Course summary

• Learn skills needed for contemporary game development. 
• Gain a deep understanding of a range of theories, techniques and ethical issues required to work in game development related fields. 
• Learn how to develop computer games using rigorous methods and processes. 
• Develop a portfolio of commercial-quality work in the computer games and related industries.
• Prepare for the degree with an extra foundation year at the start

You will be equipped with the skills required by industry to make computer games. Such games may be based on mobile platforms or work on traditional PC computers. You will work on the latest game development platforms, use the latest software, and work with like-minded people to achieve your career goals. 

How you learn

The course is suitable if you don’t meet the entry requirements for our BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technologies course. You share the first year with other computing foundation year students, then move on to the degree. During the first year of study, you will enhance your skills to maximise your academic potential ready to start your learning against the content of the main degree.

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. 

This course is carefully structured to help you develop your skills and experience in the development of computer games. You’ll gain skills in critical thinking as well, so you can successfully reflect on your own work and appraise other people’s. This will give you the ability to evaluate your own progress and determine your own career goals.  

We’ll begin by providing you with game development techniques – such as basic programming using C# and how to create games with 2D graphics. You’ll use industry-standard game development platforms including Unity and Unreal Engine, and you’ll explore game scripting and game development processes. 

In your second year, you’ll apply your learning to solve the kinds of problems game developers face. Here you’ll learn about the technologies used to develop 3D games, as well as developing your own substantial game products. Then in your final year you’ll explore more advanced game development techniques and programming skills. You’ll also be encouraged to develop a substantial product that reflects your learning. 

You learn through 

• group work  
• lectures and seminars  
• technical workshops in computer labs 
• independent learning 
• practice-based learning and group work  

You will be supported in your learning journey towards highly skilled, graduate level employment through several key areas. These include:

• access to our unique student support triangle to help with your personal, academic and career development 
• access to our Skills Centre with one to ones and online resources, where you can get help with planning and structuring your assignments 
• industry-specific employability activities such as live projects, learning in simulated environments and networking opportunities 

Course leaders and tutors

Paul Parry

Subject Group Leader for Applied Computing

At present I teach C++ programming at final year undergraduate and masters levels. I also teach game software project management methods on the BSc Game Software De … Read more

Applied learning

Work placements 

You’ll have the opportunity to complete a year-long work placement between your third and fourth year. A placement is widely recognised as the gold standard opportunity to gain personal and professional development through real-world experience. 

You will be encouraged to take up this opportunity, as it will benefit your long-term career prospects and salary level, as well as your academic achievements and degree classification. Your course will prepare you to succeed in your placement and you will be supported throughout it. 

Your placement will allow you to apply the knowledge and skills gained on your course in the areas of game development and gameplay programming. 

Students from similar courses have worked with companies such as  

• Sony (SIEE) 
• Sumo Digital 
• Team17 
• SN Systems 
• SI Games 
• Autodesk 

Your placement year will allow you to gain an Applied Professional Diploma in addition to your degree which will enhance your graduate profile and give you the edge with future employers.  

You’ll also be supported to take advantage of work experience opportunities throughout your course, through access to a range of support activities, resources, and employer events from your Employability Team. This will further enhance your employability skillset, confidence, and opportunity-awareness to help you succeed in your career after graduating. 

Live projects

The Steel Minions Development Studio is an in-house games publishing company run by course tutors and staffed by students. Here students release their own projects commercially and connect with external publishers, research and commercial clients.   

Steel Minions provides commercial and research projects for you to work on – either internally or for external clients. Examples range from research projects in ballistics impact visualisation and educational games, through to commercial games on PlayStation 4, PC and mobile devices for companies like Sumo Digital, Sony and Owlerton Stadium.  

Steel Minions also provides mentoring to students who decide to create their own game development company during their placement year – and gives feedback to students working on game projects throughout the course. 

Networking opportunities 
In addition to learning in classrooms and computer labs, you’ll be able to engage with industry professionals and practitioners. They’ll give a variety of live talks on technical topics, career building and employability advice. 

Competitions 
You’ll be encouraged and supported to enter your work into student competitions – such as the TIGA Games Industry Awards – where we have a proven track record of competition success. These competitions provide valuable experience in interacting with games industry professionals. 

Future careers

This course prepares you for a career in 

• game development 
• game design 
• gameplay programming 
• quality assurance testing 

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.

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Location

Howard Street
Sheffield
S1 1WB

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Adsetts library

Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.

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Entry requirements

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.

Fees and funding

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.

Legal information

Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.