Key information for BSc (Hons) in Computer Science (Games Development)

Code: SE600 | Level: 8 | Duration: 4 years | Delivery: Fulltime | Credits: 240

Location for BSc (Hons) in Computer Science (Games Development)

Location: Waterford | Campus: Cork Road

Application Information for BSc (Hons) in Computer Science (Games Development)

Next Intake: Rolling Intake | Application Status: Open | Fee Information Link: /current-students/fees-and-grants/fees/undergraduate-fees

Study Options for BSc (Hons) in Computer Science (Games Development)

Work placement options: Available (View details at https://www.setu.ie/engage/access-our-talent) | Study abroad options: Available (View details at https://www.setu.ie/global/global-mobility)

International Applicants information for BSc (Hons) in Computer Science (Games Development)

International Application Status: Open | Application Information Link: https://www.setu.ie/global/study-at-setu/applying-to-setu | International Fees Link: https://www.setu.ie/current-students/fees-and-grants/fees/global-fees

What modules are taught in BSc (Hons) in Computer Science (Games Development)?

Year 1: Sem 1: Programming Fundamentals 1 | Sem 2: Programming Fundamentals 2, Sem 1: The Computer Industry | Sem 2: Web App Development, Sem 1: Discrete Mathematics | Sem 2: Computer Systems 2, Sem 1: Computer Systems 1 | Sem 2: Applied Calculus, Sem 1: Physics 1 | Sem 2: Physics 2, Sem 1: Website Development | Sem 2: 2D Game Development | Year 2: Sem 3: Data Structures and Algorithms | Sem 4: Database Structures and Algorithms 2, Sem 3: Relational Databases | Sem 4: Statistics and Probability, Sem 3: Computer Networks | Sem 4: Applied Cryptography, Sem 3: Mathematical Methods | Sem 4: Software Eng. Practice, Sem 3: Introduction to Game Design | Sem 4: Introduction to Game Development, Sem 3: Professional Communications | Sem 4: 3D Game Assets | Year 3: Sem 5: Games Development Practicum | Sem 6: Choose one of the following electives:, Sem 5: Web App Development 2 | Sem 6: *Study Abroad, Sem 5: NoSQL Databases | Sem 6: *Industrial Placement, Sem 5: Developer Operations | Sem 6: *Voluntary Organisation Project, Sem 5: Professional Practice | Sem 6: *Professional Certification, Sem 5: Introduction to C++ for Games | Sem 6: * = Elective | Year 4: Sem 7: Data Mining 1 | Sem 8: Functional Programming, Sem 7: Mobile App Development 2 | Sem 8: Project 2, Sem 7: Distributed Systems | Sem 8: Data Mining 2, Sem 7: Project 1 | Sem 8: Advanced 3D Game Development, Sem 7: Game Development in C++ | Sem 8: Free Elective, Sem 7: Mobile Game Development | Sem 8:

SE600 Waterford

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Computer Science (Games Development)

Programme Overview

The BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing (Games Development)—a specialist pathway within the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Computer Science (Common Entry)—is a full-time, four-year honours programme designed to prepare students for the fast-paced video game industry. The course trains students to design, program, and publish games across platforms ranging from casual indie titles to high-end, commercial AAA releases.

Practical Learning & Flexible Semester

A major highlight of the programme is the flexible semester in Year 3 (Semester 6), where students participate in a paid industry work placement. Placed within software houses or IT departments of major global tech companies such as IBM and Microsoft, students gain invaluable real-world experience, build professional networks, and enhance their graduate employment prospects.

Coursework

The curriculum emphasizes both practical game design and high-performance software engineering:

Game Development Tools & Engines: Building playable games and interactive prototypes using industry-standard engines like Unity and Unreal.
Core Programming Languages: Developing proficiency in high-performance coding languages, including C++, C#, and JavaScript.
Multi-Genre 2D & 3D Design: Designing diverse game genres, including 2D side-scrolling platformers, first-person shooters, and 2D/3D survival games.
Software & Systems Engineering: Mastering the underlying computer science principles required to build scalable, technically complex software.

Career Opportunities

Graduates gain a strong technical portfolio and a specialized honours degree that opens pathways across the gaming and broader software sectors:

Game Programmer & Engine Developer
Gameplay & Graphics Developer
Tools & Systems Engineer
General Software Developer & Mobile App Engineer
Postgraduate Study & Advanced Interactive Media Research

Upon completion of the degree, graduates are equipped with a rich portfolio of playable game prototypes and industry placement experience, leaving them ready to launch careers in game development studios, interactive media agencies, or general software engineering firms.

Year 1

Semester 1	Semester 2
Programming Fundamentals 1	Programming Fundamentals 2
The Computer Industry	Web App Development
Discrete Mathematics	Computer Systems 2
Computer Systems 1	Applied Calculus
Physics 1	Physics 2
Website Development	2D Game Development

Year 2

Semester 3	Semester 4
Data Structures and Algorithms	Database Structures and Algorithms 2
Relational Databases	Statistics and Probability
Computer Networks	Applied Cryptography
Mathematical Methods	Software Eng. Practice
Introduction to Game Design	Introduction to Game Development
Professional Communications	3D Game Assets

Year 3

Semester 5	Semester 6
Games Development Practicum	Choose one of the following electives:
Web App Development 2	*Study Abroad
NoSQL Databases	*Industrial Placement
Developer Operations	*Voluntary Organisation Project
Professional Practice	*Professional Certification
Introduction to C++ for Games	* = Elective

Year 4

Semester 7	Semester 8
Data Mining 1	Functional Programming
Mobile App Development 2	Project 2
Distributed Systems	Data Mining 2
Project 1	Advanced 3D Game Development
Game Development in C++	Free Elective
Mobile Game Development

Leaving Cert: Entry requirements for the BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing (Games Development)

2 subjects: H5
4 subjects: O6/H7
English or Irish: O6/H7
Mathematics: O3/H7

How to apply for the BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing (Games Development) on the CAO:

The entry route for this programme is from SE600 Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Computer Science (Common Entry). Applicants who select degree option SE600 GAD (Games Development) are guaranteed a place in that programme, subject to meeting the entry requirements and points. Applicants who are undecided about their degree option should choose SE600 GEN.

At the end of year 1, students must confirm their degree option and may change their selection up to that date.

Advanced and Equivalent Entry for the BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing (Games Development):

Completion of a level 8 programme will also enable students to undertake taught Masters programmes or Masters degrees by research at SETU Waterford or other third-level colleges

Career Opportunities for BSc (Hons) in Computer Science (Games Development) graduates:

Employment prospects in computing are extremely healthy at the moment, with demand for skilled graduates exceeding supply. Graduates of this course will have the skills necessary to follow opportunities that present themselves in this growing industry as well as having the freedom to choose their own career path.