**Please note that the information provided relates to the current academic year and is subject to change without notice by Sheffield Hallam University.
Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.**
**Course summary:**
- Study your foundation year, then progress to a degree with industry accreditation from the Creative Skillset and The Independent Game Developers' Association (TIGA).
- Develop advanced programming skills, using C++ as the core language throughout the course.
- Use industry-standard APIs such as Microsoft's DirectX, Unity, Marmalade, Corona, Android SDK and iOS.
- Learn about 3D graphics, computer architecture, game engines and game industry business models.
Study the skills and techniques demanded by the games industry, such as programming, software engineering and optimisation, mathematics and the use of games hardware on desktop, consoles and mobile platforms. Master project management techniques and tools used within the games industry and design your own games in the world's largest PlayStation® teaching lab.
In 2018 we were named 'Best Educational Institution' by TIGA, the independent games association. The award recognises our games courses for being world leading, having strong links with industry, and leading its students into graduate roles.
**How you learn:**
- lectures
- reports
- individual coursework
- presentations
- group work
- examinations
- final year project
- demonstrations
- structured walkthroughs
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.
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.
**Applied learning:**
You will have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement in between your third and fourth years. This gives you a 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.
Course Details - Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course.
Year 1 - Compulsory modules
Computing Projects
Year 2 - Compulsory modules
Fundamentals Of Computer Architecture
Mathematics For Graphics
Programming 2D Games
Year 3 - Compulsory modules
3D Games Development
Mathematics For Modelling And Rendering
Software-Hardware Optimisation Techniques
Year 4 - Optional modules
Placement Year
Final year - Compulsory modules
Advanced Games Console Projects
Project (Technical Computing)
Elective modules
Artificial Intelligence In Games
Effective C++ Programming
Foreign Language
Mobile Applications
Programming "Things"
Course Details – Assessment Method
Coursework, Exams, Practical
Course Details – Professional Bodies
BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT
ScreenSkills
How to Apply
26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application Codes
Course code:
A092
Institution code:
S21
Campus Name:
Main Site
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Foundation
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
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
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.
Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 at the point of enrolment.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
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.
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs):
70%
Go onto work and study:
90%
Fees and funding
Republic of Ireland
9250.0
Year 1
EU
14415.0
Year 1
England
9250.0
Year 1
Northern Ireland
9250.0
Year 1
Scotland
9250.0
Year 1
Wales
9250.0
Year 1
Channel Islands
9250.0
Year 1
International
14415.0
Year 1
Additional Fee Information
Our tuition fees for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2022/23 are regulated by the UK government and are yet to be confirmed. For an indication, our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2021/22 is £9,250 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
Provider information
City Campus
Howard Street
Address3 are not listed for this Course.
Sheffield
S1 1WB
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