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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

26Oct
Sheffield Hallam University - undergraduate open day
Undergraduate
24Nov
Sheffield Hallam University - undergraduate open day
Undergraduate
4Dec
Sheffield Hallam University - undergraduate and degree apprenticeship open evening
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: 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 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. You learn through:
  • lectures and tutorials
  • supervision sessions
  • design workshops
  • group projects
  • self-directed study
  • field trips
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

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. Important notice: The structure for this course is currently being reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment are all likely to change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Once the changes have been confirmed, updated module information will be published on this page. 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 3D Modelling Game Design Theory Game World Mechanics Level 4 Game Project Online Gaming Cultures Visual Concepts For Games 1 Year 2 Compulsory modules Advanced Game Design Theory Experimental Game Practice Narrative Design Physical Games Professional Development Project Elective modules Creative Sound Practice Introduction To Concept Art Virtual Reality Design Year 3 Optional modules Placement Year Final year Compulsory modules Creative Direction For Games Final Game Project Game Professional Practice User Interface Design For Games Elective modules 3D Games Prototyping Life Drawing Sound Design And Sonic Arts Practice Visual Effects Project

Assessment method

Coursework, practicals

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

If 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. 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 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

English language requirements

If 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 £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 £16655 Year 1
International £16655 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 fees for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2025/2026 are regulated by the UK government and are yet to be confirmed. For an indication, our tuition fees for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2024/2025 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 at https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/terms-and-conditions-and-student-regulations under student fees regulations. Our tuition fees for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2024/25 is £16,655 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