Game Design and Development with Foundation Year

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information

Course summary

• Study your foundation year, then progress to the full degree

• Develop important business skills from the very first day.

• Undertake applied projects and explore different ways of working.

This foundation year has been designed to enhance your knowledge in advance of undergraduate study. You'll study a range of business-related topics, and apply your skills on rewarding projects and assignments. After completing your foundation, you'll have everything you need for full honours degree study, and progress directly onto the BSc Games Design and Development course.

How you learn
The course is suitable if you don't meet the entry requirements for our BA (Hons) Games Design and Development course, or you want extra preparation before starting degree-level study. You share the first year with other Sheffield Business School foundation year students, then move on to the degree.

You will learn in a supportive, challenging and exciting environment. You will be based in Sheffield Business School — a vibrant, dynamic setting with excellent facilities located in the heart of the city.

You learn through

• lectures and seminars

• case studies

• presentations

• self-directed study

• work placements

• activities and events

In the foundation year, you'll study wider business topics, while specialising in your chosen subject area. You'll learn useful skills such as academic writing, work in diverse teams and learn to utilise a wide variety of data sources. In doing so, you'll fully prepare yourself for undergraduate study.

Applied learning
Degree preparation
After the foundation year, you will be ready to start the full degree. BA Games Design and Development is an engaging, challenging course where you will work on 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.

Live projects
The BA degree 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.

Networking opportunities

On the full degree, 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.