2-Semester Pathway - International Foundation Year - Engineering, Computing and Life Sciences -Transfer to Bachelor of Science (Honours) Computer Games Development

• C/C++ computer programming languages
• Applied mathematics for game physics and computer graphics
• Shader-based 3D graphics programming using industry standard API such as OpenGL and DirectX
• Multi-platforms (PC and consoles) gameplay programming, including techniques such as game content pipelining, multi-threading, artificial intelligence, memory management and optimisation
• Game design, level design, game production and digital game content production.

On this course, students will have direct access to experts in the field as well as state-of-the-art facilities at the University. The Games Technology Lab with its Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox consoles, and industry standard software, together with excellent technical support, mean that students will get plenty of hands-on experience and extensive opportunities to build up a portfolio to show and impress prospective employers.

The Department of Computer Science and Mathematics has strong links with many local, national and international games development companies, including SCEE, Atomicom, Lucid Games, Damibu, Setgo Games, Eutechnyx, and Jagex to name but a few. These employers work with Liverpool John Moores University to ensure that the course is current and up-to-date, and that graduates are able to meet the demands of the games industry for skilled developers.

Liverpool John Moores University's strong links also mean that students will have plenty of options when they come to choose their work placement. Students have worked in game development companies in many cities, from Liverpool to Kontich in Belgium as well as Cheng-Du in China.

This research-informed and practice-driven course is taught by a team of lecturers who have rich industry background and are research active. All teaching staff have doctoral degrees in their respective areas of expertise and they have professional collaborations with Games industry.

Staff in the Department of Computer Science and Mathematics actively participates in research to further the development of state-of-the-art computing technologies. Research within the School is recognised internationally in the area of Networked Systems and Security, Computer Entertainment, and Neural Networks with funding from EPSRC, BBC and the European Union.