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Game Programming

Foundation Degree

Apply now for 2025

Study Game Programming at University Centre Leeds

Program and publish your own computer games with our Game Programming Foundation Degree. You will program using industry standard software while learning how to contextualise this knowledge when utilising game engines. You will explore programming languages, physics, emerging technologies and more.

Working with

Game Republic Logo 

  • Starts:
  • Duration: 2 years
  • Venue: University Centre Leeds
  • Fee: £8,745 full-time (per academic year for UK students)
     
    International Fee: £14,000 full-time (per academic year) £3,000 Scholarship available
  • UCAS Course Code(s): I620
  • UCAS Institution Code: L21
  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Validated By: Luminate Education Group

Entry Requirements: 48 UCAS Tariff Points

TYPICAL OFFER

UCAS Tariff Points: 48 UCAS tariff points from two A-levels (or equivalent qualifications)

A Levels: 2xD grades 

BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma: MP, MPP grade.

IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component.

International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria.

Mature applicants: University Centre Leeds welcomes applications from mature* applicants who may not have met the academic criteria, but who can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and may be asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.

*21 years and over at the start of the course

RPL claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).

NSS Results 2023

Course Responses Teaching on my course Learning opportunities Assessment and feedback Academic support Organisation and management Learning resources Student voice
FD In Game Programming 5 100.00% 96.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 86.70% 93.30%
Course FD In Game Programming
Responses 5
Teaching on my course 100.00%
Learning opportunities 96.00%
Assessment and feedback 100.00%
Academic support 100.00%
Organisation and management 100.00%
Learning resources 86.70%
Student voice 93.30%

Game Programming

Program using industry standard languages such as C++ and C# while keeping updated with industry developments and changes within games engines. You will explore and analyse gameplay to understand the context of the work you are creating ensuring you gain a deeper understanding of game creation.

To reflect industry practice we promote the use of agile workflows and industry events such as Game Jams and Game Societies. We focus on employability so your studies will be shaped around industry demands. As a result, you will work with industry standard software and tools to create games, supporting your professional development.

You will develop as a creative individual learning to appreciate and apply the technical techniques that form the core of contemporary games development. You will become well-versed in the real world of computer games as your progress through this course.

Upon completion of this Foundation Degree, you can progress to study for a third year and gain a full BSc (Hons) Game Programming Top-up Degree

 

This course is validated by Luminate Education Group

Luminate Logo

Working with

game republic

How to Apply

How to Apply:

  1. Register for an Account: Click the link below and use the "Create a New User" facility to register for an application account. An email will be sent to the address you provide, with a verification link.
  2. Verify Your Email: Click the verification link in the email to confirm your account.
  3. Complete Your Application: Once your account is created, you can start your application. You can save your progress and return to it later if needed. Your username will be the email address you used to register.

To access your account again and complete your application, use the second link provided in your verification email.

Apply Now: Direct Application Form

Need Help? For further information, please email admissions@ucleeds.ac.uk 

Please note, if you apply directly, we are required to submit a Record of Prior Acceptance (RPA) application to UCAS on your behalf if your application is successful and you enrol.

If you would like to apply for to study full time, please do so via UCAS.

The institution code for University Centre Leeds is L21.

The application fee for applying through UCAS is £28.50, unless you are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM).

Apply via UCAS

Course Information

Modules may include:

Year 1 (Level 4)

Game Engine Utilisation (40 credits) –

You will learn how to utilise multiple engines to create and develop your own individual game or game level.

Principles of Programming (20 credits) –

You will be introduced to programming principles, skills, techniques and pipelines.

Principles of Game Play (20 credits) –

You will explore and analyse existing games to understand the core functionalities and gameplay properties that are used to create engaging and immersive experiences.

Professional Development (20 credits) –

Learn about the academic requirements of University whilst contextualising this research for games.

Project 1  (20 credits) –

Working together as a team to create, develop and produce a game, game level or experience. Collaborating with students from other courses and specialisms. 

 

Year 2 (Level 5)

Employability Skills (20 credits) –

You will develop the softer skills to prepare you for a job in the industry, learning how to pitch and present yourselves in a professional manner.

Game Engine Development (20 credits) –

You will develop your skills further within game engines and create your own game or experience using advanced techniques. 

Emerging Technologies (20 credits) –

You will research then develop scripts for upcoming technologies such as VR, AR and facial recognition.

Project 2 (20 credits) – 

Working together as a team to create, develop and produce a game, game level or experience. Collaborating with students from other courses and specialisms. 

Introduction to AI (20 credits) – 

You will be introduced to Artificial Intelligence, the way it works and how this can be created within a game engine.

Advanced Games Programming (20 credits) –

You will develop your programming skills to understand how to create a server based game and create multiplayer experiences.

You will be given the opportunity to work across a wide range of projects, developing skills in the specialism of Game Programming. Developing the workflows required to create scripts, programs and developing artificial intelligence in the context of Computer Games.

You will develop the following skills:

  • Innovative and creative thinking that prepares you for working in the games industry as a Programmer.
  • Critical understanding of Programming for Games.
  • Self-discipline and independence as learners and as a self-motivated game programmer.
  • Critical thinking, study skills, academic writing and time management strategies.

 Benefits include:

  • Smaller cohorts allowing more personalised teaching and learning. 
  • Taught by practicing professionals.
  • Opportunity for networking and industry links.
  • The opportunity to work collaboratively on ideas and projects.

You will also be developed as a creative individual, learning to appreciate and apply the technical and problem solving techniques that form the core of contemporary games development. Finally, you will become well versed in the real world of computer games, learning how the past, present and future of computer games are vital to your career and personal development. You will develop a range of skills that can be used across the creative industries, such as Computer Programming, AI developer, Software developer and many others.

Modules will be formally assessed and graded through a range of methods, including:

  • Practical Demonstrations
  • Portfolios
  • Reflections
  • Case Studies
  • Solo & Group Projects
  • Evaluations
  • Academic Posters

This range of activities provides the opportunity for everyone to demonstrate the knowledge and skills that they have acquired throughout the course of their studies.

TYPICAL OFFER

UCAS Tariff Points: 48 UCAS tariff points from two A-levels (or equivalent qualifications)

A Levels: 2xD grades 

BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma: MP, MPP grade.

IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component.

International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria.

Mature applicants: University Centre Leeds welcomes applications from mature* applicants who may not have met the academic criteria, but who can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and may be asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.

*21 years and over at the start of the course

RPL claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).

Upon completion of this Foundation Degree, you can progress to study for a third year and gain a full BSc (Hons) Game Programming Top-up Degree.

  • Programmer
  • IT Technician
  • Web Developer
  • App Developer

For the latest version of the programme specifications for this course please click here.

For the latest version of the course handbook for this course please click here.

For last years version of the course handbook for this course please click here.

For the latest version of the Leeds City College regulations please click here.


Information for International Students

Applications are open for 2025 entry.

To apply directly to study at University Centre Leeds as an international applicant, please see the direct apply link further up this page or visit our 'How to apply' page and complete the steps.

You can also apply through UCAS.

For more information please visit our 'How to apply' page.

Course fees for Undergraduates are £14,000 (GBP)

Scholarship available £3,000 (GBP) all courses.

For more information about fees and scholarships, please click here.

Please see our entry requirements page for additional requirements as an international student

International students will study 5 additional hours on top of the regular timetable.

  • 1 hour cultural studies
  • 2 hours academic study skills
  • 2 hours English studies

For more information about visa and immigration, please click here.


 

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