Games Technology

Games technology is the technical discipline that underpins the creation of interactive digital experiences. Where games design focuses on creative and conceptual dimensions, games technology focuses on the programming, engine development, graphics, physics simulation, artificial intelligence, and systems engineering that make games function. As game engines have become the basis for applications far beyond entertainment, from architectural visualisation and military training to film pre-visualisation and virtual reality, the skills of games technology are increasingly valued across a wide range of industries.

At the University of the West of England, Bristol, this three-year full-time programme gives you the opportunity to use industry-standard engines including Unity and Unreal Engine to develop games for various platforms, with the chance to gain first-hand industry experience on live projects. You will study programming, graphics programming, physics simulation, artificial intelligence for games, audio programming, and the systems architecture needed to build software that performs reliably under demanding conditions. The programme combines theoretical understanding with substantial practical work, and you will build a portfolio of projects that demonstrate your technical capabilities across different aspects of games development.

The course includes a sandwich year and work placement, giving you professional experience in a games studio or related technology company before you graduate. The typical entry tariff is 120 UCAS points.

Graduates from games technology programmes go on to careers as graphics programmers, gameplay programmers, engine developers, technical artists, and tools engineers in games studios, as well as in virtual reality, simulation, and film visual effects. Further study options include postgraduate degrees in games technology, computer science, and interactive media.