I'm starting Uni in September and I've had offers back for Computer Science and Games Tech. I want to pursue a career in the Games Industry, but I don't know which course is best to enroll on. I know that in order to increase my chances a degree is the only way to go, really.

Computer Science seems to be a much more respected degree both for Games Jobs and other I.T. positions. Obviously the math/logic backing will help, I just think I'd enjoy Games Tech more. The modules include game/level design, programming, scripting and so on.. it's got bits of everything. Would choosing one over the other affect my chances?

http://courses.uwe.ac.uk/g400/

http://courses.uwe.ac.uk/g611/2010

Any advice?

Hello by the way, first post.

I think that's answered fairly well in the FAQ, both under Section 2 and FAQ 25 in section 3.

Follow your passions and do what inspires you.

"Nerve," have you read the FAQs yet?

Yeah I've had a read, I was just wondering what everyone else thought. So far, I think Games Technology would be the best option, as I'd love to be behind level design, but you also learn programming, just incase I decided I wanted to specialise in that.

A lot of people will tell you to go for the Computer Science degree, as Most Companies tend to look down upon "Game Design" Degrees because it doesnt cover specifics and they tend to be crap, so it is sound advice. However, it really depends how much time your willing to put in outside of class, plus game degrees will also allow you to become famillar with 3d modelling and texture and the whole art pipeline, which can be helpful if you ever need to build tools to support DCC tools for your own engine.

The Games Technology course sounds like a jack of all trades course. They do do a BSc(Hons) Games Technology Programming course which sounds more focused. The straight CS course is a better bet though.

Figure out what you want to do and pick the courses that best apply to it. Don't go in thinking, "hey I want to be in the industry, which of these courses all applying to different roles should I choose?"

Choose the role, then choose the education.

I'm sure there's descriptions in one of tom's faqs, but I think the IGDA website also still has pretty good role descriptions in their breaking in section. If you want to get into the industry because you like playing games, that is the wrong reason. You can like playing games as a doctor, physicist, or investment banker just fine. Figure out what you want to do exactly and the steps to get there should become obvious.

I just happen to have responded to this question recently. Hop on over and give it a look.

I just happen to have responded to this question recently. Hop on over and give it a look.

That was a great read. Thanks for that! So you'd most likely go with Games Technology then? I'm not sure which SPECIFIC part of Games Development I want to be involved in. I enjoy programming and scripting and want to do bits of that, I enjoy 3D Modelling and Level Design, and want to do bits of that. Are there any roles that include both? or would there be the chance of getting into either after the Games Technology course.

The structure of the Games course is below, it looks pretty good to me, but meh..

http://www.cems.uwe....e.xql?code=G611

I just happen to have responded to this question recently. Hop on over and give it a look.

In reply to your article, you do not mention cost at all. A westwood/other crappy school degree isn't worth it at all, and the game development degrees that actually are decent are crazy expensive (3-4 times as expensive as a state school with a good SE degree). This cost definitely needs to weigh in on decisions because it will give you more freedom after you graduate to make and take advantage of opportunities down the road.

You mention that a game development degree will net you solid networking opportunities, but when you factor in cost you can usually find ways to network outside of class. Starting a game club and scheduling tours at nearby studios is a good way. Using the 7+ thousand dollars a year to go to GDCs is another. You will meet more useful connections going to GDC once than you will at a 4 year degree.

If you do happen to go to GDC you will also learn a lot about specifics and the industry as a whole that you won't learn in a game development degree also.

Use the extra money to relocate after graduation to an area that has the studios you want to work for, or have the freedom to accept a reasonable salary without pricing yourself out of the market because of the massive debt you have looming over your shoulder.

edit: this isn't for the OP so much, as it appears you are going to the equivalent of a state school. My advice for you is to do like I said earlier. Re-examine what you want to do and then pick the one that most applies.