Games Programming

Games programming is the technical discipline that turns game design ideas into working interactive experiences, using code to implement the mechanics, physics, artificial intelligence, rendering, audio, and networking systems that make modern games function. It is a demanding field that requires both strong programming ability and the mathematical knowledge to implement the algorithms that underpin game systems, including linear algebra for graphics and physics, probability and AI techniques for game intelligence, and data structures for managing complex game states efficiently. The games industry is one of the largest creative sectors in the world, and games programmers are among its most essential and sought-after professionals.

At Teesside University, this programme is offered on a part-time basis, making it accessible to students who are managing other commitments alongside their studies. You will learn about the mathematics, algorithms, and data structures that are essential for computer science and games programming, applying first principles in an applied context closely connected to programming practice. The programme develops problem-solving skills that are genuinely transferable across the games industry and into the broader software engineering field.

Graduates from games programming programmes work in the video games industry as gameplay programmers, engine programmers, graphics programmers, AI programmers, and tools developers. The strong programming and mathematical foundations also transfer well into software engineering, simulation, real-time systems, and technology roles more broadly. Many graduates join studios of various sizes, from large publishers to independent teams, while others build careers as freelance developers or go on to postgraduate study in games development, computer science, or a related discipline.