MComp Games Software Development
UCAS code
G612Attendance
Full-time
Five years full-time (including one year work placement) or four years full-timeAt a glance
Learn the skills required to pursue a career as a software developer in the competitive games industry on this respected course. Designed in collaboration with top national and international games companies, it is one of only a small number of industry-accredited undergraduate courses in game programming in the UK.
Key points
• One of only a small number of industry-accredited UK undergraduate game programming courses.
• Gain a competitive advantage with a one-year placement at one our partner organisations.
• Work on real-world projects in our commercial game development studio.
• Complete a masters-level research project to shape the future of the industry.
What is games software development?
Games Software Development is a course for game programmers. Programming games is one of the most challenging and rewarding fields of Software Engineering, demanding a strong grasp of programming, mathematics and hardware architectures combined with a creative passion for games and an ability to work within interdisciplinary teams.
About this course
This course is for people interested in the technology of games and who would like to work in the games development industry or related areas. It is an integrated masters course which provides more depth of study and increased industrial involvement than a BSc honours degree.
You study the skills and techniques that are demanded by the industry, such as • programming • software engineering and mathematics • software optimisation and using dedicated computer hardware for games. The course is one of only a small number in the country accredited by the British Computer Society and Skillset.
During the first two years you work alongside the students on the BSc version of the course before going on to work on more advanced projects.
Your career prospects are enhanced by the course’s long established relationships with global and national games companies such as Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, SN Systems and Sumo Digital. These companies support the course by providing equipment, inputting into the course design and ensuring we teach the very latest topics.
Our excellent facilities include one of Europe's largest PlayStation™ 3 teaching labs and the Digital Design Centre which boasts six specialist computers suites. As well as working on Sony's consoles, you can work on mobile platforms such as iOS and Android, as well as benefiting a strong emphasis on DirectX – the API used on PCs and Microsoft's Xbox consoles.
Once you’ve developed your skills in industry-standard facilities, you apply what you’ve learnt in to industry with a 12–15 month third-year placement, gaining important real world experience before you graduate. Previous students have obtained placements at Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, Sumo-Digital, Team17, SN Systems and Autodesk on salaries of up to £18,000.
Your final year includes work at Steel Minions, our own commercially licensed game development studio, as an integrated part of the course assessment. Previous students have used this opportunity to bring a console game to market for the PlayStation™ Portable (PSP).
You also complete research modules, where you propose and complete innovative development projects.
Key areas of study
Key areas include
• core focus on building advanced programming skills in C++
• 3D mathematics and programming using industry-standard APIs such as DirectX
• programming for the Sony PlayStation™ 3 (PS3) and PlayStation™ Vita
• technologies and hardware architectures for games
• workplace simulation in interdisciplinary teams
Associated careers
You gain the necessary skills for a career as a programmer, software development engineer or project manager in the games and entertainment software industry.
These skills enable you to develop careers in areas such as • graphical software design and visualisation • applications programming • software engineering.
Most graduates from this course work as programmers or lead programmers, also referred to as engineers in the game industry. Some specialise in roles including • toolchain programmer • special effects programmer • AI programmer. Others become indie developers, involved in every stage of game production.
Previous graduates have also gone on to work as software engineers in other areas of IT.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by Skillset and the British Computer Society.
It counts towards the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered IT Professional with Further Learning, and full Chartered Engineer.
This course is also a proud academic partner of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. We also work in partnership with other internationally recognised companies in the design, development and delivery of the course.
Course content
Year one modules
• fundamentals of programming • fundamentals of computer architecture • introduction to game development • mathematics for graphics • professionalism and communication skills • introduction to requirements and systems modelling
Year two core modules
• object-oriented programming • software hardware optimisation techniques • mathematics for modelling and rendering • programming for games • web application development • professional development project
Year three
• optional work placement
Year three/four core modules
• research methods • professional development • 3D games prototyping • game software project management • real-time 3D techniques for games
Year three/four options
• effective C++ programming or animation and special effects • mobile applications or special techniques for graphics and animation or realistic animation
Final year core modules
• tools, libraries and frameworks • individual project • industrial practice • game development practice • games case studies
Final year options
• multiprocessing and parallel systems • asset creation
Assessment
• individual coursework • group work • examinations • dissertation
Entry requirements
2014 entry requirements
GCSE mathematics at grade B or above and five other GCSE passes at grade C or above to include English language, plus one of the following
• 300 points with at least 160 from two GCE/VCE A levels or equivalent BTEC National qualifications. General studies and AS levels may count towards these points.
• Access – an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 18 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.
If English is not your first language you must have 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.
2013 entry requirements
GCSE mathematics at grade B or above and five other GCSE passes at grade C or above to include English language, plus one of the following
• 300 points from at least two GCE/VCE A levels in relevant subjects, or BTEC National qualifications and including at least 160 points from two GCE/VCE A levels, or BTEC National qualifications, or one AVCE double award. General studies and AS levels may count towards these points.
Fees
International students
2013/14 academic year
Typically £10,680 a year
2014/15 academic year
Typically £11,250 a year
How to apply
You apply for this course through UCAS.
Contact details
For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk