Duration: Three years full-time	This innovative undergraduate degree course started in September 2000.
Institution Code: SALF S03	The course is run jointly by the School of Media, Music & Performance and the School of Art & Design Technology.
UCAS Course Code: BSc/CVG - G570	Online articles and interviews about the degree: Wireplay Quake3 Depot Fragland.net
Telephone: 0161 2956027
FAX: 0161 2956023	What is studied? This degree course provides students with academic, theoretical and practical training in the production of computer and video games and is intended to serve as preparation for a career in the dynamic and rapidly transforming world of computer and video game production. The course has a three-year, modular, semester-based structure and students are expected to choose specialist options as they progress. The course is sponsored and supported by the European Leisure Software Publishers' Association (ELSPA), and has been developed in conjuction with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE), Electronic Arts, Infogrames and Eidos Interactive (amongst others). List of Modules
Course Leader: Mark Grimshaw Music Division University of Salford Adelphi Campus Peru Street Salford MANCHESTER M3 6EQ UK m.grimshaw@salford.ac.uk

Entry requirements. You must be at least 18 years of age and possess one of the following: Three A levels in relevant subjects or BTEC National Diploma or Foundation Diploma (in relevant areas and with an A level) or other acceptable qualifications. All candidates should be able to demonstrate a high level of familiarity with a range of leisure software and games as well as some expertise in at least one of the following areas: Project Management; Programming; Art & Graphics; Game Design; Sound & Music; Marketing or Technology. Mature students with relevant experience are welcome to apply. They must demonstrate the necessary motivation, knowledge and potential to follow the course successfully.

How do I apply? Applications must be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS): UCAS, P.O.Box 67, CHELTENHAM. Glos. GL50 3AP. UK. Application forms can be obtained from your careers advisor or direct from UCAS. International and UK applicants not currently attending a school or college can also obtain application documents by writing to UCAS.

International students. International students may contact their nearest British Council office or the University's International Office for an application form: International Office, University of Salford, SALFORD, Greater Manchester. M5 4WT. UK. Telephone: +44 (0)161 2955000 Fax: +44 (0)161 295-5999/5885

Modules

Level 1:
Programming 1
Basic logic and programming techniques, pseudo-code and C++.
Programming 2
IDEs, libraries and APIs, cross-platform development, creative problem-solving, ergonomics and design considerations for games.
Project Management 1
Fundamentals of project management and the different roles of personnel.
Project Management 2
Software management, the 'game bible', time and budget management.
Design 1
Game theory, strategy, story-lines, images, audio and characters through the analysis of game forms and genres both physical and digital.
Design 2
Game prototyping, HCI and interface design.
Art & Graphics 1
Introduction to 2D and 3d content generation and 2D animation.
Sound & Music 1
The physics of sound, psychoacoustics, sequencers, sampling, recording technology. The role of music, ambience and sound FX in games and other media and the sound generation capabilities of games technology.
History & Analysis 1
Historical perspective of the evolution of games from earliest times to the modern age and the cultural importance of games.
History & Analysis 2
Psychological and social factors involved in digital game playing and the broader application of games in Arts and Sciences.

Level 2:
Project Management 3
Documentation, reports and software tools for project management.
Project Management 4
Sponsoring a game project within a complex organization.
Technology
Hardware, operating systems and peripherals as they relate to computer and video games. Networking, data acquisition and software mastering.
Marketing
Principles, terminology, techniques and strategy of product marketing in the games industry.
Design 3
The theories and methodologies of software design for computer games, testing, evaluation, state transition, flowcharts and data flow.
Design 4
Ergonomics, psychology and captology as they relate to computer games.
In Semester 1, students choose two of the following:
  Programming 3
Other programming languages and packages and the programming design process.
  History & Analysis 3
Academic research techniques, the presentation of data and their application to games.
  Art & Graphics 2
Students undertake a tutor-directed project utilizing a range of tools.
  Sound & Music 2
Students utilise multiple sound and music generation and manipulation tools in a tutor-directed project. Sound and music generation and manipulation tools.
In Semester 2, students choose one of the following:
  Programming 4
Students undertake a tutor-directed project in addition to the study of analysis, adaptation and development of programming in a variety of current game genres.
  History & Analysis 4
Students undertake original research on aspects of computer and video games from cultural, analytical and sociological perspectives.
  Art & Graphics 3
Students undertake a tutor-directed integrated project. Analysis, adaptation and development of image in a variety of current game genres.
  Sound & Music 3
Students utilise multiple sound and music generation and manipulation tools in a tutor-directed integrated project.

Level 3:
Legal Issues
Patents, copyrights and other means of legal protection.
Industry Perspective
Industry needs, markets and trends, professional practice and industry structures.
Team Project
Students work in teams to produce a prototype game.
Team Project Critical Evaluation
Principles of evaluation and user-testing within the Team Project.
Individual Portfolio (chosen from Programming, Art & Graphics, Sound & Music, Design, History & Analysis)
Students develop either a portfolio of personal creative work or engage in a substantial piece of academic research.
Individual Portfolio Critical Evaluation
Students develop an ability to critically review their own work in a broader context.

The University reserves the right to vary, add to, or delete any of the courses or parts thereof and any other information on matters referred to in this document at their discretion and without prior notice.

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