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 Undergraduate Course 

BSc (Hons)

Game Programming

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Why study Game Programming at Derby?

  • Join a course that will teach you how to design, code and optimise real-time game systems.
  • Work with gameplay, tools and engine programming, focusing on writing fast, efficient code that runs well on modern hardware.
  • Learn in small, agile teams—much like real game studios—working closely with students from Game Art and Game Design.
  • Practise clear communication, problem-solving and teamwork, just as you would in an indie or AAA environment.
  • Be prepared for a wide range of game development roles and gain skills you can use in areas like simulation, XR, serious games and other interactive technologies.

Prepare for an exciting future

If you love games and want to learn how they are built from the ground up, this course will teach you how to design, code and optimise real-time game systems. Derby has a heritage for creating computer games including Tomb Raider. You will work with gameplay, tools and engine programming, focusing on writing fast, efficient code that runs well on modern hardware.

On this course you will learn the core skills needed to become a professional game programmer. This includes:

You will also learn how to prototype quickly, fix bugs, profile and optimise your code, and work effectively with artists and designers in production-style teams.

We will help you build good coding habits, including clean and maintainable code, documentation, testing and platform awareness. You will also explore the responsible use of AI-assisted coding tools as part of modern development practice.

a female and male student with coding projected onto their face with lights

Develop wider skills

By studying this course, you will join our Games@Derby community, as our BSc (Hons) Game Programming is part of the University of Derby’s Game Development suite, alongside BA (Hons) Game Art and BA (Hons) Game Design. This simulates a fast-paced, supportive, creative, and team-focused studios set-up. 

This community also provides a shared identity and collaborative framework through which studio-based learning, interdisciplinary projects, industry engagement and co-curricular activities are coordinated and embedded within programme delivery.

You will benefit from strong links with the regional and national games industry through guest speakers, industry projects and mentorship. This helps you build a professional identity and understand what studios expect from graduates.

By the end of your degree, you can learn to become a confident, adaptable game programmer ready to contribute to both indie and large-scale game development. You will also be set up with the skills and knowledge to expand your career into areas like XR, VR, simulation, healthcare games, interactive installations, exhibitions, museum design and virtual production.

This course is also linked to our East Midlands Institute of Technology and you will benefit from the industry connections this centre provides. The EMIoT initiative is to deliver world class, research orientated, employer-led learning focusing on clean growth and digital delivery. 

What you will study

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

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How you will learn

You will learn through a hands-on, practical approach that matches how real studios work. Teaching includes:

You will work in specialist studios and computer labs equipped with industry-standard hardware and software, such as:

Industry links also give you opportunities for guest talks, live projects, global game jams and mentoring.

There is also the opportunity for you to take an Industrial Placement Year between your second and third year of study, where you can gain hands on experience working in the games sector.

You will also get chance to showcase you r final year project at our Degree Show in your third year.

How you will be assessed

Most of your assessment will be through coursework, not exams. This includes:

You will start with guided exercises in Year 1 and move towards more independent technical projects in Years 2 and 3. Many assessments include teamwork with students from other courses, reflecting real studio practice.

Who will teach you

Roisin Hunt

Programme Leader

Awaiting staff photo

Roisin Hunt

Roisin is a Lecturer in Computer Games Modelling and Animation.

View full staff profile →

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Helping you reach your full potential

Our Personal Academic Tutoring programme supports your academic journey, helping you achieve your goals and unlock your potential.

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Personal Academic Tutoring

At the University of Derby, every student is assigned a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) from the very start of their degree journey. This dedicated tutor becomes a key figure in your academic life, offering guidance, support, and insight to help you make the most of your university experience. Whether it's through one-to-one meetings or more informal catch-ups, your PAT will work with you to explore your strengths, address any challenges, and help you achieve your full potential. This relationship is designed to ensure you're not just succeeding academically, but also growing as an individual, developing the skills and confidence you'll need for your future career.

Your PAT will provide tailored advice to support your academic journey, whether that's by discussing your work, helping you set goals, or exploring career options. These regular meetings give you the space to reflect on your progress, understand where improvements can be made, and build on your strengths. At Derby, we want you to feel both challenged and supported. Your PAT will encourage you to push your boundaries, think critically about your work, and develop a proactive approach to your studies.

But it's not just about coursework. Your PAT will also help you identify extra-curricular opportunities, whether that's joining clubs, gaining work experience, or developing new skills outside of your course. These experiences not only enhance your CV but also give you the confidence to tackle future challenges. In short, your Personal Academic Tutor will be there to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you leave university with more than just a degree — but with a wealth of experiences, skills, and the knowledge that you're ready for the next chapter of your life.

Building Strong Industry Connections

We believe that real-world experience is an essential part of academic success. Our partnerships with leading organisations across various sectors ensure our students gain valuable insights, hands-on opportunities, and access to the latest industry innovations.

Through collaboration with our industry partners, we bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice, preparing our graduates to thrive in competitive global markets.

Careers

This degree prepares you for a wide range of careers in game development and the wider tech sector. You will graduate with strong programming, maths and problem-solving skills, and experience working in production-style teams.

You will be ready for roles such as:

Your skills are also valuable in general software engineering, meaning you can work in industries beyond games if you choose. Some students go on to postgraduate study or research in computing, game technology or interactive systems.

Getting you career ready

Your degree is only part of your story.

We're here to help prepare you for life after university.

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94%
of UK graduates are in employment or further study.

2nd
for employability.
Uni Compare Annual Student Review Rankings 2026.

87%
of UK graduates say their current activity is meaningful.

Getting you career ready

Your degree is only part of your story. We're here to help prepare you for life after university. We'll tailor your talents and help you build the tools that will set you apart when you are ready to look for your first graduate role.

Our staff have valuable and varied experiences in the workplace and beyond. And we have great links to industry. This means you'll have opportunities to apply your learning. You'll find work experience that's directly relevant to your studies, including placements and real projects set by businesses.

Our promise

We promise to provide an inclusive approach; supporting, advising and guiding you on your employability journey to success. We will listen to your needs and signpost opportunities for you to engage with up to three years after graduation.

Find out more about our Careers and Employability services

Entry requirements

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

Contextual admissions

At the University of Derby, we aim to attract the very best students to join us and to support their progression to university to ensure they reach their full potential and achieve their ambitions. We believe the very best students come from all backgrounds and we want to build a community that reflects our society.

What is a contextual offer?

Contextual offers are used by universities and colleges to take account of a student’s individual circumstances. Employing contextual offers at the University Derby will allow our admissions team to identify applicants with the greatest potential to succeed in higher education and be an exceptional Derby student. This makes the application process fairer and builds confidence in students about their ability to be part of our academic community.

We will use the information in an application form and may either reduce grade requirements or give extra consideration when deciding whether to give a contextual offer. We will also support these students through information, advice and guidance, outreach activities and on-campus visits before and during the application process.

What is the criteria?

Typical criteria may include one or more of the following:

  • Students who are care experienced
  • Students who are estranged from their families
  • Students who are refugees or asylum seekers
  • Students whose parents/carers are in the UK armed forces

*Please note students need to declare they meet one of these criteria on their application.

Find out more about our admissions policies

2026/27

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2026 entry.

RequirementWhat we're looking for
UCAS points112
A LevelBBC
T LevelMerit
BTECDMM
GCSEGCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
Access to HEPass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6
English language requirementsIELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

You may be required to attend an interview with a portfolio of recent creative work. If you are applying from overseas, you will be required to send a digital portfolio on a disk or via email. Your passion and enthusiasm for the subject will be taken into account through the UCAS personal statement and references.

Additional entry requirements

Fees and funding

2026/27
2026/27Full-timePart-time
UK

£9,535 per year

N/A

International

£17,500 per year

N/A

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to

How to apply

UK students

If you are in Year 13 and applying for a full-time undergraduate course (including our joint honours courses), we recommend that you apply through UCAS.

Apply through UCAS
Apply directly to the University

International students

The quickest and easiest way to apply is through our online application portal.

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If you'd like support with your application, you can contact one of our trusted local representatives.

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Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.

Other courses you might like

Game Art BA (Hons)

Game Design BA (Hons)