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Foundation Degree in Games Development

Sheffield College

UCAS Code: II50 | Foundation Degree in Arts - FdA

Entry requirements


UCAS Tariff

48

•48 UCAS points •Successful completion of a Level 3 course, preferably in a creative subject area. Level 2 English and Maths preferred or willingness to work towards these. Students should be aware that they may need GCSE Maths & English to progress to top up to honours degree level.

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About this course


Course option

2years

Full-time | 2024

This course has been specially designed for students who wish to pursue a career within the computer games industry, while also developing skills related to other creative sectors.

About the Course
We offer industry standard software taught by trained professionals, practical workshops, guest lectures as well as strong industry and higher education links. The course provides excellent enrichment through visits and industry set projects. We have a dedicated, young and passionate team of staff with industry experience who will ensure a supportive environment conducive to learning. We aim to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge that are required of a creative industry that offers exciting and rewarding career prospects in computer games or related areas.

The programme will be mainly based around the artistic elements of games design, covering concept art, illustration, storyboarding, level design, digital sculpting, 3D computer modelling, texturing, light, rigging and animation. The course provides and insight into the professional practice of games design through practical demonstration, research and theory-based study. Students are encouraged to explore a variety of sources and subjects that influence their development as well as experiencing a range of teaching methods such as formal lectures, team teaching, practical demonstrations and tutorials that further enhance their learning experience. 

Attendance
Students will spend 15 hours in class and it is recommended that students spend at least 25 hours per week self-study time if they expect to meet the standards required by an employer or client. Student should expect to spend a minimum of one week on work placement although this is dependent upon the placement that are available and there is no guarantee of placement. 

Our facilities include dedicated high end PC/iMac suites installed with current industry standard 2d and 3d software. This includes the Autodesk and Adobe suites as well as games development software such as Gamemaker, UDK and Unity. We also have access to photography studios and state of the art DSLR cameras. You will learn a broad range of skills, from drawing to 3D modelling and animation with the opportunity to specialise in an area of your choice. 

The course is well structured while remaining flexible, allowing you to focus on an area of preference, and enables you to build a creative and effective portfolio.

The course team has an extensive network of contacts in the games and the post production industry. We look to arrange opportunities for our students to visit development companies, as well as inviting industrial experts to give guest lectures and talk about job opportunities within the industry.

HND students follow exactly the same syllabus as degree-level students but benefit from additional support and tutorials during their first two years of study with strong links to universities.

Modules

Year One:
Contextual Studies for Creative Media Production (Mandatory Core)
Research Techniques for Creative Media Production (Mandatory Core)
Practical Skills for Computer Games Design (Mandatory Specialist)
Computer Games Studies (Mandatory Specialist)
Computer Game Design Techniques (Mandatory Specialist)
Ideas Generation for Computer Games (Specialist)
2D Digital Graphics for Computer Games (Specialist)
3D Computer Game Engines (Specialist)
Year Two:
Project Design, Implementation and Evaluation (Mandatory Core)
Special Subject Investigation for Creative Media Production (Mandatory Core) 
Career Development for the Computer Games Industry (Mandatory Specialist)
3D Modelling for Computer Games (Specialist)
3D Animation for Computer Games (Specialist)
Production Techniques for Computer Games (Specialist)
Human-Computer Interfaces for Computer Games (Specialist)
Level Design for Computer Games (Specialist)

Assessment methods

Methods include problem-based exercises, independent project work, research dissertations, practical demonstrations of skill, presentations in seminars, team working through collaborative projects. Students receive ongoing verbal and written feedback throughout the duration of a unit/project.

Tuition fees

Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:

England
£7,500
per year
Northern Ireland
£7,500
per year
Scotland
£7,500
per year
Wales
£7,500
per year

The Uni


Course location:

Hillsborough Campus

Department:

Performing Arts

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