BSc (Hons) in Computer Games Development

This programme is specifically designed to provide:

• Knowledge, skills, and abilities required by a technical professional in the field of computer games.
• The ability to critically evaluate the design, logic, and implementation of computer games.
• Facility with advanced techniques for computer graphics and 3D digital animation.

Admission Requirements:

• 2 Principal Passes at STPM level and with 4 Credit Passes at SPM including Mathematics; or
• 2 Passes with at ‘A’ Levels and with a Credit Pass at ‘O’ Levels / GCSE including Mathematics; or
• The APIIT/APU Foundation or equivalent with CGPA of 2.0 and Credit in Mathematics at SPM/O-Level; or
• 5 Grade B's in UEC including Mathematics; or
• Canadian Pre-University (CPU) with minimum average of 50%; or
• Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) with minimum average of 60%; or
• South Australian Matriculation Certificate (SAM) with minimum of 60%; or
• International Baccalaureate with minimum 24 marks;
• Victorian Certificate of Education with minimum average of 50%;
• Ontario Secondary School Diploma with minimum average of 50%; or
• A qualification that APU accepts as equivalent to the above.

The qualification and entry requirements for the programmes will be determined based on the "Comparison List of Equivalency of International Qualifications with SPM (O-Levels equivalent) and STPM (A-Levels equivalent)" published by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

Course Structure:

LEVEL 1

The focus of this level is on the technical aspects of designing and developing interactive computer games - there is minor emphasis on creative games design elements.  At this level, some common modules that provide a foundation for any IT professional include System Analysis & Design, Fundamentals of Software Development, and Introduction to Programming. Introduction to Management provides a foundation for multi-disciplinary education and understanding in personal and organisational development. The specialised modules cover the essentials of computer game logic design and interaction of game elements. Also, important and relevant skills for independent learning are introduced throughout this level.

Common Modules

• Fundamentals of Software Development
• Introduction to Management
• Mathematical Concepts for Computing
• System Analysis & Design

Specialised Modules

• Computer Games Design: Documentation
• Computer Games Level Design
• Introduction to Graphics & Basic 3D Applications
• Introduction to Scripting for 3D Applications

Option Modules 1

• Introduction to C Programming
• Introduction to Object Oriented Programming

In addition to the above, all students are also required to successfully complete General Studies modules as stipulated by the Malaysian Qualification Agency, as well as fulfill credit requirements for Co-Curricular Activities.

LEVEL 2

Further in-depth games analysis and design skills are developed at Level 2 with Analogue Games and Believable Models, while the two games design modules take you through the complete computer games production lifecycle. Basic 3D Computer Character Modelling and Imaging & Special Effects introduce the context of digital representation and manipulation that are the foundation for animation. In Computer Graphics and Mathematics for Computer Graphics, you will be introduced to concepts and algorithms in producing, manipulating and transforming graphical objects. Animation and digital image manipulation are key areas of study at Level 3. Along with independent learning, a common theme in all APU ICT awards is fostering creativity and innovation in individuals and teams. These themes are the specific focus of the Creativity & Innovation and Research Methods for Computing & Technology modules.

Independent learning continues in all modules but is a particular focus and requirement in Research Methods.

Common Modules

• Creativity & Innovation
• Professional & Enterprise Development
• Research Methods For Computing and Technology

Specialised Modules

• Analogue Games
• Basic 3D Computer Character Modelling
• Believable Models for Games & Virtual Reality
• Computer Games Design: High Concept and Preproduction
• Computer Games Design: Production and Testing
• Computer Graphics
• Games Engines
• Imaging & Special Effects
• Mathematics for Computer Graphics
• Programming Concepts in C++

INTERNSHIP

After the completion of Level 2 students will undertake a short Internship/Industrial Training. This will prepare them for a smooth transition from the classroom to the world of Computer Games Development.

LEVEL 3

The focus of Level 3 is on the further development of relevant technical skills and the ability to apply these skills with strong critical thinking and analysis. Advanced techniques for computer graphics and animation are built on the skills acquired at previous levels, and audio for computer games is introduced. On the one hand, HCI and Usability and Mobile Multimedia & Gaming present approaches to designing and evaluating applications with an emphasis on the user perspective. On the other hand, Programming Technique for Animation & Computer Games allow you to view and design the application from the designer's point of view. General personal and professional development is enhanced in Project Management, while Innovation Management & New Product Development continues the theme of generating new ideas and creating new products. Apart from that, you are to prepared and trained to manage the tasks in the business world by investigating and developing a computer game prototype as your final year project and also parts of your portfolio.

Common Modules

• Innovation Management and New Product Development
• Project Management

Specialised Modules

• 3D Computer Graphics
• Advanced 3D Character Modelling and Animation
• Audio For Computer Games
• Computer Games Development Project
• HCI and Usability
• Investigations in Computer Games Development
• Multimedia Techniques For Animation, Games & Film Effects
• Programming Techniques for Animation & Computer Games

Option Modules 2

• MMOG Services & Communities
• Mobile Multimedia & Gaming

Option Modules 3

• Experimental Gameplay
• HCI and Usability

CAREERS IN COMPUTER GAMES DEVELOPMENT

Primarily involved in designing and developing interactive games to be deployed over a wide variety of platforms, using a wide range of techniques. Jobs include Games Programmers, Games Developers and others. Roles include game quality assurance tester, game programmer, multimedia programmer, game AI programmer, game engine programmer, SFX artist, game analyst, technical director, game developer, game producer, team manager.

OUR PARTNER, STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY LABELLED A GAME-CHANGER BY DEVELOP

APU's prestigious partner in education, Staffordshire University, has been named amongst the top 100 companies to watch in 2014 by gaming industry magazine Develop.

Selected by the Develop team, the University joins the likes of Google, Microsoft and Sony, as an educational institution that is rethinking the way the next generation of talent is being developed.

"As well as being skillset accredited, Staffordshire University has a formidable record for producing capable, industry fit graduates," writes Develop.

"Previous students have been runners-up at the Dare to be Digital contest and the Make Something Unreal development challenge. And its alumni can be found at studios including Naughty dog, Rockstar North and Playground Games."

The list also covers games developers with groundbreaking titles that are expected to shake up the market and tools providers that are opening new possibilities for studios everywhere.

The recognition coincides with the launch of the Epic Games Centre at Staffordshire University, a new partnership between the University and the maker of the Unreal Engine, Epic Games. The hard work of students are now well-known in all areas of the gaming industry.

To view the facilities provided for Computer Games Development, click here.