Computer games degrees in the UK: a review of current practice

The aim of this paper is to examine the development, content, and outputs of computer games development (CGD) courses in the UK. A background of CGD courses will be provided, followed by a case study of how a Bachelors of Arts course was developed and implemented at Swansea Metropolitan University, in the UK. The analysis and discussion will explore the characteristics of student applications (such as background qualifications, achievement levels, and skill-sets), the nature of student projects (including their themes, creativity, and quality), as well as course structure and composition. The results offer a unique and valuable insight into the development of CGD courses, especially in view of their rising popularity to help foster new, creative talent for games and games-related industries. This paper is aimed at academics either with an interest in or are currently involved with CGD or CGD-related courses, and games industry professionals to help promote greater collaboration, debate, and improvement for CGD programmes.