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Computer Games Programming and Design with Digital Arts Foundation Year
- BSc (Hons)
- 4 Years
- Full-time
- 21/09/2026
- Undergraduate
- Main Site
- Awarded by:
- Solent University
Course summary
The Digital Arts Foundation Year will help you develop the core skills and knowledge needed to progress onto one of our related industry-focused undergraduate degrees.
You’ll work alongside game art, games design and programming, animation, CGI, VFX, fashion, and music students on exciting practical projects designed to help you learn key digital design and art skills. You’ll also be supported in developing key transferable skills for your degree-level studies.
You'll be taught by passionate staff who are experts in their fields, with a wealth of real-world experience and knowledge. They'll be on hand to help you throughout your foundation year and then onto your chosen undergraduate degree.
Who this course is for
Solent’s Digital Arts Foundation Year is intended for students without the required UCAS points for direct entry. This could be mature students returning to education, students without the required qualifications, or students looking to change career path after completing further education qualifications.
Modules
FOUNDATION YEAR
CORE MODULES
Creative Digital Art Software
Creative Industries Launchpad
Creative Exploration
Creative Showcase
YEAR ONE
CORE MODULES
Game Start: Game Development 101
Rubber Duck: Coding 101
XP: Game Design
Game Studio 1
YEAR TWO
CORE MODULES
New Mechanics: Advanced Game Development
Game Studio 2
Game Studio 3
OPTIONAL MODULES - Please note: Not all optional modules are guaranteed to run each year.
Building Games from Scratch: Engine Architecture
Spaces and Stories
FINAL YEAR
CORE MODULES
Game Studio 4
Final Fight: Final Major Project Part 1
Final Fight 2: Final Major Project Part 2
OPTIONAL MODULES - Please note: Not all optional modules are guaranteed to run each year.
Advanced Graphics Programming
Respec: Experimental Game Design
Assessment method
You may be assessed at the end of each block by:
Project work
Coursework
Creative design projects
Group work
Individual and group projects
As part of this course, you will study one module at a time, giving you the chance to build a deeper understanding and see the results of your hard work more quickly. With regular assessments and feedback, rather than exams all at once, you’ll also benefit from improved focus, and a more manageable workload.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site
Study options
- BSc (Hons) • Full-time • 4 Years
Start dates
- 21/09/2026
Apply by
14 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- CGP3
- Institution code:
- S30
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Foundation
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
Southampton, Solent University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- CGP3
- Institution code:
- S30
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Foundation
International applicants
For information about applying to Solent as an International applicant, please visit https://www.solent.ac.uk/how-to-apply/entry-requirements/help-for-international-students
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 48 points
From A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at PPP or BTEC Diploma at MP or equivalent.
An `optional’ online portfolio submission may be required as part of the selection process.
We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds. Applicants who are not in possession of the minimum entry requirements but are able to demonstrate aptitude, enthusiasm and motivation will be considered on an individual basis and may be admitted subject to satisfactory interview and/or portfolio. Please contact us for further details.
A level - DD
From a minimum of two completed A levels.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - PPP
AS
In combination with other qualifications.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MP
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - M
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
In combination with other qualifications.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024) - A
Extended Project
In combination with other qualifications.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - PPP
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma - MP
OCR Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma - MM
OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma - MM
OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma - D
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate - D
OCR Cambridge Technical Certificate
In combination with other qualifications.
AQA Level 3 (Foundation) Technical Level (360 glh) - D
AQA Level 3 Technical Level (540 glh) - MM
AQA Level 3 Technical Level (720 glh) - MP
AQA Level 3 Technical Level (1080 glh) - PPP
T Level - P
Pass grade (D or E)
IELTS minimum score of 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component of reading, writing, speaking and listening.
TOEFL (IBT) minimum score of 71 overall with a minimum of 19 in each component of reading, writing, speaking and listening.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | with a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four components |
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
We understand that each student is unique. At Solent we encourage individuality and have adopted a balanced approach to Admissions, by considering exam results alongside portfolios / interviews or auditions.
Our contextual offer scheme allows offers below our standard academic entry criteria to those who have faced challenges which has impacted their performance and predicted higher grades, by taking into account additional selection criteria such as a strong portfolio, interview or audition.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| International | £19081 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Sponsorship information
Solent University offers a number of bursaries, grants and scholarships. For more information, please visit https://www.solent.ac.uk/finance/grants-bursaries-scholarships/bursaries
Southampton, Solent University
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Southampton
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Course contact details
Main Contact - Admissions and Enrolment Team
Email:admissions@solent.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0) 23 8201 5066
Student Funding Team
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