I''m finishing my 3rd year of a Computer Science & Software Engineering degree in Ireland (should be similar enough to British courses). We do a fair bit of programming, though a lot of it is theoretical stuff - engineering principles, abstract OO concepts, etc. Far as I can tell, you''re basically introduced to the principles and some standard techniques, and then expected to be able to pick up additional stuff yourself should the need arise. If you''re already an experienced programmer, you''ll probably find a fair bit of first and possibly second year courses pretty boring. We do plenty of other stuff though, that you might not pick up if you''re "self taught" - things like formal spec. languages, engineering principles, design methodologies, working in teams, various types of applied maths, etc.
We also cover a fair bit of digital architechture, digital signal processing, formal methods and weird little languages like CaML and Prolog. Things like complexity analysis and formal proofs for algorithms can also be handy to know.

Your course will possibly cover different topics, but I reckon that''s a fairly general idea of what computer science courses involve.

I''m first year BSc(Hons) Computer Games Technology at Abertay Dundee, Scotland. The course itself is very good although if your knowledge of C/C++ and OpenGL is high you''ll probably find the programming you''re taught in 1st year is rather easy, I have (although it looks like it will ramp up quickly in following years).

If you''ve done A-Level Maths or Physics then you''ll also be in good stead for the maths/dynamics based modules. Other things included in the 1st year are 3D Modelling, Audio, Marketing (optional), Japanese (optional), MIDI (optional).

Also your surrounded by very like minded people so there is a great opportunity to work with other outside of uni. For example we have a group of 5 (3 coders, 2 artists) working on a GBA game. Plus the course has close links to nearby developers such as Denki, DMA (both based in Dundee) and some japanese developers although my knowledge of that is a little shaky.

The only downside to it is the weather but you get used to it quickly.

Hi.

I did a BSc (Hons) Computer Studies course at Nottingham and, after graduating, began working for a games company in Warwickshire. So in that respect a good computer-based degree will prove extremely useful. The course I was on offered (at a modular level) computer graphics, data structures, OOP - all of which are valuable for games programming. It is also important that you have a good mathematical foundation...

To be honest some of the guys I work/worked with do not have degree level educations but had demos that proved their skills to their potential employers. So a good demo is required - especially when looking to break into the industry.

On the flip side of the coin a lot of the guys in the industry come from maths and physics backgrounds. It is quite common to see BSc Physicians and Mathematicians in games companies, as well as those from more conventional computer-based courses.

Good luck.

I''m 16 and hope to study Computer Science at uni next year. Some of the universities I''m looking at are: York, Birmingham, Bristol. If anyone here goes to/went to one of them I would also like to hear.