Gain practical skills in the exciting and fast-moving field of computer game development, with an additional foundation year to prepare for the course.

Learn skills needed for contemporary game development.
Gain a deep understanding of a range of theories, techniques and ethical issues required to work in game development related fields.
Learn how to develop computer games using rigorous methods and processes.
Develop a portfolio of commercial-quality work in the computer games and related industries.
Prepare for the degree with an extra foundation year at the start

You will be equipped with the skills required by industry to make computer games. Such games may be based on mobile platforms or work on traditional PC computers. You will work on the latest game development platforms, use the latest software, and work with like-minded people to achieve your career goals.

Work placements

In between the second and final year of the course, you’ll have the option to complete a work placement. This 12-15 month paid employment opportunity will give you valuable work experience.

Live projects

You’ll put game development concepts and technologies into practice using problem-based approaches. In labs you’ll have opportunities for hands-on, tutor-led use of game development platforms and software. In teams you’ll develop collaboration and leadership skills – which are fundamental to working in the industry.

Networking opportunities

In addition to learning in the classroom and computer labs, you’ll be able to engage with industry professionals and practitioners. They’ll give a variety of live talks on technical topics, career building and employability advice.

Competitions

You’ll be encouraged and supported to enter your work into student competitions. We have a proven track record of competition success – and it’s valuable experience in dealing with games industry professionals.

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

The course is carefully structured to help you develop your skills and experience. You’ll cover computer programming, mathematics for graphics and the game development process. You’ll then apply your learning to solve problems that are typical of those faced by game developers. Here you’ll learn about the technologies that are used to develop 3D games, as well as developing your own substantial game products, either individually or as part of a small team.

You learn through

• group work
• lectures and seminars
• technical workshops in computer labs
• independent study
• practice-based learning and group work
• formative assessments
• walkthroughs and presentations

With formative assessments you’re able to learn as you’re being assessed. The problems posed in the assessments are usually larger in scale or require more substantial analysis and development. So you get to learn and develop your skills as you explore and apply the subject matter in greater depth.

You will be supported in your learning journey towards highly skilled, graduate level employment through a number of key areas. These include

• access to our unique student support triangle to help with your personal, academic and career development
• access to our Skills Centre with one to ones and online resources, where you can get help with planning and structuring your assignments
• industry-specific employability activities such as live projects, learning in simulated environments and networking opportunities

This course prepares you for a career in

• games development for mobile, PC and web-based games
• games design
• gameplay programming
• quality assurance testing

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for

• Sumo Digital
• Unity
• Firebrand
• Twinkl

 

UCAS points

• 80

This must include at least 32 points from one A level or equivalent BTEC qualifications. For example:

• CDD at A Level.
• MMP in BTEC Extended Diploma.
• A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels, EPQ and general studies

You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.

GCSE

• English Language or English Literature at grade C or 4
• Maths at grade B or 5

• Access - an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.

We may also accept you, if you have limited qualifications but can show evidence of ability and a genuine commitment to studying the subject.

Some applicants may be invited to attend an informal interview with the course leader to ensure that the programme is suitable for themselves and their aspirations.

UK students may be able to claim financial support for the course.

If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.

Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment.

Important notice:

The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.

You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.

 

Year 1 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Foundations In Computing 1	40	Coursework
Foundations In Computing 2	40	Coursework
Maths For Foundation Computing	20	Practical
Study Skills For Computing Students	20	Coursework

 

Year 2 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Fundamentals Of Gameplay Programming	40	Coursework Exam
Fundamentals Of Mathematics And Computer Architectures	20	Coursework
Game Design Theory	20	Coursework
Programming 2D Games	40	Coursework

 

 

Year 3 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
3D Game Development	40	Coursework
Advanced Game Design Theory	20	Coursework
Object Oriented Scripting	40	Coursework
Python Programming	20	Coursework

 

Year 4 Optional modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Placement Year

 

Final Year Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Advanced Games Console Projects	40	Coursework
Development Project	40	Coursework Practical
Development Project	20	Coursework
Virtual And Augmented Reality Applications	20	Coursework