Foundation Degree Game Development

Course overview

Develop the creative and logical skills needed to develop games that excite and delight gamers around the world. Our Game Development Foundation Degree covers 2D and 3D asset creation, game environments, game engines, programming languages, special effects, game theory and more, giving you all the skills you need to create your own games.

Blend artistic and programming elements to create games, effects and mechanics that when combined, help to form a game from the concept stage through to creation. You will explore game trends, game history and popular culture and mechanics. Additionally, you will explore and analyse game design and gameplay.

You will work across a variety of projects, developing multiple games design skills, understanding the theory of play and underpinning your designs and creations with practical 3D, 2D and programming knowledge. You will create game ready assets and environments and will script in game engines such as Unity and Unreal to make playable games.

By gaining an understanding of multiple disciplines, you will become an indie games developer able to produce games from scratch. To reflect industry practice we promote the use of agile workflows and industry events such as Game Jams and Game Societies.

For all relevant policies and procedures and other relevant documents please see the University Centre Leeds policies here.

This is a University Centre Leeds course which is a part of and validated by Leeds City College and a member of Luminate Education Group.

• Entry Requirements

  A typical offer is likely to consist of:

  A Levels: 2xD grades one of which to be in a relevant subject

  BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma: MP, MPP grade in relevant subjects

  Access to HE Diploma: Overall pass with 60 credits

  GCSE English: Desirable – English Language Grade C or above (grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards). Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.

  GCSE Maths: Desirable – Maths Grade C or above (grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards). Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.

  IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component.

  International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria

  Mature applicants: Leeds City College welcomes applications from mature* applicants who may not have met the academic criteria, but who can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and may be asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.

  *21 years and over at the start of the course

  RPL claims: The course actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPL)

  Interviews / audition: A successful interview where you will be asked to present a portfolio of work is required.

• Benefits/Skills

  You will be given the opportunity to work across a wide range of projects, developing skills in multiple areas of game design, understanding the theory of play and underpinning your designs and creations with knowledge of 3D, 2D and Programming. Developing the workflows required to create game ready assets, environments and scripting in engines such as Unity and Unreal to make playable games. You will develop skills in implementing the assets you have created and integrate them with code to create an interactive and engaging playable game.

  You will develop the following skills:

  • Innovative and creative thinking that prepares you for a role in the games industry or as an Independent Developer in your own right.
  • Critical understanding of contemporary computer games and the theory and psychology behind gameplay.
  • Self-discipline and independence as learners and the qualities needed to work in the game development sector
  • Critical thinking, study skills, academic writing and a range of professional skills to prepare you for employment

  
  

  Benefits include:

  • Smaller cohorts allowing more personalised teaching and learning.
  • Taught by practicing professionals.
  • Opportunity for networking and industry links.
  • The opportunity to work collaboratively on ideas and projects.

  
  

  You will also be developed as a creative individual, learning to appreciate and apply the artistic, technical and narrative techniques that form the core of contemporary games development. Finally, you will become well versed in the real world of computer games, learning how the past, present and future of computer games are vital to your career and personal development. You will develop a range of skills that can be used across the creative industries, such as Arch Vis, Animation, TV & Film, 3D Product Visualisation and many others.

• Units/Modules

  Modules may include:

  Level 4

  Introduction to 3D – You will be introduced to 3D modelling software, skills, techniques and pipelines.

  Visual Design – Explore and understand the techniques used to create artwork within the Games industry.

  Game Creation –  You will learn how to utilise multiple engines to create and develop your own individual game or game level.

  Project 1 – Working together as a team to create, develop and produce a game, game level or experience. Collaborating with students from other courses and specialisms.

  Principles of Gameplay – You will explore and analyse existing games to understand the core functionalities and gameplay properties that are used to create engaging and immersive experiences.

  Professional Development – Learn about the academic requirements of University whilst contextualising this research for games.

  Level 5

  Game Engine Development – You will develop your skills further within game engines and create your own game or experience using advanced techniques.

  Prototyping – You will learn and go through the process of Prototyping and its importance within games.

  Project 2 – Working together as a team to create, develop and produce a game, game level or experience. Collaborating with students from other courses and specialisms.

  Visual Effects – You will learn how to create visual effects within a game engine to create explosive particles to intricate shader based systems.

  Employability Skills – You will develop the softer skills to prepare you for a job in the industry, learning how to pitch and present yourselves in a professional manner.

  Principles of Games Design – You will develop your understanding of principles of games, creating your own game and design with no limitations.

• Careers/Progression

  On completion of this Foundation Degree you can progress on to a Top-Up degree at University Centre Leeds or another institution. You may also seek relevant employment which may include:

  • Freelance Game Developer
  • Quality Assurance
  • Technical Artist
  • Independent Game Developer
  • Computer Games Entrepreneur

  
  

  For all relevant policies and procedures and other relevant documents please see the University Centre Leeds website here.

• Assesment Types

  Modules will be formally assessed and graded through a range of methods, including:

  • Practical Demonstrations
  • Portfolios
  • Reflections
  • Case Studies
  • Solo & Group Projects
  • Evaluations
  • Academic Posters

  
  

  This range of activities provides the opportunity for everyone to demonstrate the knowledge and skills that they have acquired throughout the course of their studies.