The module will further enhance the learner's skills in designing and developing object-oriented programs.

1. Introduce object-oriented design and the concepts of encapsulation, abstraction, inheritance, and polymorphism.
2. Design, implement, test, and debug simple programs using object-oriented concepts
3. Compare and contrast the notions of overloading and overriding methods in an object-oriented language.
4. Develop code that responds to exception conditions raised during execution.
5. Implement simple programs involving interfaces and abstract classes.
6. Explain, use, and modify source code which implements introductory sort and search algorithms.

Students will develop expertise in applying calculus to curve description and its application to problem solving. The course will also include statistical analysis of data. The module is geared to providing students with the mathematical skills relevant for research and dissertation later in the course.

1. Apply calculus methods for optimisation and rate of change
2. Calculate probability of an event and establish number of permutations possible
3. Use a variety of methods to explore, summarise and present data.
4. Use inferential statistical models to analyse data and make predictive estimation

To introduce the learner to network standards and technologies in order to design and modify data networks.

1. Analyse and Evaluate the OSI model and the TCP/IP suite.
2. Evaluate and recognise the role of internetworking device technology in a LAN.
3. Configure, test and troubleshoot Switches as part of a Local Area Network.
4. Identify, analyse and evaluate the subnetting of a network.

To provide a basic skill-set which will enable the student to produce a simple game-type artefact using an industry standard Game Engine.

1. Critique the components of a game engine.
2. Use the various elements of an industry standard game engine IDE: scene editor and asset creation/storage; code editor; debugger.
3. Write code in an engine-appropriate language, which will allow control of – and interactions between – game objects.
4. Employ a game engine to create basic game artefacts (e.g. collection game).

To place the student in the world of narrative and explore its relationship with games. To introduce narrative structures and methods. To evaluate the relationship between games and narrative. To synthesis concepts from the games world with that of narrative. This module will encourage problem solving through language.

1. Write and revise a narrative based game treatment that demonstrates synthesis between game concepts and narrative concepts.
2. Write a narrative based story for a specific audience.
3. Write a comprehensive set of game rules that acknowledge the narrative structure.
4. Evidence comprehension of the process by delivery of a set of story boards for a 2D narrative based game world.

API Development will give the learner the skills to discover and utilize appropriate modern day APIs. It will enable the learner to design and develop advanced Graphical User Interfaces that connect to databases and respond to user events. Whilst the module has a particular emphasis on GUI and database APIs, it will also give the learner scope to discover and use new innovative APIs.

1. Design, write, test and modify, event driven Graphical User Interfaces making use of appropriate classes from the Java API.
2. Evidence comprehension of the Model View Controller Design Pattern.
3. Use a subset of classes from the Java API to create programs that connect to databases.
4. Discover and utilize new innovative classes in class libraries.

This module aims to develop an understanding of algorithms and data structures commonly required by computer applications.

1. Describe, analyse, and apply stack, queue, list, tree, hash, and graph data structures.
2. Use big O to determine relative efficiencies of algorithms and construct empirical tests to verify and tabulate efficiencies.
3. Explain, implement, and apply recursive algorithms.
4. Choose and apply appropriate data structures to solve particular application problems.

The module will explore both the theoretical and practical implementation of objects and structures relevant to relational and non-relational database systems. Transaction management, database administration, and query optimisation, will be examined and applied.

1. Develop database objects and structures applicable to relational and non-relational databases.
2. Illustrate transaction management techniques in a DBMS.
3. Examine and apply query optimisation concepts.
4. Apply administration and security concepts relating to database systems.
5. Examine and discuss recent database technologies and trends.

To equip the learner with the knowledge required to build 2D games using a games engine. Practical emphasis will be on 2D platformers, but other types may also be considered, e.g. top-down shooters.

1. Create animated sprites.
2. Manipulate and control game entities using combinations of code, physics and colliders.
3. Build levels for 2D tile based side-scrolling worlds.
4. Procedurally generate a grid of elements.
5. Build user-interface elements.
6. Incorporate sounds into a game.
7. Design and create a Game Manager to manage the game state and logic.

To place the student in an iterative, number based, game design environment. To encourage rapid and iterative game design processes. To make physical the sometimes abstract nature of the game world. To explore the temporal, spatial, logical and entertainment aspects of games through physical board games.

1. Evidence understanding and application of iterative design practices
2. Write a comprehensive set of game rules
3. Evidence complex numeracy and problem solving skills
4. Evidence iterative and critical thinking through the production of board game concepts and assets
5. Evidence comprehension of the game world by production of physical board games

This module will consolidate the skills learned in this and earlier programming modules. It will enable the learner to gain extensive experience in designing, implementing, testing and refactoring a substantial data management application using techniques appropriate to a DevOps environment where appropriate. They will examine a range of Design Patterns and use them where appropriate. The module has particular emphasis on writing code that adheres to clean coding principles.

1. Design, implement, test and debug an application that serializes and deserializes objects.
2. Apply automated testing and test-driven development to validate and verify the quality of their applications. 
3. Recognize, describe, and utilize appropriate Design Patterns.
4. Read, interpret and refactor code using clean coding principles.
5. Efficiently employ version control tools to support the development of multi-version programs. 
6. Develop applications that run different threads of control.

Object oriented analysis and design is concerned with the preparation and management of the requirements specification for a software system. An industry standard modelling technique supported by CASE technology will then be employed to represent these requirements.

1. Compare alternative approaches to the systems development life cycle.
2. Design data gathering techniques as part of requirements elicitation.
3. Identify and document requirements.
4. Appraise and evaluate UML.
5. Apply the use of CASE technology to model a system using UML.

The objective of this module is to provide the student writer with a detailed exposure to the general process of academic writing and to then relate this general process to the specific process of writing an academic report in the computing domain.

1. Develop a research specification which includes a research question and corresponding thesis,
2. Gather, evaluate and synthesise high quality evidence to support their thesis,
3. Plan and implement a writing strategy which is logically and rhetorically correct for the writing task
4. Critically review and revise initial drafts of the document against the research specification, against the conventions of academic writing and against the usual standards of grammar and style.

To equip the learner with the knowledge, tools and techniques required to build an interactive game-based 3D level.

1. Build fully-formed 3D assets using textures, materials and shaders.
2. Establish convincing physical behaviour via the identification and use of combinations of rigidbodies, colliders, joints and character controllers.
3. Import the learner’s own 3D models into a scene.
4. Create realistic lighting and shadows
5. Control the 3D environment using appropriate scripts.
6. Incorporate middleware AI techniques such as navigation meshes and ray-casting.
7. Produce complete, interactive 3D game-based scenes.

To introduce the student to the fundamental concepts that underpin three dimensional modelling using a GUI. To introduce the student to advanced 3D development technologies and software. To develop basic skills in the production of three-dimensional models.

1. Evidence basic competencies in surface modelling methods the 3D space through the production of 3D models.
2. Evidence competency in the use of three dimensional modelling using Turning, transform and Deform techniques.
3. Assign appropriate colour and texture attributes to a model surfaces.
4. Evidence ability to deliver 3D assets into a middleware application.

The student will learn both the theoretical concepts underpinning vulnerabilities and also how to implement remediation strategies in a modern object oriented programming language.

1. Evaluate the issues involved in designing, developing and implementing a secure application.
2. Evaluate security vulnerabilities and propose solutions for a security-conscious environment.
3. Develop memory management techniques, evaluate problems and discuss strategies and practical solutions to these issues in a modern object oriented programming language.
4. Discuss future trends in the field of software security.

This module is designed to teach the essential skills students need to make effective contributions and to have an immediate impact on the accomplishment of projects in which they are involved. Students will learn techniques required to plan, manage and control projects

1. Compare and contrast different approaches to project management, including agile programming methodologies.
2. Apply risk management techniques.
3. Appraise techniques used to estimate project cost and duration.
4. Prepare graphical representations to plan and control a project.
5. Compare and contrast team organisations and select a suitable organisation based on project characteristics.

This module will examine data analysis strategies and methods and the importance of data and business intelligence to an organisation. It will introduce the use of a statistical programming language and the evaluation of methods required to pre-process, condition and extract data prior to evaluation. Furthermore, the learner will develop an understanding of how to select and implement data analytic techniques, generate insight and interpret data visualisations.

1. Identify suitable data sources for an assigned use case and evaluate pertinence of captured data.
2. Manage datasets and evaluate content for pre-processing, conditioning and extraction.
3. Apply data analytic techniques to derive insight and value from datasets.
4. Analyse the importance of data analytics in deriving insight for business intelligence.
5. Critically appraise data analytics technologies and techniques across a broad range of use cases.
6. Apply research, information gathering, critical analysis, design and implementation techniques appropriately and effectively

The module will provide students with experience that closely approximates a real-world commercial project. Students will analyse, design, develop, implement and test an application. The module will also enable students to develop confidence in being able to work and contribute as part of a team.

1. Select and specify a project.
2. Produce a requirements specification to industry standards.
3. Implement the software system.
4. Demonstrate and document the software artefact.

Increasingly computer games incorporate realistic looking physical behaviours for their agents, whether they be rigid bodies, point masses or articulated figures. This module guides the students through the physical modelling processes for different scenarios, illustrating how physical principles become encoded as mathematical equations and how these equations can be used to drive animations of the motions involved by automatically calculating in-between positions for given bounding key frames. This is done using a combination of theoretical study and practical application. Interpolation curves will also be discussed due to their ubiquity in games design and animation. A games engine will be used to visualise the effects determined by mathematical equations.

1. Determine interpolations between points according to different mathematical criteria and use interpolation to produce parametric curves as well as “in-between” positions for animation between key frames.
2. Build realistic models for motion of particles moving under a gravitational force that satisfy Newtonian laws.
3. Animate collisions of particles realistically using Newtonian physics’ equations.
4. Incorporate more physically realistic force fields into the model for projectile motion.
5. Compute and analyse moments of inertia and angular momentum and rotational energy.
6. Produce a small game or animation built using the physical principles studied in class with the aid of a games engine such as Unity.

To introduce the student to the fundamental concepts of texturing and animation using a GUI. To enhance 3D Modelling skills To develop basic skills in the production of textures. To develop basic skills in the appropriate animation system.

1. Evidence sophisticated and considered understanding of 3D modelling
2. Evidence basic competencies in texturing 3D models for games.
3. Evidence competency in the use of conventional IK animation tools.
4. Evidence ability to produce normal maps for 3D assets for use in a middleware application.

This subject will extend the learners knowledge of programming through an exploration of continuous integration, build management, automated testing. Learners will design and implement key processes to support an automated software delivery pipeline.

1. Construct software in a collaborative manner using Agile techniques most appropriate to a DevOps environment.
2. Devise an appropriate test methodology for the measurement of code under specific criterion
3. Recognize and mitigate factors which may have a negative impact on the delivery lifecycle.
4. Design and implement the processes appropriate for Release and Change Management in an agile delivery organisation

The module aims to provide students with an analytical and practical understanding of data structures and algorithms, including – but not limited to – classification of algorithms, tree storage mechanisms, path finding, and concurrency issues.

1. Discriminate between, and experiment with, different algorithm types such as greedy algorithms, divide-and-conquer, dynamic programming algorithms.
2. Appraise, develop and analyse fundamental graph algorithms including graph search, shortest path, and minimum spanning trees.
3. Investigate and experiment with mechanisms for tree storage and balancing.
4. Identify requirements on, and implications for, data structures that must support concurrency and/or parallelism; illustrate how those requirements are met

Software engineering is an engineering discipline which is concerned with all aspects of software production, it is concerned with theories, methods and tools for professional software development . This module builds on what learners have already covered in previous modules and teaches the discipline of software engineering. Learners will evaluate the engineering methods, processes, techniques and measurements which are part of software engineering.

1. Compare and contrast software process models, including considerations of agile methodologies where relevant, and select a suitable software process model for use on a software project.
2. Evaluate quality in the software process and process improvement initiatives.
3. Appraise software quality models.
4. Establish a software measurement programme.
5. Manage software configuration for a software project.

This module will give students practice in academic research with the freedom to express their personal interests in the field of computing. Students will have an opportunity to critically analyse and synthesise pertinent literature regarding their area of exploration. Students will gain an appreciation of iterative development, critique and an ability to devise a plan for practical development.

1. Appraise and evaluate emerging trends from information sources and present findings.
2. Develop and document detailed aims and objectives from preliminary research with due consideration of current wider challenges such as, for example, the key issue of sustainability.
3. Critically analyse and evaluate pertinent literature succinctly.
4. Analyse advancements in technology with regard to their impact on research and industry.
5. Develop and document a design solution using appropriate methodologies for the field of study.
6. Develop and present a prototype of high academic and technical standard.

To enable the learner to interface with and control the middleware "under-the-hood", thus providing capabilities of producing of more highly optimised and customised artefacts.

1. Construct their own custom shaders.
2. Identify instances where serialisation is required and apply best-practice.
3. Establish how scenes and assets are stored in the game engine and illustrate how to customise the build pipeline and extend the editor.
4. Appraise the performance limitations of games via profiling and apply corrective optimisations.

To place the student in the mobile context. To explain the mobile context is described and understood by interaction modalities and technological advances in data. To demonstrate the difference between traditional games and mobile games. To develop a methodology for deigning games for the mobile context. To introduce the student to user based design strategies. The student will design a mobile based game within tight mobile parameters e.g. without graphics, ubiquitously, through speech, by a series of 5 second plays etc.

1. Write a game treatment for the mobile context.
2. Make reasoned design decisions so as to enhance the user’s understanding of the underlying conceptual model.
3. Analyse the mobile context and the treatment of the materials that follow such as interactive storyboards
4. Apply user based testing strategies through interviews and user centred practical sessions.

Students should become sensitized to the ethical and social implications of the growing use of computers and will develop an understanding of the legal issues inherent in the discipline of computing.

1. Evaluate the utility of philosophical ethical theories in solving computer related ethical issues.
2. Examine what it means to be professional at work, in conduct and practice.
3. Discuss the consequences of pertinent legal and social issues on software developers and the role of relevant enforcement organisations.
4. Evaluate current computer-based threats.

This module will offer the student the opportunity to present the synthesis of their computing skills through a personally chosen and independently developed software artefact and supplementary document. Project Development will encourage independent investigation, design skills, revision and reflection on a specific area of computer science relevant to the student's course of study. The software artefact should be a direct response to a research investigation carried out in the Research in Computing with Emerging Technologies module.

In the submission of an accompanying document, it is expected the student will evidence the employment of an appropriate software design methodology, critical thinking and problem solving with regard to issues raised during development. The excellent student will synthesise material from modules they have taken over their course of study and bring this knowledge to bear on their chosen topic.

1. Demonstrate independent technical investigation.
2. Choose and apply an appropriate software design methodology for the development of a software artefact.
3. Demonstrate good software development skills, including efficient code, code commenting, code revision, extensibility, bug testing, and deployment.
4. Demonstrate the ability to document and explain development activities in a project report that adheres to academic standards.
5. Deliver a comprehensive presentation on the conception, research, design and development phases which led to their software artefact.

To provide the learner with practical development experience in XR (Extended Reality) systems, networked multiplayer games, and analytics .

A dditionally , the learner will develop a significant games-related art e fact , consolidating various concepts and skills from previous and current games modules.

1. Design for different VR and AR platforms.
2. Analyse the technical feasibility of XR projects.
3. Integrate VR and AR systems with the middleware and develop scenes with VR and AR content.
4. Create a multiplayer sample game.
5. Experiment with analytic tools and interpret resultant data.
6. Design and construct a significant games-related artefact.

This module introduces students to the principles and practices underpinning contemporary game design, with a focus on analysing and creating engaging gameplay experiences. Students will explore and compare key game genres, examining how core mechanics shape player interaction and define genre conventions. Building on this understanding, learners will develop original game concepts tailored to diverse platforms and target audiences, considering usability, accessibility, and player motivation.

1. Compare key game genres in terms of their core game mechanics
2. Develop game concepts for different platforms and audiences
3. Appraise the key mechanics of games
4. Design a balanced game system