BSC (HONOURS) Computer Science for Games at Sheffield Hallam University

• Develop advanced programming skills, using C++ as the core language throughout the course.
• Use industry-standard APIs such as Microsoft's DirectX, Unity, Unreal, Corona, OpenGL, Android SDK and iOS.
• Learn about 3D graphics, computer architecture, game engines and game industry business models.
• Study on a course with industry accreditation from TIGA and the British Computer Society.
• Have the opportunity to work abroad — with the possibility of Erasmus funding being available for European placements.

Study the skills and techniques demanded by the games industry, such as programming, software engineering and optimisation, mathematics and the use of games hardware on desktop, consoles and mobile platforms. Master project management techniques and tools used within the games industry and design your own games in the world's largest PlayStation® teaching lab. 

In 2018 we were named 'Best Educational Institution' by TIGA, the independent games association. The award recognises our games courses for being world leading, having strong links with industry, and leading its students into graduate roles.

Work placements

You will have the opportunity to arrange a year-long work placement in between your second and third years. This gives you a real-world experience to prepare you for your future career. In previous years, students have taken placements at

• Sony (SCEE)
• Team17
• SN Systems
• SI Games
• Autodesk
• Dumpling Design
• Jollywise Media
• 3Squared
• Supermassive
• Sumo Digital

Networking opportunities

We work in close partnership with games companies such as Sumo Digital, SN Systems and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE). They provide equipment and input into the design, development and delivery of the course, ensuring we teach the very latest topics. For example, industry speakers give talks on specialist topics and offer employability advice.

We've been awarded PlayStation®First status by Sony (SCEE), providing unique access to PlayStation® professional development hardware (dev-kits) and software (SDK) and equipping students with industry-relevant game development skills across PlayStation® 4 and PlayStation® VR.

Live projects

If you do well in the first two years, you will be eligible for transfer to our related MComp course, an integrated masters course that provides additional depth of study and increased industrial involvement. You may also be selected to work within Steel Minions, our own commercially licensed game development studio, and take part in small-scale commercial development projects.

Competitions

There is an annual student prize for the best software development tool, sponsored by SN Systems — a part of Sony Interactive Entertainment. 

Future careers

This course prepares you for a career in

• game software development
• graphical software design and visualisation
• applications programming
• software engineering

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for

• Sumo Digital
• 3Squared
• SN Systems
• Servelec Group
• Hewlett-Packard Ltd
• IBM Ltd
• Citrix
• ORACLE