University of Wales Trinity Saint David
UCAS Code: 126S | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Entry requirements
UCAS Tariff
104 UCAS tariff points to include: Two C grades at A-Level/AVCE; or BTEC National Diploma grades Pass, Pass, Pass; or BTEC National Certificate grades Merit, Pass; or NVQ Level 3 - Pass Please note that subjects at Advanced Level should/may include ICT, Computing, Maths, Physics or similar. GCSE Maths grade C or above is preferred.
About this course
This course has alternative study modes. Contact the university to find out how the information below might vary.
Are you fascinated by computer games and the technology behind them? Our Computing (Games Development) degree focuses on software development, computer graphics, and computer games. This programme is designed to give you the technical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the games industry and specialist software organisations.
Software development is at the heart of this course. You will learn the technical aspects of games programming and games development techniques. This includes understanding game mechanics, and honing your programming skills. By the end of the course, you will be able to design, develop, and implement complex software for games and other related industries.
Throughout your studies, you will build a solid foundation in software development and gain comprehensive knowledge of the Computer Games area. This will include up-to-date insights into the current state of the industry, ensuring you are well-prepared for a successful career. The programme also places a strong emphasis on lifelong learning, equipping you with the skills needed to continuously update and adapt your abilities throughout your career.
The course is structured to help you develop a broad range of skills while also allowing you to pursue more specialist interests. You will learn about game project management, enabling you to lead and collaborate on game development projects effectively. This programme is ideal for those who wish to explore various aspects of game design and development, offering a well-rounded education that covers both the creative and technical sides of the industry.
As a graduate of this course, you can expect to start your career as a member of a team, working on the designing, developing, and implementing of complex software for games or other related industries. Your role may involve collaborating with other programmers, designers, and artists to bring game concepts to life. This experience will not only prepare you for immediate employment but will also set the stage for future career growth within the games industry or specialist software organisations.
Choosing this programme means committing to a pathway that is both challenging and rewarding. The skills and knowledge you gain will open doors to exciting opportunities in the world of computer games development. Whether you aim to work in games programming, design intricate game mechanics, or manage large-scale game development projects, this course will provide you with the tools and experience needed to excel.
Modules
In the first year, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of software development, computer graphics, and games programming. Modules will cover programming skills, game mechanics, and basic animation, providing a solid foundation in the technical aspects of computer games. You will also begin to understand game project management and develop lifelong learning skills.
Compulsory
Software Development (20 credits)
Computer Architecture and Operating Systems (20 credits)
Network and Cybersecurity Essentials (20 credits)
Learning in the Digital Era (20 credits)
Game Design and History (20 credits)
Mathematics (20 credits)
Course Disclaimer
The second year focuses on advancing your knowledge and skills in games development techniques and software development. You will delve deeper into complex software design, developing your ability to implement sophisticated game mechanics and interactive elements. This year also includes opportunities to work on collaborative projects, enhancing your teamwork and project management abilities.
Compulsory
Changemakers: Creativity and Value Creation (20 credits)
Indie Game Development (20 credits)
Data Security and Compliance (20 credits)
Advanced Software Development (20 credits)
Games Architecture and Mechanics (20 credits)
Software Engineering Principles and Testing (20 credits)
In your final year, you will specialise in areas of interest, applying your technical skills to create a comprehensive portfolio. You will work on major projects that simulate real-world games industry environments, preparing you for employment. Emphasis is placed on industry relevance and specialist interests, ensuring you are ready to enter the workforce or pursue further studies.
Compulsory
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (20 credits)
Emerging Trends (20 credits)
Graphics and Games Programming (20 credits)
GPU Programming (20 credits)
Independent Project (40 credits)
Assessment methods
The School of Applied Computing aims to produce graduates that help shape the future of software engineering. The course content is contemporary and shaped for employability through close links with local and national employers.
Students are assessed through a combination of worksheets, practicals, presentations, projects and examinations. Module assessment is often by assignment, or assignment and examination. The final mark for some modules may include one or more pieces of coursework set and completed during the module. Project work is assessed by written report and presentation.
Students are encouraged to use our links with Software Alliance Wales and Go Wales to work on commercial schemes for their Major Project module. Go Wales provides the opportunity of paid work placements with local businesses.
Tuition fees
Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:
The Uni
SA1 Waterfront Campus, Swansea
Computing
What students say
We've crunched the numbers to see if the overall teaching satisfaction score here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.
How do students rate their degree experience?
The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Computer games and animation
Sorry, no information to show
This is usually because there were too few respondents in the data we receive to be able to provide results about the subject at this university.
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Computer games and animation
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
This is a relatively new subject area for this kind of data, so we don’t currently have very much information to display or analyse yet. Gaming is a growing industry, and if it continues to grow we should see the rather high unemployment rate coming down over the next few years. Much the most common jobs for graduates who do get work after six months are in programming roles - but as things stand, be aware that jobs in the field are very competitive and personal contacts - either through family, friends or via specialist employment agencies - are a crucial way into the industry so be prepared to talk as well as code!
What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Computer games and animation
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£21k
£23k
£28k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
Explore these similar courses...
This is what the university has told Ucas about the criteria they expect applicants to satisfy; some may be compulsory, others may be preferable.
Have a question about this info? Learn more here
This is the percentage of applicants to this course who received an offer last year, through Ucas.
Have a question about this info? Learn more here
This is what the university has told Ucas about the course. Use it to get a quick idea about what makes it unique compared to similar courses, elsewhere.
Have a question about this info? Learn more here
Course location and department:
This is what the university has told Ucas about the course. Use it to get a quick idea about what makes it unique compared to similar courses, elsewhere.
Have a question about this info? Learn more here
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF):
We've received this information from the Department for Education, via Ucas. This is how the university as a whole has been rated for its quality of teaching: gold silver or bronze. Note, not all universities have taken part in the TEF.
Have a question about this info? Learn more here
This information comes from the National Student Survey, an annual student survey of final-year students. You can use this to see how satisfied students studying this subject area at this university, are (not the individual course).
This is the percentage of final-year students at this university who were "definitely" or "mostly" satisfied with their course. We've analysed this figure against other universities so you can see whether this is high, medium or low.
Have a question about this info? Learn more here
This information is from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), for undergraduate students only.
You can use this to get an idea of who you might share a lecture with and how they progressed in this subject, here. It's also worth comparing typical A-level subjects and grades students achieved with the current course entry requirements; similarities or differences here could indicate how flexible (or not) a university might be.
Have a question about this info? Learn more here
Post-six month graduation stats:
This is from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, based on responses from graduates who studied the same subject area here.
It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.
Have a question about this info? Learn more here
Graduate field commentary:
The Higher Education Careers Services Unit have provided some further context for all graduates in this subject area, including details that numbers alone might not show
Have a question about this info? Learn more here
The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?
Have a question about this info? Learn more here





