Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £14,415 per year (£1,200 for placement year)
Come to an open day
Find out more at our undergraduate open days. Book now for your place.
Course summary
- Study your foundation year, then progress to the full degree.
- Develop important business skills from the very first day.
- Undertake applied projects and explore different ways of working.
This foundation year has been designed to enhance your knowledge in advance of undergraduate study. You'll study a range of business-related topics, and apply your skills on rewarding projects and assignments. After completing your foundation, you'll have everything you need for full honours degree study, and progress directly onto the BSc Games Design and Development course.
View our students' work
Find out more about the Media Arts and Communications department and view the work of some of our students.
How you learn
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 BA (Hons) Games Design and Development course, or you want extra preparation before starting degree-level study. You share the first year with other Sheffield Business School foundation year students, then move on to the degree.
You will learn in a supportive, challenging and exciting environment. You will be based in Sheffield Business School — a vibrant, dynamic setting with excellent facilities located in the heart of the city.
You learn through
- lectures and seminars
- case studies
- presentations
- self-directed study
- work placements
- activities and events
In the foundation year, you'll study wider business topics, while specialising in your chosen subject area. You'll learn useful skills such as academic writing, work in diverse teams and learn to utilise a wide variety of data sources. In doing so, you'll fully prepare yourself for undergraduate study.
Course leaders and tutors
Peter Spence
Senior Lecturer in Film and TVCurrently teaching a number of film theory modules on the BA (Honours) Film and Media Production course, Peter is also an award-winning film-maker whose work has scr … Read more
Applied learning
Degree preparation
After the foundation year, you will be ready to start the full degree. BA Games Design and Development is an engaging, challenging course where you will work on real game development projects and develop your own creative approach, with access to cutting-edge facilities and resources supported by the likes of Sony Playstation.
Live projects
The BA degree includes a range of professional development and work-based learning opportunities, including producing game concept and prototype pitches for commercial and other external clients, guest lectures from industry professionals and networking events. You will get opportunities to develop your own future strategy as a game professional whether that be freelancing, working as an independent game developer or working in a specific sector in the game or interactive media industries.
Networking opportunities
On the full degree, you will have the opportunity to engage with specialist visiting lecturers from the industry to show your work. A wide range of professional development and networking opportunities are supported by the Media Arts and Communications Department, such as the yearly Pathways event. We always seek to support and enable any student who obtains a placement to be able to take such opportunities.
Future careers
The full degree prepares you for a career in
- game designer
- game artist
- game producer
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | Campus facilities | Keeping safe on Campus
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
On the full degree course you work with
- games engines such as Unity 3D and Unreal
- 3D modelling software
- emerging game technologies such as VR headsets
- Playstation development kits
Learn more about your department
Media, Arts and Communications Facilities Tour
Take a look around the media, arts and communication facilities at Sheffield Hallam University with lecturer Saskia Wilson.
Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 80
This must include at least 32 points from at least one A level or equivalent BTEC National qualifications (to include a relevant subject, such as Art, Design, Design Technology, Textiles and Graphics). For example:
- CDD at A Level with a grade C in a relevant subject.
- MMP in BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.
- A combination of qualifications which must include an A level grade C or BTEC grade M in a relevant subject and 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
• 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, in a media-related programme 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 Art and Design.
We treat the foundation year as part of the Art and Design degree programme. Offers made to students will be for four years of study (or five years of study including a placement). This is made up of the foundation year plus one of our Art and Design degrees.
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 either the International Foundation Programme: Art, Design and Media or Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
If your application is successful, you will be invited to attend a selection event with a portfolio of work to demonstrate your ability. Find out about the selection process and how to produce a strong portfolio.
Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page. You can also watch a video guide on how to apply.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
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. See the modules table below for further information.
Year 1
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Creative Synergies In Media Production | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Media In Context | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Media Project | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Preparing For Independent Practice And Study | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 2
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: 3D Modelling | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Game Design Theory | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Game World Mechanics | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Level 4 Game Project | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Online Gaming Cultures | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Visual Concepts For Games 1 | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Practical |
Year 3
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Advanced Game Design Theory | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Experimental Game Practice | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Narrative Design | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Physical Games | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Professional Development Project | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Creative Sound Practice | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Introduction To Concept Art | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Virtual Reality Design | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 4
| Module | Credits |
|---|---|
| Module: Placement Year | Credits: - |
Final year
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Creative Direction For Games | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Practical |
| Module: Final Game Project | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Game Professional Practice | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Practical |
| Module: User Interface Design For Games | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: 3D Games Prototyping | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Life Drawing | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Sound Design And Sonic Arts Practice | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Visual Effects Project | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
† If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2022/23 is £14,415 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Digital media courses (PDF, 227.4KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
