Bachelor in BA Honours Game Design and Development with Foundation Year

Sheffield Hallam University, established in 1843 and based in Sheffield, is a large modern university serving around 31,000 students, including approximately 3,100 international learners. The university is known for applied teaching, industry-aligned courses and strong professional links across disciplines from business and health to engineering and the creative industries. Students benefit from modern facilities, well-equipped labs and specialist studios tailored to career-focused learning.

The campus ethos emphasizes employability: placements, work-based projects and employer partnerships are embedded across many programs, helping students gain practical experience and build professional networks. Academic staff work closely with industry and regional employers on applied research and innovation, creating pathways into internships and graduate roles. Dedicated student support services assist with academic skills, careers advice and wellbeing.

Sheffield itself is a friendly, affordable student city with good transport links to the north of England and easy access to green spaces and cultural venues. International students often highlight the city’s welcoming community, active student societies and opportunities to balance study with outdoor activities. For those seeking a practical, career-oriented university experience in the UK, Sheffield Hallam offers strong employer engagement, supportive services and an accessible urban lifestyle.

This programme is tailored for aspiring game creators who need a foundational bridge before diving into the intensive, industry-focused BA (Hons) Game Design and Development degree. It is ideal for students who are passionate about interactive media but require additional preparation in academic writing, research methodology, and collaborative project management to succeed at the undergraduate level.

Students learn within the vibrant environment of the Sheffield Business School, gaining a unique perspective on the commercial and professional realities of the games industry from day one. The curriculum emphasizes a hands-on, experimental approach, encouraging you to step outside your comfort zone through:

• Iterative prototyping and creative risk-taking.
• Collaborative media production using industry-standard tools.
• Critical analysis of the cultural, social, and economic impact of games.
• Practical skill-building in storyboarding, scripting, and digital design.

Professional Industry Integration

The course distinguishes itself by embedding students in a professional workflow early on. By moving from the foundation year directly into the full degree, you gain access to high-level resources and partnerships—including support from industry giants like Sony PlayStation—that facilitate live projects, networking with guest lecturers, and the opportunity to pitch prototypes to real-world clients.