Bachelor of Science in Multimedia and Computer Games Development

General Information

The Computer Games Industry is an exciting field, currently outselling the film industry worldwide. Computer Game development is innovative and exciting from a technological and creative perspective, providing career opportunities for imaginative, logical, and energetic students. Graduates will have the satisfaction of seeing their work being enjoyed by a global audience. Students will learn the art and science of computer games programming and design.This programme will equip students with the skills and technological ability to develop both Multimedia and Computer Game systems.They will study Computer Science, with special emphasis on topics relevant to Game Design such as computer graphics, artificial intelligence, digital video and audio fundamentals.They will also study topics relevant to development of a game concept to the final "shooting script" (prior to programming).

The key aims of the B.Sc. (Hons) in Multimedia and Computer Games Development programme are to provide students with:

• Knowledge of the various digital media and digital media technologies.
• Skills in Programming, in System Analysis, and integration of software components;
• Knowledge in areas such as the human computer interface and theories of perception which will enable the student to develop attractive computer gaming situations.

Graduates may pursue higher degrees by research or through taught postgraduate programmes. Because of the research expertise in the university, students will have opportunities to work with distinguished researchers during the 3rd year vacation or carry out final year projects under their supervision.

Course Structure

The first year provides a solid foundation in Computer Science as well as the theory and practice of Software Development, Computer Applications and Representation. Modelling modules will deal with some issues relevant to digital media and games, such as how images can be represented inside the computer and on the screen. In the second year and first semester of third year, six of the fifteen modules extend the students knowledge of general Software Development, while nine modules are directly relevant to Media and Game development.

In semester two of year three, students will have an eight month cooperative education placement, either in Ireland or abroad, where they will get the opportunity to apply the knowledge they have learned, increase their awareness of the computer games work place and develop their social and business skills.

In the fourth year, students will undertake a significant independent project in the area.Normally this will involve development of one or more software components of a computer game, or developing a complete game using existing software components. In addition, they will continue to deepen their knowledge of general software development and to acquire deeper expertise in specialised aspects of media and game related issues.The educational principles of this programme focus on three aspects: knowledge, skills and attitudes & values. The knowledge that students will gain will form the basis for acquiring further knowledge during their careers. The skills will allow them to apply this knowledge effectively in the workplace. The professional values and attitudes imparted will help students to understand those skills, to whom they would be attractive, and how to apply their skills for the benefit of their clients and society at large.

For further details, log on to www.csis.ul.ie

Entry Requirements

Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with at least Grade C3 in two Higher Level subjects and Grade D3 in four Ordinary or Higher Level subjects (including Mathematics; Irish or another language; and English).

In addition, applicants are required to hold at least the following in the Leaving Certificate, or an approved equivalent: Grade B2 in Ordinary Level Mathematics (Grade D2 in Higher Level Mathematics also suffices). Students can also enter this programme of study via the Science Choice degree LM117.

A Special Mathematics Examination will be offered at UL following the Leaving Certificate results for those students who did not achieve the Mathematics requirement.

Career Prospects

For the qualified graduate, job opportunities abound in the games industry.There is a worldwide scarcity of games programmers especially in the domains of graphics programming and computer simulation. Employment possibilities in the computer games arena in Ireland and the UK are mainly in the area of games programming and design and games project management. Career options include:

• Games programmer
• Graphics programming
• Visualisation
• Research and development in media and entertainment related technologies

Because the course ensures that graduates have a solid grounding in software development, their career options will also include:

• Software development
• Software engineering
• Systems analysis and design