Computer Games Technologies with Foundation Year

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

Course summary

• Learn skills needed for contemporary game development.

• Gain a deep understanding of a range of theories, techniques and ethical issues required to work in game development related fields.

• Learn how to develop computer games using rigorous methods and processes.

• Develop a portfolio of commercial-quality work in the computer games and related industries.

• Prepare for the degree with an extra foundation year at the start

You will be equipped with the skills required by industry to make computer games. Such games may be based on mobile platforms or work on traditional PC computers. You will work on the latest game development platforms, use the latest software, and work with like-minded people to achieve your career goals.

How you learn

The course is suitable if you don’t meet the entry requirements for our BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technologies 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.

This course is carefully structured to help you develop your skills and experience in the development of computer games. You’ll gain skills in critical thinking as well, 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.

We’ll begin by providing you with game development techniques – such as basic programming using C# and how to create games with 2D graphics. You’ll use industry-standard game development platforms including Unity and Unreal Engine, and you’ll explore game scripting and game development processes.

In your second year, you’ll apply your learning to solve the kinds of problems game developers face. Here you’ll learn about the technologies used to develop 3D games, as well as developing your own substantial game products. Then in your final year you’ll explore more advanced game development techniques and programming skills. You’ll also be encouraged to develop a substantial product that reflects your learning.

Applied learning

Work placements

Your placement year will allow you to gain an Applied Professional Diploma in addition to your degree which will enhance your graduate profile and give you the edge with future employers.

Live projects

The Steel Minions Development Studio is an in-house games publishing company run by course tutors and staffed by students. Here students release their own projects commercially and connect with external publishers, research and commercial clients.

Steel Minions provides commercial and research projects for you to work on – either internally or for external clients. Examples range from research projects in ballistics impact visualisation and educational games, through to commercial games on PlayStation 4, PC and mobile devices for companies like Sumo Digital, Sony and Owlerton Stadium.

Steel Minions also provides mentoring to students who decide to create their own game development company during their placement year – and gives feedback to students working on game projects throughout the course.

Competitions

You’ll be encouraged and supported to enter your work into student competitions – such as the TIGA Games Industry Awards – where we have a proven track record of competition success. These competitions provide valuable experience in interacting with games industry professionals.

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 Gameplay Programming
Fundamentals Of Mathematics And Computer Architectures
Game Design Theory
Programming 2D Games

Year 3
Compulsory modules
3D Game Development
Advanced Game Design Theory
Object Oriented Scripting
Python Programming

Year 4
Optional modules
Placement Year

Final year
Compulsory modules
Advanced Games Console Projects
Development Project
Mobile Game Scripting
Virtual And Augmented Reality Applications

Coursework, Practical, Exam.