Course Details, Entry Requirements, Intakes and Fees Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Games Development at Asia Pacific University (APU)
- The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Games Development programmes at APU equip students with the necessary technical skills and knowledge needed for a professional within the computer games industry.
- What you will Study in the Computer Games Development Degree at Asia Pacific University (APU)
- Find out about the subjects, entry requirements, intakes, fees and career prospects
Entertainment Software is one of the fastest growing industries in the world economy. Based on the statistical data provided by newzoo.com, an online market research company, it has been reported that in year 2014, there was a total of 81.5 billion dollar of revenue generated in the global games market. In Malaysia, there was 293 million dollars of revenue generated by the games industry. The significant development within the computer games industry has inspired us to incorporate elements of creativity and innovation within our programmes, not forgetting the values of professionalism and good communication skills. In fact, Digital Games have become mainstream media, with nett earnings even surpassing that of the film industry. Asia Pacific University (APU) is one of the best universities in Malaysia for IT and computing studies, hence, making it an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing their students in Game Design.
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Games Development programmes at APU equip students with the necessary technical skills and knowledge needed for a professional within the computer games industry. The BSc. (Hons) Games Development degree at Asia Pacific University combines computer programming and mathematical disciplines with aspects of games design. You will acquire a wide range of skills including programming, systems architecture, multimedia technologies, human computer interaction, graphics, animation, sound and video. Additionally you will develop a strong appreciation of the software design and management processes and principles.
On completing the programme you will be able to demonstrate creativity in problem-solving and decision-making in complex situations and also creativity and imagination in design situations. Throughout the programme, you will have the opportunity to strengthen and demonstrate your initiative, personal responsibility, personal enterprise, self-reliance and self-direction – all essential skills for a games programming professional.
The Best Computer Games Development Course at Asia Pacific University
The degree combines computer programming and mathematical disciplines with aspects of games design. You will acquire a wide range of skills including programming, systems architecture, multimedia technologies, human computer interaction, graphics, animation, sound and video.
Additionally you will develop a strong appreciation of the software design and management processes and principles.
On completing the programme you will be able to demonstrate creativity in problem-solving and decision-making in complex situations and also creativity and imagination in design situations.
Throughout the programme, you will have the opportunity to strengthen and demonstrate your initiative, personal responsibility, personal enterprise, self-reliance and self-direction – all essential skills for a games programming professional.Students who are under Bachelor’s Degree Programme will have the option to opt-in for the APU-DMU Dual Degree Scheme. Under this Scheme, students will receive 2 Degree Certificates & Transcripts upon graduation: 1 from Asia Pacific University (APU), Malaysia and 1 from De Montfort University (DMU), UK.
What you will Study in the Computer Games Development Degree at Asia Pacific University (APU)
The computer games programme at Asia Pacific University benefits from outstanding IT facilities.
The teaching team enjoy very good relationships with local and national games employers; their feedback informs the development of the programme’s modules and some also deliver guest lectures.
The Computer Games Development degree programme at Asia Pacific University is specifically designed to provide:
- 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.
Year 1 Subjects for the Computer Games Development Degree Course at Asia Pacific University
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
Year 2 Subjects for the Computer Games Development Degree Course at Asia Pacific University
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.
Year 3 Subjects for the Computer Games Development Degree Course at Asia Pacific University
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 the General Studies modules as stipulated by the Malaysian Qualification Agency upon graduation)
CAREERS IN COMPUTER GAMES DEVELOPMENT
Primarily involved in designing and developing interactive games to be deployed over a wide variety of platforms, using a wide range of techniques. Jobs include Games Programmers, Games Developers and others.
Games Development graduates from Asia Pacific University have found jobs from many game companies such as:
- 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
Success Stories
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Wan Hazmer – Ex-Lead Game Designer of Final Fantasy XV, Square Enix and Founder, CEO and Game Director at Metronomik Sdn Bhd
Years before joining SQUARE ENIX Tokyo in 2010, Hazmer was a student in APIIT. He became a programmer in an advertising agency, then moved on to lecturing in APU while creating indie games on the side. In 2008, he took the great leap to Tokyo to join the Japanese game industry. After working on FINAL FANTASY TYPE-0 as a Game Designer, he now brings life to the exotic locales of FINAL FANTASY XV as Lead Game Designer of the Culture Team, mixing the real and fantastic to achieve new levels of immersive gameplay. In December 2017, with aims to contribute to the Malaysian gaming industry scene, Hazmer returned to Malaysia and founded Metronomik Sdn Bhd. With his contribution, we anticipate the formation of a new realm of games development within the country. |
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Jussi Pekka Tuomi – Developer of Flail Rider and Super Flail Rider
Jussi graduated from the BSc (Hons) in Computer Games Development at APU. When he was a full-time student from Finland, Jussi is also the Developer of Flail Rider, a game inspired by his Ludum Dare project. To date, the game has been downloaded for more than 2 million copies on App Store and Google Play. In January 2017, Jussi participated the Taipei Game Show, in which he demonstrated his creation to over 400,000 computer games enthusiasts. |
Admission Requirements:
| GENERAL REQUIREMENTS | |
| DIRECT ENTRY TO LEVEL 1 OF THE DEGREE: | |
| STPM | • 2 Passes in STPM with minimum Grade C (GP 2.0) in any subject with a Pass in Mathematics at SPM. • Pass an interview or a portfolio review.*Strong Mathematics would be an added advantage. |
| A-LEVEL Overseas qualification that are equivalent to 12th Grade/A Level/HSC are accepted. |
• 2 Passes in A-Level and with a Pass in Mathematics at SPM/O-Level/IGCSE or equivalent. • Pass an interview or a portfolio review.*Strong Mathematics would be an added advantage. |
| UEC | • 5 Grade B Passes in UEC in any subjects including a Pass in Mathematics. • Pass an interview or a portfolio review.*Strong Mathematics would be an added advantage. |
| FOUNDATION/ MATRICULATION |
• A pass in Matriculation or Foundation studies with minimum CGPA of 2.0 with a Pass in Mathematics at SPM/IGCSE/O-Level or its equivalent. • Pass an interview or a portfolio review. |
| DIRECT ENTRY TO LEVEL 2 OF THE DEGREE: | |
| ICT RELATED DIPLOMAS |
• Diploma with a minimum CGPA of 2.0 and a Pass in Mathematics at SPM/IGCSE/O-Level or its equivalent. • Pass an interview or a portfolio review. |
Any qualification that APU accepts as equivalent to the above.
APU eSports Malaysia Academy
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APU eSports Malaysia Academy is a joint initiative by Esports Malaysia and APIIT Education Group as the Premier eSports education hub in promoting healthy competitive gaming within the university environment. |
The Academy will play a role in building students’ character, by developing professional & essential life skills such as critical thinking, perseverance, teamwork and decision-making.
The academy strives to provide a holistic esports education which are game based courses as well as industrial based courses to nurture global ready eSports professionals to cater all spectrum of the eSports ecosystem.
Learning Objectives & Outcomes
Develop essential skills required in competitive gaming of the subject matter and learning about the esports ecosystem:
- Build, understand, strengthen game knowledge and introduce esports ecosystem.
- Improve individual play styles and acquiring the right skills to become pro gaming athlete.
- Train and maintaining game senses, reflexes and strategies.
- Develop understanding of team dynamics, effective teamwork, sportsmanship, positive play ethics and game winning conditions.
- Develop a range of soft skills such as discipline, leadership, perseverance, critical thinking, decision-making, problem- solving, communication and others.
Game-Based Programmes
- Skills Certificate in League of Legends (Level 1, 2, 3)
- Skills Certificate in DOTA 2 (Level 1, 2, 3)
- Skills Certificate in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (Level 1, 2, 3)