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Game Design and Development 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
Sheffield Hallam University - undergraduate and degree apprenticeship open evening
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

  • Learn the key techniques and skills required to create a wide variety of games.
  • Attain a deep understanding of game play.
  • Create prototypes and game concept pitches for external clients and experts.
  • Collaborate with students from other gaming disciplines to understand game production in a team context.
  • Gain the visual communication and creative problem-solving skills industry employers are looking for.
On this course, you'll explore the artistry and industry of games design. You’ll complete 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. Upon graduation, you'll have the portfolio, experience and qualifications you need to land an exciting position. How You Learn At Sheffield Hallam, all our courses are designed to engage you with the world and challenge you to think in new ways. You’ll get to collaborate with others, and you’ll be taught in a supportive environment where you can thrive. This course employs a creative, practice-based approach set within the context of group project activity. This emulates the collaborative nature of professional practice within the creative industries, and is underpinned by analysis, iteration of ideas and concepts, and reflection on creative processes. As you progress through the course you will be able to choose your own focus and develop your understanding of specific roles within game development and game design. You will design and create prototypes, organise playtesting sessions with potential audience members, work as a member in an agile game development team and produce and maintain a professional portfolio of own game design work. Applied learning Live projects The course 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. Field trips Industry visits, field trips, game jams, and live projects will be a key aspect of your preparation for employment, facilitate contextual knowledge and understanding and provide opportunities for networking and cementing relationships with industry and fellow aspiring game designers, artists, and programmers. Networking opportunities At every level of the course, through the networks of the course staff, 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.

Modules

Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page. Year 1 Compulsory Modules Digital Prototyping 1 | Coursework (100%) Game Design Practice | Coursework (100%) Game Design Theory | Coursework (100%) Game Project | Coursework (100%) Year 2 Compulsory Modules Advanced Game Design Theory | Coursework (100%) Digital Prototyping 2 | Coursework (100%) Interactive Realities | Coursework (100%) Specialist Pathways 1 | Coursework (100%) Elective Module Study Abroad - Creative Industries | Coursework (100%) Year 3 Optional Modules Placement Year Final Year Compulsory Modules Alternate Realities | Coursework (100%) Final Game Project | Coursework (100%) Research And Development Proposal | Coursework (100%)

Assessment method

Coursework

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:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

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

https://www.shu.ac.uk/courses/digital-media/ba-honours-game-design-and-development/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)6.5If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each skill, or equivalent.

If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.5 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre- sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score. As part of our selection process, we may request a portfolio or other evidence of your ability.

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

https://www.shu.ac.uk/courses/digital-media/ba-honours-game-design-and-development/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

England £9535 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535 Year 1
Scotland £9535 Year 1
Wales £9535 Year 1
Channel Islands £9535 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £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. 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.

Game Design and Development at Sheffield Hallam University - UCAS