student sat in a gaming chair, blue overlay

Game Development

Foundation Degree

Apply now for September 2024

Study Game Development at University Centre Leeds

Develop the creative and logical skills needed to develop games that excite and delight gamers around the world. Our Game Development Foundation Degree covers 2D and 3D asset creation, game environments, game engines, programming languages, special effects, game theory and more, giving you all the skills you need to create your own games.

Working with

Game Republic Logo 

  • Starts:
  • Duration: 2 years full-time
  • 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): I6M0
  • 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 Development 11 95.50% 90.90% 96.40% 100.00% 95.50% 90.90% 97.00%
Course FD in Game Development
Responses 11
Teaching on my course 95.50%
Learning opportunities 90.90%
Assessment and feedback 96.40%
Academic support 100.00%
Organisation and management 95.50%
Learning resources 90.90%
Student voice 97.00%

Game Development

Blend artistic and programming elements to create games, effects and mechanics that when combined, help to form a game from the concept stage through to creation. You will explore game trends, game history and popular culture and mechanics. Additionally, you will explore and analyse game design and gameplay.

You will work across a variety of projects, developing multiple games design skills, understanding the theory of play and underpinning your designs and creations with practical 3D, 2D and programming knowledge. You will create game ready assets and environments and will script in game engines such as Unity and Unreal to make playable games.

By gaining an understanding of multiple disciplines, you will become an indie games developer able to produce games from scratch. To reflect industry practice we promote the use of agile workflows and industry events such as Game Jams and Game Societies.

Upon completion of this Foundation Degree, students can choose to progress to a full BSc (Hons) Game Development and Production Top-up Degree. This program includes an additional year of study for full-time students.

 

This course is validated by Luminate Education Group

Luminate Logo

Working with

game republic

How to Apply

If you have already applied somewhere through UCAS, you will need to call us to enquire about applying for 2024.

Call us on 0113 235 4450

Our friendly admissions team are there to answer all of your questions and guide you through the application process.

Not applied through UCAS but decided you want to study a degree? You can apply directly to University Centre Leeds without going through UCAS, saving the £27.50 application fee. If the following criteria apply, you can use our applicant portal to submit your application:

  • You have not already applied through UCAS for 24/25 entry
  • You wish to study a full-time undergraduate course exclusively at University Centre Leeds

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.

Course Information

Modules may include:

Year 1 (Level 4)

Game Creation (20 credits) –  You will learn how to utilise multiple engines to create and develop your own individual game or game level.

Introduction to 3D (20 credits) – You will be introduced to 3D modelling software, skills, techniques and pipelines.

Principles of Gameplay (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. 

Visual Design (20 credits) – Explore and understand the techniques used to create artwork within the Games industry.

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. 

Principles of Games Design (20 credits) – You will develop your understanding of principles of games, creating your own game and design with no limitations.

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. 

Prototyping (20 credits) – You will learn and go through the process of Prototyping and its importance within games. 

Visual Effects (20 credits) – You will learn how to create visual effects within a game engine to create explosive particles to intricate shader based systems.

You will be given the opportunity to work across a wide range of projects, developing skills in multiple areas of game design, understanding the theory of play and underpinning your designs and creations with knowledge of 3D, 2D and Programming. Developing the workflows required to create game ready assets, environments and scripting in engines such as Unity and Unreal to make playable games. You will develop skills in implementing the assets you have created and integrate them with code to create an interactive and engaging playable game.

You will develop the following skills:

  • Innovative and creative thinking that prepares you for a role in the games industry or as an Independent Developer in your own right.
  • Critical understanding of contemporary computer games and the theory and psychology behind gameplay.
  • Self-discipline and independence as learners and the qualities needed to work in the game development sector
  • Critical thinking, study skills, academic writing and a range of professional skills to prepare you for employment

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 artistic, technical and narrative 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 Arch Vis, Animation, TV & Film, 3D Product Visualisation 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, students can choose to progress to a full BSc (Hons) Game Development and Production Top-up Degree. This program includes an additional year of study for full-time students and two years for part-time students. You may also seek relevant employment which may include:

  • Freelance Game Developer
  • Quality Assurance
  • Technical Artist
  • Independent Game Developer
  • Computer Games Entrepreneur

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 currently open for 2024 and 2025 entry.

To apply directly to study at University Centre Leeds as an international applicant, please 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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