Course Summary
Games development is now a massive multi-million Euro global industry. Xbox, PlayStation and Smartphone Apps are some examples but there are countless other businesses working on games and applications development.
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
This degree uses a software engineering approach to games development, combining study of the technical aspects of games programming, including virtual reality, augmented reality and artificial intelligence, with the principles of project management, quality assurance and organisational management.
While focused on developing games software, we also provide a general grounding in software engineering to equip students with the breadth of skills to work in any aspect of the information technology industry. A cutting edge games development computer laboratory and peripheral hardware are just some of the features on this programme which allow students to flex their creativity and gain first-hand experience.
YEAR 1
A common first year across computing programmes allows students and lecturers alike to establish where each student’s strengths lie. Games development students diverge from the common year to get access to the Introduction to Games Programming module, designed specifically to prepare them for future games programming subjects.
YEAR 2
There are modules in both 2D and 3D Games Programming, Object Oriented Programming and Game Content Design. Students will be introduced to Database Technology, Data Structures and Algorithms.
YEAR 3
In Year 3 students have the space and support to work in a team, to design and develop an original gaming experience, while exploring emerging technologies such as augmented and virtual reality. The emphasis is on preparing the student for the workplace through work placement. Our network of employers welcomes this course and a successful work placement is often the door to a full-time job.
NEW GAMING HUB IN SLIGO
Work commenced in October 2021 on a new innovative gaming hub in Sligo. The €1.9m development will provide a flexible workspace for companies working in the digital gaming sector. The hub will help entrepreneurs start and scale innovative gaming businesses and further enhance the northwest’s reputation for tech.
It will be constructed next to the existing Strand Campus Enterprise Hub, which serves tech and digital companies with meeting spaces, mail drop and hot-desking facilities. The hub will have capacity for 20 different companies and support a further 40 companies through the establishment of a digital games cluster in the northwest.
There are several distinct features to this programme:
Common first year - All our Computing degrees have a common first year. Students study a wide range of computing modules to give them an understanding of all aspects of computing and the flexibility to change direction in Year 2 if desired. Students can choose from AU845 BSc in Computing, AU846 BSc in Computer Networks and Cyber Security, AU847 BSc in Software Development or AU848 BSc in Games Development
Significant practical elements - We believe students learn best by doing and our programme is built upon hands on lab work.
Equipment - We have invested heavily in equipment, computer labs and workspaces to ensure students have the best tools to learn and prepare them for the workplace. New high-tech computer teaching labs will open at ATU Sligo in 2023 and give students access to the latest advancements in technology.
Project - Substantial projects enable students to really grapple with a problem and create a killer solution. In Year 3 students have the space and support to work in a team year-long towards a solution that will wow employers.
Work placement - We have been offering placement longer than most and we’re good at it. Our network of employers welcome this programme and a successful work placement is often the door to a full-time job.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for CAO courses at ATU Sligo are available for download below:
Career Opportunities
Our Games Development graduates are prepared for a number of roles within the current development landscape in Ireland and internationally.
These roles include gameplay developers, level designers, game designers and tool developers. While focused on developing games software, we also provide a general grounding in software engineering to equip students with the breadth of skills to work in any aspect of the information technology industry.
The digital gaming sector employs around 2,000 people in Ireland. The overall industry worldwide is worth an estimated $300bn. It is an area of huge potential growth in Ireland. A new €1.9m innovative gaming hub in Sligo will provide a flexible workspace for companies working in the digital gaming sector. The hub will help entrepreneurs start and scale innovative gaming businesses and further enhance the northwest’s reputation for tech. The hub will have the capacity for 20 different companies and will support a further 40 companies through the establishment of a digital games cluster in the northwest.
A report published by the Financial Times in 2023, following analysis by global consultancy firm Bain and Company, predicts that global revenue for the games development industry will grow more than 50% by 2027.
A degree in computing offers countless employment opportunities both in Ireland and abroad. Recent government reports have highlighted a skills shortage in computing. This has resulted in an increase in graduate wages. The average graduate wage is now over €30k whilst some of our recent graduates have commanded wages of almost €45k.
Matthew McMeekin graduated from our Department of Computing and now works for Amazon. "I met with Amazon at the ATU Sligo Careers Fair. Shortly after this, I completed my application and received a job offer before I had finished my studies. My starting salary was €44,600."
Further Study
Graduates of the BSc in Games Development may progress to the final year of our BSc (Hons) in Software Development.
AU957 BSc (Hons) in Software Development
Upon completion of the Level 8 honours degree, graduates are well placed for Masters studies in areas such as the MSc in Computing (Data Science) at ATU Sligo.
Testimonials
Hear what graduates and employers have to say about computing at ATU Sligo.
Did you know?
The digital gaming sector employs around 2,000 people in Ireland. The overall industry worldwide is worth an estimated $300bn. It is an area of huge potential growth in Ireland. A new €1.9m innovative gaming hub in Sligo will provide a flexible workspace for companies working in the digital gaming sector. The hub will help entrepreneurs start and scale innovative gaming businesses and further enhance the northwest’s reputation for tech. The hub will have the capacity for 20 different companies and will support a further 40 companies through the establishment of a digital games cluster in the northwest.
New high-tech computer teaching labs will open at ATU Sligo in 2023 and give students access to the latest advancements in technology.
A report published by the Financial Times in 2023, following analysis by global consultancy firm Bain and Company, predicts that global revenue for the games development industry will grow more than 50% by 2027.
Student projects are presented at The Sligo Engineering & Technology Expo. The Expo is attended by a range of companies including Fortune 500 industry leaders. This allows students to network with potential employers. Student projects include a variety of video games and innovative apps. View the 2023 Expo Catalogue
We also focus on developing students’ soft skills such as teamwork and communication. These skills are increasingly important to employers.
In Year 3 students will have the space and support to work in a team, to design and develop an original gaming experience, while exploring emerging technologies such as augmented and virtual reality.
Students will undertake a work placement in Year 3. Over 70% of our students gain employment directly from their work placement.
All our Computing degrees have a common first year. Students study a wide range of computing modules to give them an understanding of all aspects of computing and the flexibility to change direction in Year 2 if desired. Students can choose from AU845 BSc in Computing, AU846 BSc in Computer Networks and Cyber Security, AU847 BSc in Software Development or AU848 BSc in Games Development
Course Format
Semester 1
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Personal Development | 05 |
| Computer Systems | 05 |
| Introduction to Programming 1 | 10 |
| Design Thinking | 05 |
| Mathematics 1 | 05 |
Semester 2
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Internet of Things | 05 |
| Operating Systems and Networks | 05 |
| Introduction to Games Programming | 10 |
| Mathematics 2 | 05 |
| Web Design Fundamentals | 05 |
Semester 3
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| 2D Games programming | 05 |
| Object Oriented Programming | 05 |
| Game Content Design 1 | 05 |
| Requirements Engineering | 05 |
| Introduction to Database Technology | 05 |
| Mathematics 3 | 05 |
Semester 4
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| 3D Game Programming | 05 |
| Object Oriented Development | 05 |
| Game Content Design 2 | 05 |
| Software Quality and Testing | 05 |
| Data Structures and Algorithms | 05 |
| Mathematics 4 | 05 |
Semester 5
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Advanced Games Programming | 05 |
| Rich Application Development 301 | 05 |
| Mobile Application Development | 05 |
| Software Project Management | 05 |
| Professional Development | 05 |
Semester 6
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Computer Mediated Reality Applications | 05 |
| Rich Application Development 302 | 05 |
| Work Experience | 10 |
| Casual Gaming | 05 |
Semester 7
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Project 300 | 10 |