Computer Science

Computer science with a games specialism sits at the intersection of computing's most technically demanding foundations and one of the world's largest and most innovative creative industries. The games industry drives significant advances in graphics, artificial intelligence, physics simulation, and human-computer interaction, and it employs computer scientists who need both rigorous technical skills and the creativity to apply them in interactive entertainment contexts. Studying computer science with a games focus means you develop the core computing knowledge that transfers across the industry while also gaining specific expertise in game development, graphics programming, and interactive systems.

At Keele this three-year full-time programme develops your foundational knowledge in algorithms, data structures, programming, software engineering, and computer systems alongside the specialised content relevant to games development. You will learn to design and build game systems, to work with graphics pipelines and real-time rendering, and to apply artificial intelligence techniques in interactive contexts. The combination of core computing rigour and games-specific knowledge produces graduates who are well equipped for a variety of technical roles in the games industry and beyond.

A sandwich year provides the opportunity to spend a full year working in a professional environment, which in the games industry is one of the most valuable experiences a student can have given how studio culture and production pipelines differ from what you encounter in academic study. A year abroad is also available, and work placements are integrated throughout.

Graduates move into roles as games programmers, software engineers, graphics developers, tools programmers, and technical artists in games studios of all sizes, as well as into computing roles in technology, simulation, visualisation, and other sectors where the skills of games-focused computer science are valued. Many also continue to postgraduate study in computer science, games technology, or related fields.