BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming
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No1 in Greece | TOP30 in the UK.
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Links with the industry’s big names.
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High Performance Computing Labs.
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3 available pathways.
Course Information
The Mediterranean College Computing School has a 30+ year experience and offers a variety of updated programmes, designed in consultation with IT industry leaders, to provide the most current knowledge in Computer Science and Networks. This course has been designed by the University of Derby, a TOP30 UK University, according to the Guardian University Guide 2020 and holds an outstanding reputation within the UK gaming industry.
The programme delivers an in-depth understanding of computer science, the theoretical field that underpins all software development. This knowledge prepares you for a long-term employability and success as a computer programmer of any kind but applies in particular to the breadth and complexity of computer games development.
Year 1 is common for all students. In year 2, you may continue with the Computer Games Programming stream or choose one of the following pathways: Computer Science or Networks & Security.
What you will study
Whether you are interested in developing games for entertainment or for serious applications, our programme will take you to the next level with your career plans. This dynamic course equips you with both the theoretical grounding and the practical skills you need to develop compelling computer games. You will study computer science with a strong emphasis on the practical programming skills needed for games development.
The programme emphasises on new technologies for computer graphics and games development, such as OpenGL, DirectX, Unity, and Unreal-Engine, and covers all modern programming tools, such as C/C++, C#, Java, Python, and PHP. You will explore the core topics of computer science that are particularly relevant to games development such as software engineering practices and principles; databases and large-scale data management; algorithms and data structures; and computer graphics.
In the final year, you concentrate on advanced topics including systems level programming, code optimisation and low-level development; modern AI techniques and implementations; applying physics to games and simulations; and integrating art and artists into the development process. You will also be able to demonstrate the ability to independently develop your own computer game.
Why choose this course
- The degree is awarded by the University of Derby, a TOP ranked UK University in Greece and TOP30 in Britain.
- You will benefit from our strong employer links from the Greek gaming industry, as we are co-organisers of Digital Expo, a leading technology and gaming fair.
- It has a Computer Science rather that an Arts & Design orientation, which secures long-term employability as a computer programmer of any kind.
- It is a “Games-industry-standard” course that works well within the current computer graphics and games programming framework. You practice front-line technologies and programming tools (e.g., OpenGL, DirectX, Unity and Unreal-Engine) and you develop high-level graphics and games
- You practice in our High-Performance Computing Labs, suitable for real-time graphics & game development applications.
- You develop real business application projects and you create your own, complete computer game.
- In year 2, you may change pathway, towards Computer Science or Networks & Security.
- You become a bilingual IT professional, with excellent academic & professional prospects.
You’ll learn through a mixture of lectures, workshops, tutorials and substantial e-learning material. Emphasis is placed on the development of practical programming skills, through the use of cutting-edge software development tools in our “industry-standard” labs. You’ll be assessed via individual assignments, group assignments, presentations and on-line tests.
Whichever pathway you choose, you’ll take part in a team project during the second year. We set up fictional software development companies and you’ll be asked to work for one of these, playing your part in developing a high-quality, realistic product in a set timescale. This is a safe way to experience what it’s like to work in the industry and will give you a sense of the challenges involved in delivering complicated projects on time.
Through the Independent Studies module, we give you the chance to tailor your studies to match your professional interests and career ambitions. You will develop a large-scale project or conduct a research study into an area of your choice.
Courses
Year 1
Introduction to Computer Science
The module introduces the concepts, terminology, sub-fields, and history of computer science, whilst encouraging students to develop academic skills in reading, writing, research, and presentation. Module content includes topics such as: history of computing, theoretical foundations of computing, number systems, introduction to algorithms and data structures, microprocessors, machine/assembly language, computer architecture, operating systems, compilers and interpreters, software, hardware and networks.
Computational Mathematics
The module introduces mathematical concepts and methods which are highly applicable to computing, such as: set theory, Boolean algebra, logic, differential and integral calculus, linear algebra, graph theory, numerical analysis and iterative methods.
Programming I
The module introduces the fundamental principles, concepts, and practice of computer programming, and develops the skills needed to design, implement, and test simple computer programs. No prior computer programming experience is assumed, and all practical work is done using the industry-standard C# programming language and the software development environment of Microsoft Visual Studio.
Networking Fundamentals
The module covers the fundamentals of network operation including OSI and TCP/IP models, IPv4 addressing, TCP, UDP, HTTP and DHCP protocol operation, routing, switching and basic LAN design. Additionally, the module will also discuss Ethernet operation in a LAN environment and the requirements for designing and building a small enterprise network.
Foundations of Computer Science
The module explores two related, although distinct, foundations of real life computer applications: human-computer interaction and data. Module content includes: product design, user-interface design and usability, data representations, data modelling and data storage. Data types and various techniques for modelling the storage and transfer of data, are implemented using the C programming language.
Programming II
This module builds on the concepts introduced in Programming I by covering the theory and practical techniques needed to develop usable, robust, and reliable end-user software applications. A wide range of topics are introduced that allow students to start writing larger, more complex and more engaging software, using principles of Object Oriented design and programming and investigating the notion of computational complexity and the importance of efficiency in programming. Programming of software applications is implemented in C, C++ and C# programming languages.
English I
Students will develop their general English skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking, and be provided with an introduction to academic English. Students will develop their grammatical, phonological, general and subject- specific lexical awareness. By the end of the module students’ language for academic study should be at a mid B2 on the CEFR equivalent to IELTS 5.5.
Year 2
Networks and Security
This module covers two important areas of networks; security and network programming. The first part of the module will introduce the concepts, theory and practice of information and computer security. The focus will be on security in the context of LAN, WAN and Intra/Internet environments. The second part will build on principles of IP based networks and provide an understanding of the principles of common Internet and Network protocols, such as HTTP, FTP, SNMP, SMTP, etc.
Databases
The module explores the concepts, technology, and theory that underpin industrial-strength multi-user database systems. Module content includes: the relational database model, database languages, database management system (RDBMS) architecture, query optimisation, distributed databases and applications of database systems.
Team Project
The module is intended to foster employability skills by introducing students to the “world of work” via a simulated work environment. Students will be put into teams that represent fictional IT companies, but which need to produce real software products and engage in realistic work-related activity. The practical experience that students gain in the “Team Project” is highly related to the Software Engineering methodologies, such as project management, coding standards / code reviews, design patterns, prototyping, and documentation.
Application Development
The module provides the concepts, issues, techniques, and technologies involved in developing, deploying, and testing a variety of applications. Module content includes: History, overview and concepts of application architectures, such as single-user, client/server, n-tier etc, and application categories, such as mainframe, web-based, desktop, mobile, and cloud-based applications. Programming of applications is implemented in HTML, CSS, PHP and ASP.NET.
Graphics I
The module provides an in-depth technical and theoretical understanding of the techniques used in producing computer graphics. 2D graphics and graphical user interfaces (GUIs) will be initially covered, but particular emphasis is placed on understanding the 3D graphics pipeline and the fundamental requirements for implementing 3D rendering solutions. Graphics programming techniques are also provided, using OpenGL under the C++ programming language.
Graphics II
This module aims to provide students with the principal skills and knowledge required for real-time rendering through GPU programming, dynamic 3D graphics programming such as that used in videogames, scientific visualisations, and simulations, while emphasis is given in interactive 3D graphics through the use of OpenGL and DirectX under C++.
English II
The module builds on English I and further develops students’ general and academic English skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students will be exposed to more advanced forms of academic English. They will further develop their grammatical, phonological, general, and subject-specific lexical awareness. By the end of the module students’ language for academic study should be at a B2/B2+ on the CEFR equivalent to IELTS 6.0 or above.
Year 3
Systems Programming
The module provides an in-depth exploration of the concepts and issues related to systems programming, in particular those related to operating systems fundamentals, low-level coding, concurrency, system APIs, and developing for dedicated devices such as games consoles, network routers, and embedded systems. Programming of applications is implemented in C/C++.
Game Behaviour
This module examines several techniques for programming realistic and immersive game objects’ behaviour. These advanced topics that are explored are artificial intelligence, physics engines, animation, etc. Particular emphasis is placed on current research in this area.
Game Development
This module explores the issues related to the game development process, including current research and emerging developments in the field. Typically requires the student to combine images, sound, level or environment definitions, motion specifications, and simulated 2D or 3D objects into a seamless, interactive whole.
Independent Studies
This module enables students to demonstrate the ability to independently develop a substantial piece of work related to their specialism. It can be either a significant piece of research following a recognised research methodology, or it can be a significant “design and development” project to create, test and evaluate an innovative solution in computing. Students will be supported and mentored by a member of the academic staff, i.e. a supervisor, but the project will be defined and implemented by the student.
Admission Requirements
This course is right for you, if you are a high school graduate of any discipline with the necessary English language skills, who aspires to build a career in the IT industry.
The minimum English language requirement for the bilingual course (Greek and English) is equivalent to IELTS 4.5 (B1) and for the English-taught course is equivalent to IELTS 6.0 (B2). If you do not possess an official English language certificate, you can sit the College’s internal placement test.
Moreover, you’ll be asked to submit a reference letter from a tutor, and you’ll be called for an academic interview with the programme leader.
If you are a holder of an IEK/ HND diploma or a University or College student in a relevant discipline, you may be granted advanced entry, through recognition of prior learning.
Application & Enrolment
We use a rolling admissions policy, so we accept applications throughout the calendar year until all available places are filled. Since this is a lab-based course with a cap in available places, we urge you to submit your application in time.
We also offer multiple fee payment methods, individual payment plans and bursaries based on academic, athletic and socio-economic criteria.
Contact us today and find out more about this course and the available bursaries and funding opportunities. Our admissions advisors will provide you with all necessary information and will guide you through the application and enrolment process.
Degree Recognition
Your degree is recognised in Greece as professionally equivalent to degrees awarded by Greek state universities. It is also recognized by the UK NARIC as academic and professionally equivalent to any UK degree.
Click here for more information on the degree recognition procedure by Greek authorities.
Postgraduate Study
After successfully completing the programme, you may continue for postgraduate study in technical or management areas, in Greece or abroad. At Mediterranean College you may choose:
Alternatively, you can focus on Networks, by following the CCNA and CCNP certifications in our authorised Cisco Academy, or study any other CPD course of Mediterranean Professional Studies.
Career Prospects
As a skilled games programmer you can seek employment and build a career everywhere, from small start-up companies to major multinational organisations, as a gameplay & serious games programmer, simulation tools & AI Programmer or even start your own games development company.
As a Games Programming graduate you can build a career in the following sectors:
- Software Development
- Computer & Mobile applications development
- Web & Multimedia applications development
- Video games development
- Serious games development
- Simulations development for Computational Sciences (physics, biology, medicine)
- Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR & VR)
- Visual Effects for cinema (VFX)
- Digital Photography, Graphic Art and Design
Because it has such a solid computing and software engineering focus, it also opens up excellent prospects across all software development roles in the computing industry.
Testimonials
The 3 years I studied at Mediterranean College, I had the opportunity to further my knowledge and develop a range of personal and professional skills. I also learned how to work as a team to accomplish our goals. All the academic and administrative staff were really supportive and helpful....
Georgios Choutsisvilli, BSc (Hons) Computer Science.
Studying at the University of Derby was an interesting experience, the level of studies is really good but most of all we met people that we became good friends with. I wish all the best for their life and career....
Dimitrios Pozaritis, BSc (Hons) Computer Science
My time at the College was great. I made some great friends there who helped me overcome many problems. I learned a lot from my time there and I want to thank my teachers for supporting me throughout these three years....
Christos Avgerinos, BSc (Hons) Computer Science
