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

Course options

2025 - 2026
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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

Sheffield Hallam University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Open days

4Dec
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Undergraduate
15Feb
Sheffield Hallam University - undergraduate applicant open day
Undergraduate
22Mar
Sheffield Hallam University - undergraduate applicant open day
Undergraduate

Course summary

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information. Course summary

  • Build practical experience in writing software to create computer games.
  • Study the hardware-level optimisations used in modern games.
  • Learn how to write the libraries and tools used to develop games.
  • Understand how to apply maths in 2D and 3D game development.
  • Prepare for the degree with an extra foundation year at the start
You’ll gain a deep understanding of C/C++ programming for game development processes and technologies – including rendering and optimisation techniques – using current gaming hardware. You’ll also put together a commercial-quality portfolio of computer game work during the course, suitable to show potential employers. How you learn The course is suitable if you don’t meet the entry requirements for our BSc (Hons) Computer Science for Games 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. The course is carefully structured to help you develop your skills and experience for a career in game development – with the deeper level of knowledge you’ll need to create the tools used by game creators. One of the key ways you’ll learn is through a project-based approach, encouraging you to develop your skills while tackling meaningful and relevant projects. We begin by providing you with game development techniques such as programming in C++ and manipulating 2D and 3D graphics using mathematics. In your second year you’ll apply your learning to solve the kinds of problems game developers face. Here you’ll apply your C++ programming skills and learn about rendering techniques, multithreading, memory management and assembly optimisation. You’ll also work with our PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 development kits as you develop your own substantial game products. In your final year you’ll explore more advanced game development techniques such as shader programming, as well as refining the skills you’ve already developed. Importantly, you’ll develop skills in critical thinking 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. 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 specialist support services 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.
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.

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 Compulsory modules Foundations In Computing 1 Foundations In Computing 2 Maths For Foundation Computing Study Skills For Computing Students Year 2 Compulsory modules Fundamentals Of C++ Programming Fundamentals Of Computer Architecture Mathematics For Graphics Programming 2D Games Year 3 Compulsory modules 3D Game Development Mathematics For Modelling And Rendering Object Oriented C++ Programming Software-Hardware Optimisation Techniques Year 4 Optional modules Placement Year Final year Compulsory modules Advanced Games Console Projects Advanced Games Console Techniques Development Project Elective modules Effective C++ Programming Machine Learning Algorithms And Heuristics Virtual And Augmented Reality Applications

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

29Jan

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

Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

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. - 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 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

Please note that this information 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.

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.

Please click the following link to find out more about English language requirements for this course

https://www.shu.ac.uk/Courses/Computing/BSc-Honours-Computer-Science-for-Games-with-Foundation-Year/Full-time/

Student Outcomes

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

Channel Islands £9535 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9535 Year 1
England £9535 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535 Year 1
Scotland £9535 Year 1
Wales £9535 Year 1
EU £17155 Year 1
International £17155 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Our tuition fee for UK students on full-time undergraduate degree courses in 2025/26 is £9,535 per year. These fees are regulated by the UK government and therefore subject to change in future years. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200. We are currently reviewing our tuition fees for the foundation year stage of this course following the Government announcement of fee changes for some foundation year courses and will confirm fees as soon as possible. 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 at https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/terms-and-conditions-and-student-regulations under student fees regulations. Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,155 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200. Please refer to our website for up-to-date information on costs and fees: https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/undergraduate/fees

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