Foundation Degree Game Programming

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.

APPLY FOR FULL TIME

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.

This course is validated by Leeds City College

Working with

Fee

£7,950 Full Time (per academic year)

Location

University Centre Leeds

Start Date

September 2021

Duration

2 years Full Time

Course Code

UCAS Course Code: I620 Institution code: L21

Study Mode

Full Time

Studying during COVID-19

We will continue to follow government guidelines to ensure the safety of all our students and staff and have put in place additional safety measures, including the way we deliver your course.

For Semester 1, we plan to deliver your course through a mixture of online and face to face tuition and we will review this as Government guidelines change in response to COVID-19 developments.

Under the present guidelines, we plan to deliver your course 50% online and 50% face to face. We will timetable, where possible, so that you come into the UC for a whole day and you will be in a bubble with your fellow students on your course.

Face to face contact will be delivered following guidelines on social distancing and increased health and safety measures. You will be made fully aware of the current measures in place and be expected to follow the guidance issued.

What you learn

Modules may include:

Level 4

Principles of Programming – You will be introduced to programming principles, skills, techniques and pipelines.

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

Project 1 – Working together as a team to create, develop and produce a game, game level or experience. Collaborating with students from other courses and specialisms.

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

Level 5

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

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

Project 2 – 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 – You will be introduced to Artificial Intelligence, the way it works and how this can be created within a game engine.

Employability Skills – 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.

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

Benefits/ Skills you will develop

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.

Assessment

Entry requirements

A typical offer is likely to consist of:

A Levels: 2xD grades

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

Access to HE Diploma: Overall pass with 60 credits, with 24 credits to be at a Merit 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: Leeds City College 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 actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPL)

What's next

Programme Specification

Course Handbook

Staff Profiles