Program Overview

If you’re looking to study a computer games or digital arts degree, but don’t have the relevant qualifications or experience, this foundation year will help you develop the core skills and knowledge to progress onto one of our BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology degree.

You’ll cover key subject areas such as game art, game design, animation, CGI, VFX and code, and work on exciting practical projects designed to help you learn key digital design skills. You’ll also be supported to develop key transferable skills in preparation for your degree level studies.

Alongside programming, you’ll study the areas that build up the problem solving and logic skills you need to succeed, including computational thinking, designing gameplay systems, and maths for games. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to collaborate with students studying games art and design in studio modules that simulate industry practice, and in the Video Games Academy. All this gives you the breadth and depth in all aspects of game development that puts you in the best possible position to start your career in this growing industry after graduation.

Throughout your studies you will learn in our industry grade computing labs, enabling you to learn the tools and techniques of professional game developers. These labs offer all the specialist software you’ll need, including: Visual Studio, Unreal Engine UDK, Unity, DirectX, Vulkan, Photoshop, 3D Studio Max and more. You’ll also have access to motion capture, VR/AR and console development systems – all the resources you need.

You’ll be taught by highly experienced academics with vast experience of the gaming industry, and excellent industry links. These close links enable you to benefit from a range of guest lectures throughout your studies and gain valuable critiques and guidance. Recent speakers have included representatives from Stainless Games, Unity and Aardvark Swift.

Special events are a valuable part of the student experience. There are opportunities to attend conferences, guest lectures, even occasional trips to industry venues. We encourage participation in Game Jams and host a few every year. All these events help you to build vital industry contacts and hone your skills.