Gain a degree in computer science for games, with an initial foundation year to prepare for the course.
Build practical experience in writing software to create computer games.
Study the hardware-level optimisations used in modern games.
Learn how to write the libraries and tools used to develop games.
Understand how to apply maths in 2D and 3D game development.
Prepare for the degree with an extra foundation year at the start

You’ll gain a deep understanding of C/C++ programming for game development processes and technologies – including rendering and optimisation techniques – using current gaming hardware. You’ll also put together a commercial-quality portfolio of computer game work during the course, suitable to show potential employers.

You will have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement in between your third and fourth years. This gives you real-world experience to prepare you for your future career. In previous years, students have taken placements at

• Sony (SCEE)
• Team17
• SN Systems
• SI Games
• Autodesk
• Dumpling Design
• Jollywise Media
• 3Squared
• Supermassive
• Sumo Digital

Networking opportunities

We work in close partnership with games companies such as Sumo Digital, SN Systems and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE). They provide equipment and input into the design, development and delivery of the course, ensuring we teach the very latest topics. For example, industry speakers give talks on specialist topics and offer employability advice.

We've been awarded PlayStation®First status by Sony (SCEE), providing unique access to PlayStation® professional development hardware (dev-kits) and software (SDK) and equipping students with industry-relevant game development skills across PlayStation® 3, PlayStation® 4, PlayStation® Vita, PlayStation®VR and PlayStation® Portable.

Live projects

If you do well in the first three years, you will be eligible for transfer to our related MComp course, an integrated masters course that provides additional depth of study and increased industrial involvement. You may also be selected to work within Steel Minions, our own commercially licensed game development studio, and take part in small-scale commercial development projects.

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 suitable if you don’t meet the entry requirements for our BSc (Hons) Computer Science for Games course, or you want extra preparation before starting degree-level study. You share the first year with other computing foundation year students, then move on to the degree.

You learn and are assessed through

• lectures
• reports
• individual coursework
• presentations
• group work
• examinations
• final year project
• demonstrations
• structured walkthroughs

In the foundation year, you’ll build on your existing knowledge and experience — developing useful academic, computing and IT skills in preparation for undergraduate study. You’ll benefit from innovative course content that allows you to access and use cutting-edge technology. Throughout, you’ll reflect on your progress, and build valuable communication and interpersonal skills.

This course prepares you for a career in

• game software development
• graphical software design and visualisation
• applications programming
• software engineering

Previous graduates of BSc (Honours) Computer Science for Games have gone on to work for

• Sumo Digital
• 3Squared
• SN Systems
• Servelec Group
• Hewlett-Packard Ltd
• IBM Ltd
• Citrix
• ORACLE

 

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 C++ Programming	40	Coursework Exam
Fundamentals Of Mathematics And Computer Architectures	20	Coursework
Mathematics For Graphics	20	Coursework
Programming 2D Games	40	Coursework

 

 

Year 3 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
3D Game Development	40	Coursework
Mathematics For Modelling And Rendering	20	Coursework
Object Oriented C++ Programming	40	Coursework Exam
Software-Hardware Optimisation Techniques	20	Coursework

 

Year 4 Optional modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Placement Year

 

Final Year Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Advanced Games Console Projects	40	Coursework
Advanced Games Console Techniques	20	Coursework
Development Project	40	Coursework Practical

 

Elective modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Effective C++ Programming	20	Coursework
Machine Learning Algorithms And Heuristics	20	Coursework
Virtual And Augmented Reality Applications	20	Coursework