Course Catalogue

The specific aims of the programme are as follows: • To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of current and developing computer games technologies and research issues. • To provide students with relevant technical skill and experience in computer games development. • To provide a platform for career development, innovation and/or further postgraduate study. • To develop students' analytical, creative, problem-solving and evaluation skills • To help our students to develop the skills to become autonomous learners. • To encourage students to engage with the development of employability skills by completing a self-awareness statement. • To develop students' skill in researching, analysing and implementing innovative and revolutionary game development technologies. • For students undertaking a placement year the aim is to provide students with an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement their programme of study at LJMU. This will give the students the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to their programme of study, as well as attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment. The programme meets the QAA benchmark statements for the subject of Computing.

Core knowledge and understanding are achieved through the use of a range of appropriate teaching methods. Based on the philosophy that students learn through active participation, these methods will incorporate, whenever possible, student-oriented activities and practical work. Students are motivated by being given a specific task with an achievable outcome, ranging from completion of a small tutorial exercise to a full-scale individual project at level six. Acquisition of programme outcomes are done through a combination of lectures, tutorials, workshop, laboratory work, coursework (both individual and team work),project and guided independent study. Throughout the learner is encouraged to undertake independent reading and tutorials both to supplement and consolidate what is being taught / learnt and to broaden their individual knowledge and understanding of the subject. The Knowledge and Understanding Learning Outcomes will be assessed via formal examination, individual and team coursework, demonstration of practical work, and completion of project at level six. Assessment method for each module is specified in modules specification. Each module is assessed by examination and/or coursework. Subject specific skills are developed through a mixture of small group tutorials, workshops, team working, course work assignments and projects. Subject specific skills are assessed by coursework and formal exams. The level six project will demonstrate most of the student's ability in this area. Assessment method for each module is specified in modules specification. Practical skills are developed throughout the programme. The basic skills are provided at the lower levels. These are supplemented at higher levels by more advanced tools and techniques. Some of these skills are practised in the placement year. Specialist software is available in labs or from specified PCs in the libraries. Practical skills are reinforced by the use of workshop-based sessions at each level, and the production of a portfolio of game project. The various computer programming modules at levels four and five provide relevant practice in industry standard languages. Problem solving skill is a key aspect of all programming related modules at each level. The individual Project at level six provides an opportunity for students to apply all the techniques that they have been exposed to in a large-scale development. Practical skills are assessed via laboratory sessions, workshops, submission of reports, demonstration of systems, industrial placement and individual projects. Personal Development opportunities are inherent within the programme. The placement year is assessed, by portfolio, on a pass / fail basis. Key skills are developed throughout the programme in a variety of forms. Specifically through a combination of research related coursework, guided independent study and projects, examinations, group work and presentations.

Level 4: 4303COMP Professional Practice - this module provides students with an opportunity to consider their future role as a computing professional and develop a plan to enable them to progress in their chosen career. Level 5: 5300COMP Group Project – this module provides further insight into developing the role of the student becoming a computing professional. Students will be encouraged to become student members of appropriate professional bodies for the computing industry (e.g. ACM, IEEE or BCS) as part of their development. 5105COMSCI Sandwich Year Computer Games Development - The aim is to provide students with an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement their programme of study at LJMU. This will give students the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to their programme of study as well as the attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment.