Games Design and Development

The Games Design and Development Foundation Degree (FdA), subject to validation by Sheffield Hallam University, equips you with a wide range of conceptual, visual and technical skills for creating games, while exploring the rules, strategies and psychology that shape engaging gameplay experiences.
You’ll develop game prototypes for AAA studios and other professional clients, gaining confidence in collaboration and working alongside industry experts. Based in one of the world’s largest Sony PlayStation equipped facilities, you’ll experiment with emerging technologies including VR, AR, XR and generative AI. Work on real development projects with partners ranging from major studios and indie developers to civic organisations and educational institutes, all while refining your own creative approach using state of the art resources.
You will gain a wide range of games development knowledge linked to practical skills gained through research, independent study, directed study and workplace scenarios. You will be involved in vocational activities that help you to develop behaviours and transferable skills required for this industry. Transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, research and analysis, are highly valued in higher education and in the workplace.
By the end of this course, you will have sound knowledge of the basic concepts of game development. You will be competent in a range of subject-specific skills as well as in general skills and qualities relevant to key areas of game development.

*This course is subject to validation for 2026 delivery

Games Design theory - 20 credits - semester 1
Games Design Practice - 40 credits - semester 1
Digital Prototyping 1 - 40 credits - Semester 2
Game Project - 20 credits - semester 2

You will complete project-based assessments which are industry-focussed. The teaching will reflect the project approach and will include aspects of teamworking.