Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Computer Games Development

Course Overview

This programme is specifically designed to provide students with:

• Knowledge, skills, and abilities required by a technical professional in the field of computer games.
• The ability to critically evaluate the design, logic, and implementation of computer games.
• Facility with advanced techniques for computer graphics and 3D digital animation.

Achievement

Collaborative Partners

Metronomik is a video game company founded by a FFXV lead game designer, Wan Hazmer (also an alumnus of APU), and an illustrator of Street Fighter, Daim Dziauddin in December 2017. They strive to have games and music co-exist without the need of making rhythm games.

Metronomik has been one of the APU Industrial Advisory Panel (IAP) members in providing industrial input and feedback on our Computer Games Development (CGD) programme. Besides, various activities such as the industrial visits, talks and seminars have been co-organised with Metronomik since 2018.

APU and Xhinobi have been in collaboration by providing industrial experience opportunities such as internship and industrial talks for our students in the area of computer games development.

Xhinobi is a game development studio established in Kuala Lumpur since 2018. This team houses a number of passionate and qualified artisans from diverse backgrounds and skills, who aspire to infuse enjoyable and gratifying experiences in clients’ interactive projects catering to various industries. Besides gamification for enterprises, they also provide solutions in video game development and VR & AR projects.

Curriculum

DEGREE LEVEL 1

Students will learn fundamental skills required by technical Games Development professionals, and the basic understanding of programming and systems design. Some specialised modules will provide them basic knowledge of interactive computer games development, such as logic design, graphics and more. The modules will also help them develop personal and organisational skills, as well as nurture creativity and innovation.

Common Modules

• System Analysis & Design
• Programming with Python 
• Mathematical Concepts for Computing
• Fundamental of Entrepreneurship

Specialised Modules

• Computer Games Design: Documentation
• Computer Games Level Design
• Introduction to Graphics & Basic 3D Applications
• Introduction to Scripting for 3D Applications
• Digital Imaging Production

Elective Modules (Choose 2)

• Intercultural Awareness and Cultural Diversity OR Digital Thinking and Innovation
• Introduction to Object-oriented Programming OR Introduction to C Programming

DEGREE LEVEL 2

In-depth games analysis and design skills will be learnt, in which students will gain a better understanding of the complete computer games production lifecycle, that includes character modelling, special effects, computer graphics, animation, mathematics and more. We will further nurture their creativity and innovation as well as independent learning to prepare them for the workplace.

Common Modules

• Programming for Data Analysis
• Innovation Process
• Research Methods for Computing and Technology

Specialised Modules

• Analogue Games
• Basic 3D Computer Character Modelling
• Believable Models for Games & Virtual Reality
• Computer Games Design: High Concept and Preproduction
• Computer Games Design: Production and Testing
• Computer Graphics
• Games Engines
• Imaging & Special Effects
• Mathematics for Computer Graphics

INTERNSHIP (16 weeks)

Students will undertake an Internship/Industrial Training for a minimum period of 16 weeks to prepare them for a smooth transition from the classroom to the working environment.

DEGREE LEVEL 3

Students will make use of their previous studies and industrial experience to extend their familiarity in the field of Computer Games Development and to refine their personal and professional development. Students will move further into advanced techniques for computer graphics and animation. A final year project requires them to investigate and develop a solution for a real-world problem - they will demonstrate their ability to combine technical knowledge, critical thinking and analytical skills to produce a personal achievement portfolio.

Common Modules

• Venture Building
• Project Management

Specialised Modules

• 3D Computer Graphics
• Advanced 3D Character Modelling and Animation
• Audio For Computer Games
• Multimedia Techniques For Animation, Games & Film Effects
• Programming Techniques for Animation & Computer Games
• Investigations in Computer Games Development
• Computer Games Development Project
• HCI and Usability

Elective Modules (Choose 1)

• Mobile Multimedia & Gaming OR MMOG Services & Communities

MQA Compulsory Subjects*

• Appreciation of Ethics and Civilisation (M’sian Students)
• Malay Communication Language (Int’l Students)
• Philosophy and Current Issues
• Workplace Professional Skills
• Integrity and Anti-corruption
• Co-Curriculum

(*All students are required to successfully complete these modules as stipulated by the Malaysian Qualification Agency)

Entry Requirements

Any qualification that APU accepts as equivalent to the above.

ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS

International Students

Please note that under Ministry of Higher Education regulations, only students who have achieved the minimum requirement in the English Language proficiency assessment as indicated above will be allowed to continue their studies in the main study programme. Students who do not have the required English Language achievement may apply for a student visa on conditional basis and are allowed to enrol in an English Language Certification programme at APU upon arrival in Malaysia and, subsequently, appear for the IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/MUET assessment.

Students who are unable to obtain the required level of English Competency during the maximum 12 months’ period, will not be allowed to pursue their studies in the main programme and will have to return to their home country.

Students from English speaking countries and those with qualifications taught in English (IGCSE, A-Levels, IB, American High School Diploma etc) are exempted from English requirements. Applications for exemption must be accompanied by supporting documents.

Note: The above entry requirements may differ for specific programmes based on the latest programme standards published by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

The qualification and entry requirements for the programmes will be determined based on the "Comparison List of Equivalency of International Qualifications with SPM (O-Levels equivalent) and STPM (A-Levels equivalent)" published by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

Career Prospects

• Games Programmer
• Games Developer
• Games Quality Assurance Tester
• Technical Director
• Team Manager
• Mobile Game Developer
• Game Designer
• Level Editor
• Games Producer
• Gameplay Programmer
• Games Community Manager