Learn how to create games and underlying game engines using C++ and other industry standard tools in this exciting and fast-moving field.
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.

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.

Work placements

You will have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement, typically in between your second and third years. This gives you a real-world experience to prepare you for your future career.

In previous years, students have taken placements at

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

Live projects

If you do well in the first two years, you will be eligible for transfer to our related MComp course, an integrated masters course that provides additional depth of study and increased industry 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.

Networking opportunities

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

We've been awarded PlayStation®First status by Sony (SIEE), providing access to PlayStation® professional development hardware (devkits) and software (SDK) and equipping students with industry-relevant game development skills across PlayStation® and PlayStation® VR.

Competitions

There is an annual student prize for the best software development tool, sponsored by SN Systems — a part of Sony Interactive Entertainment.

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.

You learn and are assessed through

• individual coursework
• presentations
• group work
• examinations
• final year project

Each year your main games module uses project-based learning. You learn and are assessed through undertaking a series of game development projects, both individually and in teams. Project-based learning helps you build your confidence as a game developer, and you get to experience what it's like to work in a game development team. Projects are based around a particular topic, for example, building a 3D game in DirectX, but you have the opportunity to design and develop the specific project application in a direction of your choice.

This course prepares you for a career in

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

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies such as

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

 

UCAS points

• 112

This must include at least 64 points from two A levels or equivalent BTEC National qualifications. For example:

• BBC at A Level.
• DMM 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 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.

The evidence that you provide in your personal statement and references will influence whether your application is successful. So plan what you want to say and take your time completing the application form.

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.

We welcome applications from people of any age. We may be flexible in our normal offer if you can show a commitment to succeed and have the relevant skills and experience. This must show that you will benefit from and finish the course successfully.

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
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 2 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 3 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