Hi all, I am college student in London, UK currently doing a 2nd year BTEC in software development and I am extremely enthusiastic about pursuing a career in the games industry (have always been) as a games programmer. However with only 2 days to go before I have to submit my UCAS applications (6 Uni-choices w/ corresponding courses & personal statement), I don't have a clue about what specific path to take to get me there (in terms of an academic background). After months of constant extensive research on basically everything about the industry in general.. I found that I am left with two choices: 1. Computer Science Degree (4 yrs sandwich) w/ a specialised masters in games programming (1 yr) or 2. Games Programming/Design Degree alone (4 yrs sandwich) So I ask is, what would be more suitable? Do one of the paths affect the chances of me gettin my foot into the industry over the other? Which one? I am using GameDev as my last resort so any help would be very much appreciated whether it be from UK/non-Uk game developers.. and I am very receptive to any opinions or suggestions. Thanks in advance James

Ive just started a Game specific course so I personally would recommend that (although im not in the industry yet im hopin to get in).

May I add that youve left this a bit late to sort out:)

thanks for the quick reply..

Yeah lol i know im real late doin this thing.. been goin' through hell racking by brains trying to come up with a solid option to take. I know (from research) that taking the games degree route is a very narrow path and only for those who are absolutely 100% set on heading into games creation, and seeing as though the games industry is a difficult one to enter.. it seems as though your path is a relatively large risk to take. I have numerous people advising me to take that CS route since it opens up a lot of career oportunities. But like I said, I am dead set on getting into that one industry; that is, the games one.

Yeah lots of people were telling me that I was being to specific, but if your not going to be specific at university level then when are you!

The course im doing does cover other stuff, Hardware, Internet Technologies, Databases so its not TOTALLY game specific, but the most part is. But like you i am dead set on getting into the industry.

May I ask what's the name of the course you take. Is it programming -orientated, or general games design? Also how is it going for you.. are you enjoying it, any downsides?

thanks

Yeah I intend on applying to at least 1 or 2 wildcards including oxford or imperial etc. But unfortunately my college's policy is that we have to have the UCAS appz in by the 14th.

Its Games Software Engineering at Northumbria University.

The course is going very well so far, has been very interesting and there hasnt been any bad points to the course, lecturers are cool. We even get to do console development (on a GameCube) in the final year which is pretty cool!

Its programming orientated, but there are modules of game design to it, but mainly its all about the programming!

:-O console development! thanx again 4 ur help.