Games Development with Foundation Year

Course overview: This course includes a foundation year - ideal if you need additional preparation or if you don't have sufficient grades to join Year 1. Use game engines to implement gameplay mechanics. There is a need in the industry for graduates with a thorough knowledge of games design but also with the ability to technically implement it. You explore core games design alongside programming (scripting for game engines).

Develop an understanding of design and programming to build creative solutions to production challenges. You plan and develop 2D and 3D games in a number of game engines, giving you the skills to enter a broad range of careers ranging from programming to level design. You also take part in a wide variety of game jams, hackathons, and industry networking events. You can also apply to our on campus Launchpad accelerator programme to develop your own independent game.

Top reasons to study this course

1. Industry links: take part in Animex, our annual international animation and games festival featuring experts from Rockstar, Pixar, Disney and Sony.
2. Real-world experience: enter GameJam events, take part in industry competitions and Beta test upcoming games before they are released.
3. Career-ready: our ExpoSeries of events allow you to showcase your skills to industry professionals who are seeking to recruit new and rising talent.
4. Start-up business support: we support you to develop your own business in games through our innovative Power UP Indie Games Accelerator.

After the course: This course provides you with a range of technical and design skills, making you the perfect candidate for a career as an independent games developer. Entrepreneurial support from University-based Launchpad helps you to start your career as an independent developer or small company. Many small studios now take advantage of Kickstarter funding to generate the funds to develop their games. As a graduate of this course, you have the skills to put forward a polished proof of concept to attract funding.

As the course provides a range of transferable skills in real-time environments such as Unity and Unreal, you are also well suited for careers in virtual reality or real-time visualisation and interactive experiences.