BSc (Hons) Computer Games Design & Development at Cardiff Metropolitan University

Programme overview

This professionally accredited degree covers the techniques used to create computer games, including relevant theory from computer science and software engineering. Students use console development kits and VR equipment from Meta and Valve, and learn programming primarily in C++, including GPU programming.

Faculty: Cardiff School of Technologies | Duration: 3 years full time; 4 years with a foundation year or year-long industry placement; 5 years with both | Intake: Entry year 2027 | Location: Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1: Architectures and Operating Systems, Principles of Programming, Introduction to Games Industry Practice, Game Systems Fundamentals, Applied Maths for Game Development and Explore. Year 2: Game Engine Development, Designing and Implementing Game Mechanics, Real-Time Computer Graphics, Level Design and Game Asset Creation and Expand, plus options such as Networks and Security and Game Tool Development. Year 3 includes Advanced Mechanics and Generating Virtual Worlds.

Career pathways

Graduates have worked at Cloud Imperium, Ubisoft, Kwalee, Sumo Digital and others, as well as DTM Global and CGI, across games, entertainment, media and wider developer roles.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer for Year 1 entry: UCAS tariff 112-120. GCSE: Five GCSEs at Grade C / 4 or above including English Language / Welsh First Language and Mathematics / Mathematics - Numeracy. A level: Minimum three A levels including grades CCC; no specific subjects required; Welsh Advanced Skills Baccalaureate considered as a third subject. BTEC National / Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: DMM. T Level: Merit; no specific subjects required. Access to Higher Education Diploma: No specific subjects required. International Baccalaureate Diploma: 2 x H5; no specific subjects required. Irish Leaving Certificate: 2 x H2 grades (Higher level subjects only considered with a minimum grade H4). Scottish Advanced Highers: Grades DD; Scottish Highers also considered alone or in combination with Advanced Highers. Combinations of qualifications are accepted if they meet the minimum requirements. Contextual offers are available. International applicants: Academic IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in all elements, or equivalent. A Foundation Year route is available for applicants who do not meet the entry requirements.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). Full-time home undergraduate tuition fee; may increase by any level permitted by the Welsh Government. Source

International applicants: GBP 16,000 a year (2026/27). Full-time international undergraduate tuition fee. Source

Intake: Entry year 2027

Duration: 3 years full time; 4 years with a foundation year or year-long industry placement; 5 years with both

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