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2023 - 2024
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Open days

22Apr
Sheffield Hallam University - Course Open Day
Undergraduate
24Jun
Sheffield Hallam University - Undergraduate Open Day
Undergraduate
Make sure you check on the university, college or conservatoire website for any updates about course changes as a result of COVID-19.

Course summary

**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 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: 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. You learn and are assessed through:
  • lectures
  • reports
  • individual coursework
  • presentations
  • group work
  • examinations
  • final year project
  • demonstrations
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.

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 Foundations in Computing 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"

Assessment method

Coursework Exams Practical

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT
  • ScreenSkills

How to apply

25Jan

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

This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

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

https://www.shu.ac.uk/courses/computing/bsc-honours-computer-science-for-games-with-foundation-year/full-time

Additional entry requirements

Other

Some applicants may be invited to attend an informal interview with the course leader to ensure that the programme is suitable for themselves and their aspirations. UK students may be able to claim financial support for the course. Please note that the information provided on this web page relates to 2022 courses and is subject to change without notice by Sheffield Hallam University.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent.
TOEFL (iBT)79Listening: minimum level 17 Speaking: minimum level 20 Reading: minimum level 18 Writing: minimum level 17
Cambridge English AdvancedCListening: minimum score 162 Speaking: minimum score 162 Reading: minimum score 162 Writing: minimum score 162
PTE Academic52Listening: minimum level 51 Speaking: minimum level 51 Reading: minimum level 51 Writing: minimum level 51

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.

https://www.shu.ac.uk/courses/computing/bsc-honours-computer-science-for-games-with-foundation-year/full-time/2022

https://www.shu.ac.uk/courses/computing/bsc-honours-computer-science-for-games-with-foundation-year/full-time/2022

Unistats information

Operated by the Office for Students

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Scotland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
Channel Islands £9250 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9250 Year 1
EU £15860 Year 1
International £15860 Year 1

Additional fee information

Please refer to our website for up-to-date information on costs and fees: https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here

Sponsorship information

Scholarships, discounts and bursaries may be available to students who study this course.

Computer Science for Games with Foundation Year at Sheffield Hallam University - UCAS