BSc (Hons) in Computing in Games Development

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Dundalk Institute of Technology

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) in Computing in Games Development at Dundalk Institute of Technology equips you with a strong foundation in computing along with the creative and technical skills needed to design, develop, and build games for multiple platforms. This hands‑on degree is ideal for creative problem-solvers and tech enthusiasts who want to turn their passion for gaming into a professional career with real portfolio work and industry experience.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build core programming and computing fundamentals, with modules like Programming, Games Theory and Practice, and 3D Modelling and Animation giving you the creative and technical grounding for later specialisation. You’ll also develop essential skills through Client-Side Web Development and Database Systems, and engage in project-based learning through the Games Design Project to begin crafting your own interactive experiences.

Year 2
Second year deepens your technical ability with Object-Oriented Programming, 2D Game Engine Development, and 2D & 3D Character Animation, blending creative artistry with core development skills. You’ll also study UX Design and Software Testing, and take on advanced coding with C++, ensuring you’re ready to build real-world game systems.

Year 3
In the third year, you’ll tackle 3D Game Engine Development, Games Physics, and Algorithms and Data Structures — key skills for sophisticated game design and performance optimisation. This year also includes a minimum 15-week work placement where you gain real industry experience, and opportunities to complete a Universal Design Project that brings your creative ideas to life in a team setting.

Year 4
Your final year focuses on advanced games creation with 3D Game Development, and professional preparation through Research Methods and Entrepreneurship. You’ll choose elective modules such as Artificial Intelligence, Multi-Player Distributed Programming, or Narrative Design, allowing you to specialise according to your career goals while producing a substantial team game project.

Focus Areas:

Programming foundations, game engine and graphics development, animation and UX design, advanced project development, real-world work placement

Learning Outcomes:

Students will be able to design and develop interactive games, apply computing principles to creative problems, build professional portfolios, and demonstrate industry-ready technical and teamwork skills

Professional Alignment (accreditation):

This is a Level 8 honours degree recognised within Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications, preparing graduates for roles in the computing and game development industries

Reputation (employability rankings):

Dundalk Institute of Technology reports that 83% of graduates are in employment within six months of graduating, reflecting strong industry demand for skills developed through the programme

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At DkIT, you won’t just learn theory — you’ll do. From day one, you’ll work in hands-on computer labs where you gain real coding and design experience using industry-relevant tools and technologies, supported by lecturers who guide you through each game project. The programme encourages you to build portfolio-ready projects, collaborate with peers on creative game builds, and learn through industry-style workflows that mirror real-world game studios. You’ll also have opportunities to work on international projects and gain real work experience through a structured placement, giving you the confidence and experience that employers value.

Here’s how experiential learning is built into your time at DkIT:

Hands-on labs in small class groups where you code, model, and design games in practical sessions, fostering close interaction with lecturers.
A minimum 15-week work placement in Year 3 with host companies, giving you real industry experience before you graduate.
Collaborative projects such as team game builds and the Universal Design Project, where you work with others to design and deliver playable games.
Participation in Erasmus+ mobility and intensive project experiences with partner universities in Europe, working on expert-led workshops and portfolio pieces.
Opportunities for intensive projects abroad that combine cultural exposure with technical challenges.
Access to the PJ Carroll’s Building and the School of Informatics & Creative Arts facilities — modern spaces designed to support computing, design, and multimedia learning across projects and collaborations.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme typically move into exciting roles at the intersection of computing and creative technology, working as game engine developers, game designers, UI/UX designers, and software testers. With industry demand growing and practical experience built into the course through work placements and collaborative projects, you’ll be well prepared to start your career right after graduation:

DkIT’s Careers & Employability Centre supports you from first year through to graduation with one-to-one career guidance, employability workshops, career clinics, and connections to internships and graduate opportunities. The Centre also hosts an annual Careers Fair where you can meet local, regional, and national employers across technology and creative sectors.
Graduates from this degree have strong early employment outcomes, with 83% of graduates in employment within six months after graduating, showing that employers value the skills developed on this programme.
The programme includes a structured 15-week work placement in third year, giving you meaningful real-world experience and industry contacts before you finish your studies.
Completing a Level 8 honours degree provides long-term accreditation value within Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications and is recognised by industry, helping you stand out in competitive job markets and giving you flexibility if your career evolves.
As a graduate with a strong technical portfolio and professional experience, you can pursue roles in a range of sectors, including game development studios, software houses, digital media companies, and tech start-ups — many of which actively recruit DkIT graduates.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this honours degree, you can continue your studies with postgraduate options at DkIT, such as an MSc in Computing in Games and Extended Reality or an MSc in Computing in Computer Animation. You could also pursue research-led programmes, including a Masters or PhD in related computing areas, to further deepen your expertise and career opportunities.