners

The inKUbator, our game development studio, provides games students with the opportunity to hear and learn from a large number of industry speakers and to work together in interdisciplinary teams to create games. Past speakers have been from Sony, Splash Damage, Aardvark Swift, Interactive Selection, CryTek and Unity. InKUbator attracts talented students regardless of their faculty or year of study, because it provides an interdisciplinary space outside of formally taught modules.

Develop is Britain's top games industry conference at which Kingston presents an annual showcase of the top student work as part of our commitment to embed employability in the programme. One student said "I just wanted to say a huge thank you for organising students to go to Develop in Brighton! That was a huge game changer for me trying to find somewhere to work, and I ended up getting multiple job offers from people coming and chatting to us at the Kingston stand. I will be working with an Indie game team, who were also at Develop."

Kingston University is an educational partner of Sony through PlayStation First. Through this partnership you will have the opportunity to learn how to develop games for the PlayStation 4 as part of the course, and speakers form Sony and other games companies regularly feature on our course.

We also have an industrial advisory panel which meets twice a year to ensure that the course is kept up to date.

Work placement year

How you can work in industry during your course

Placements:

  • provide work experience that is relevant to your course and future career
  • improve your chances of graduating with a higher-grade degree
  • enhance your CV
  • lead to a graduate job
  • enable you to earn a year's salary whilst studying (the vast majority of placements are paid)
  • help you to select your final-year project.

"To be successful, tomorrow's leaders will need to be far more rounded individuals than ever before. They will collaborate in pursuit of shared goals. They will guide, challenge and support...They will have an appetite for change and a hunger for continuous improvement, and they will have an ethos of learning and development..." Jeremy Darroch, Former Chief Executive, Sky.

"Doing a placement year effectively gives you one foot in the door of a future job and to stand out from the crowd... as well as enhancing my CV... and future interviews. It's a great motivator to be successful in my studies as it only serves to open even more doors and gain more skills." Placement student at Jagex Games Studios Ltd.

There is a lot of support available for students looking to secure a placement (e.g. a jobs board with placement vacancies, help with writing CVs and mock interviews). Getting a placement and passing the placement year are ultimately the student's responsibility.

Examples of placements

Placements can be with large multinational companies, international companies, local companies and small start-ups; offering a diverse range of posts. Here are some examples of employers and roles:

Construction-based placement employersConstruction-based placement roles 
RG Group
Multiplex
Costain
Willmott Dixon
Fluor
Assistant site manager
Assistant trades package manager
Assistant logistics manager
Health and safety officer
Construction engineer
Science-based placement employers Science-based placement roles
Reckitt and Benckiser
GSK
Drug Control Centre
Minton Treharne and Davies Ltd
Various local and international hospitals
Bioanalytical sciences
Lab assistant
Pharmacy assistant
Sports coach
Engineering-based placement employers Engineering-based placement roles
Airbus
BAM Nuttall
Nissan
Bosch
Wozair
Analysis of aircraft structure
Construction resources specialist
Site engineer assistant
Computing and IS-based placement employersComputing and IS-based placement roles
Disney
Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe
IBM
McKinsey
Intel
Database coordinator
Software developer
Website developer
App developer
Mathematics-based placement employersMathematics-based placement roles
Lloyds Banking Group
AXA
Allianz
PAU Education, Spain
Analyst
Investment solutions
Research analyst
Accounts assistant

Key information set

The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.