2022/23 Undergraduate Programme Catalogue

MEng, BSc Computer Science with High-Performance Graphics and Games Engineering

Total credits: 480

Entry requirements:

School/Unit responsible for the parenting of students and programme:

School of Computing

Examination board through which the programme will be considered:

School of Computing

Relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Groups:

On completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following knowledge areas of the Computer Science Curriculum (IEEE/ACM CS2103):
- Algorithms and Complexity
- Architecture and Organization
- Computational Science
- Discrete Structures
- Graphics and Visualization
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Information Assurance and Security
- Information Management
- Intelligent Systems
- Networking and Communications
- Operating Systems
- Platform-based Development
- Parallel and Distributed Computing
- Programming Languages
- Software Development Fundamentals
- Software Engineering
- Systems Fundamentals
- Social Issues and Professional Practice

Programme specification:

The programme will:
be one of the very few programmes in the UK that produces graduates with the technical depth to lead current and future developments in the high-value games industry. Graduates of the programme will combine the broad-based core practical skills expected by all computing industries with the detailed knowledge of graphics and low-level parallel hardware that is now essential to high-performance applications. The first three years of the curriculum design ensure that all graduates meet BCS accreditation requirements, and also align with the joint ACM/IEEE curriculum in computer science, something currently uncommon in the UK; the ACM/IEEE curriculum informs the latest draft of the Computing QAA benchmarks.
In common with the School’s other BSc/MEng programmes, the first year focusses on core learning objectives. In addition to this core material, students at levels 1 and 2 have the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and skills in other disciplines through access to modules offered within the University’s Discovery Themes. A research-based learning approach is used throughout the programme. Modules at all levels use examples of the latest technologies and methods from current research and provide opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate research skills.

Students undertake individual and team projects at all levels of the programme providing an opportunity to consolidate their knowledge and skills. Students on the new programme will work with games-based challenges in first and second year practical projects. Some specialisation is possible at level 2, with further specialisation at level 3; unlike other BSc/MEng students, those on the new programme will be required to undertake the introductory Computer Graphics module, and to carry out their individual project on one of a set of topics approved as relevant to the programme.

To prepare students for a career in the computer games industry or allied fields (visual production, mobile/embedded graphics), who have the following specific characteristics:
- Outstanding programming and software development skills using industry-standard tools and production methods.
- Excellent knowledge of the fundamentals of computer graphics and animation, including mathematical and physical foundations.
- Excellent knowledge of the practical application of graphics within the context of game systems and other parallel/high performance platforms, in particular the engineering trade-offs needed to reconcile visual realism and interactivity with limited physical resources.

These characteristics will build on foundational knowledge, skills, and professional outlook that is expected of all graduates from the School’s Computer Science programme:
- A mastery of the practical skills and theoretical foundations of Computer Science, as described by the core of the Body of Knowledge (below).
- Recognition of the context in which a computer system may function, including its interactions with organisations, individuals, and the physical world.
- Understanding of how to apply the knowledge they have gained to solve real problems.
- Awareness of the rapid technological change in computing, and the necessity of life-long learning.
- Recognition of the social, legal, ethical and cultural issues inherent in the discipline of computing.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Awareness of the broad applicability of computing, and the roles and responsibilities of a computing professional.

Year1 - View timetable

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]

Compulsory modules:

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

Optional modules:

Candidates may study up to a maximum of 20 credits of the following optional modules:

Discovery modules:

Students may choose to study up to a maximum of 20 credits of Discovery Modules.

Year2 - View timetable

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]

Compulsory modules:

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

Optional modules:

Candidates may study up to 20 credits from the following optional modules:

Discovery modules:

Candidates may study up to 20 credits of Discovery modules:

Year3 - View timetable

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]

Compulsory modules:

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

Optional modules:

Candidates will be required tos tudy 70 credits of optional modules from the following list:

Year4 - View timetable

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]

Compulsory modules:

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

Optional modules:

Last updated: 25/07/2022 15:00:13

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