Pending recheck: this course was listed last year but is not yet confirmed for 2027 entry. Check the university's course page before applying.
University of Derby
Computer Games Programming
England, United Kingdom · UCAS I610
Level
Bachelor
Duration
3 Years
Campus
Main Site
Intl. Tuition
Fee not confirmed
Home Tuition
£9,790 (regulated maximum, 2026-27)
Intake
2026-09-01
UCAS code
I610
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Course Overview
Computer Games Programming at University of Derby in England, United Kingdom is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
Games development graduates pursue careers as gameplay programmers, engine developers, technical artists and game designers at studios from AAA publishers to independent developers. The global games industry employs over 300,000 professionals and continues to grow rapidly.
Student life (indicative)
Derby offers a solid and affordable UK student lifestyle — a good mix of pubs, cafés, local culture and student events. A welcoming community with everything a student needs close to campus.
The University at a Glance
Student Population
18,895
Staff Ratio
20.0:1
International
14.0%
Career Prospects
Employment Rate
71.0%
of graduates employed
Avg Starting Salary
£25,280
First-year earnings
Costs & Living
City & Location
Small city (50k-199k inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Computer Games Programming
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Computer Games Programming topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Computer Games Programming
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
No specific entry requirements listed.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
18,895
Total students
Staff Ratio
20:1
Students per staff
International Students
14%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
City Size
Small city (50k-199k inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Cool temperate
Safety Index (indicative)
7.2/10
Transport
Moderate (coach or indirect connections)
Social Scene
Friendly community
Student Life & City (indicative)
Derby offers a solid and affordable UK student lifestyle — a good mix of pubs, cafés, local culture and student events. A welcoming community with everything a student needs close to campus.
- Derby offers a solid and affordable UK student lifestyle — a good mix of pubs, cafés, local culture and student events.
- A welcoming community with everything a student needs close to campus.
What Students Love
- Thriving student social scene
- Active pub & club scene
- Great café culture
- Parks & green spaces
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Graduate Employment
71%
Employed after graduation
Avg Starting Salary
£25,280
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✗ Not offered
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Games development graduates pursue careers as gameplay programmers, engine developers, technical artists and game designers at studios from AAA publishers to independent developers. The global games industry employs over 300,000 professionals and continues to grow rapidly.
- Games development graduates pursue careers as gameplay programmers, engine developers, technical artists and game designers at studios from AAA publishers to independent developers.
- The global games industry employs over 300,000 professionals and continues to grow rapidly.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Business
- Healthcare
- Engineering
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
MEDIUM
This location has moderate living costs. Standard student budget recommended.
Estimated Annual Costs
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
One of the UK's more affordable student cities — a $1,290/month budget (housing $740, food $285, transport $80) covers everything comfortably. A comfortable student lifestyle at costs well below London and the South East.
- One of the UK's more affordable student cities — a $1,290/month budget (housing $740, food $285, transport $80) covers everything comfortably.
- A comfortable student lifestyle at costs well below London and the South East.