School of Coding & AI

Official UK Government Partner

BSc (Hons) Digital Game Development With Foundation Year

BSc (Hons) Digital Game Development With Foundation Year

Accredited by BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT

Design. Develop. Innovate. Build the next generation of interactive experiences through game programming, 3D modelling, artificial intelligence, multiplayer systems and immersive technologies.

IntakesSeptember, May
Awarding body
Entry Requirements
  • UCAS tariff 120–104 points.
  • A-levels BBB–BCC.
  • BTEC Extended Diploma DMM–MMM.
  • International Baccalaureate: 26 points, with three subjects at Higher level.
Qualification

BSc (Hons)

Mode

Full-Time

Duration

4 Years

Campus

Birmingham

Course Overview

The BSc (Hons) Digital Game Development with Foundation Year degree at School of Coding is designed for aspiring game developers who want to transform their passion for gaming into a successful career in one of the world’s fastest-growing creative and technology industries. Delivered in partnership with the University of Brighton, this degree combines technical expertise, creative design and industry-focused learning to prepare students for careers in game development, interactive media and emerging digital technologies.

Practical Experience

Throughout the course, you will gain practical experience in designing, programming and developing games using industry-standard tools and modern game engines. You will explore game mechanics, gameplay programming, 3D environments, artificial intelligence, user experience, animation and multiplayer systems while developing the problem-solving and collaborative skills expected by today's employers.

Hands-on projects

Learning takes place through hands-on projects, collaborative development, creative experimentation and real-world scenarios that reflect current industry practices. You will have opportunities to create your own portfolio of games, work in multidisciplinary teams and apply your knowledge to professional development projects.

Develop a Professional Mindset

As the gaming industry continues to expand across entertainment, education, healthcare, simulation, virtual reality and augmented reality, graduates with specialist digital game development skills are increasingly in demand. This degree equips you with the technical knowledge, creative confidence and professional mindset needed to succeed in this exciting and innovative sector.

Course Structure
& Modules

Introduction to Games Development Tools
Introduces core coding concepts and industry-standard digital development tools used in games production. Students gain practical experience with software, workflows and problem-solving techniques that support the creation and testing of interactive digital content.  

Fundamentals of Games Programming  
Develops foundational programming knowledge for game development, covering variables,  control structures, functions, data handling and debugging. Students learn to create simple interactive applications while applying logical thinking and computational problem-solving skills. 

Fundamentals of Games Design 
Explores the principles of effective game design, including gameplay mechanics, player experience, level design, storytelling and prototyping. Students analyse existing games and develop concepts that balance creativity, engagement and usability.  

Game Ethics  
Examines ethical considerations in game development, including representation,  accessibility, player wellbeing, data privacy and monetisation practices. Students evaluate social impacts and apply responsible design principles to create inclusive and ethical gaming experiences. 

Learning to Learn for Games Development 
Supports the development of independent learning skills essential for higher education and professional practice. Students build confidence in research, reflection, time management, goal setting and academic approaches relevant to game development.  

Communication, collaboration and  professional practice  
Develops effective communication, teamwork and professional skills required within the games industry. Students engage in collaborative projects, explore workplace expectations, and enhance their ability to present ideas and work productively with others.

Introduction to Game Design and Development  
Introduces the core principles of game design and development, covering gameplay mechanics, player experience, development workflows and prototyping. Students explore the relationship between design concepts and technical implementation in game creation.  

Introduction to Games Programming 
Provides an introduction to programming for games, focusing on fundamental coding concepts, problem-solving techniques and interactive systems. Students develop simple game features while learning industry-relevant programming practices and workflows.  

Object-oriented Game Development 
Explores object-orientated programming principles and their application in game development. Students learn to design reusable, scalable code using classes, inheritance, encapsulation and polymorphism to create more complex interactive game systems.  

Introduction to Web Development 
Introduces the fundamentals of web development, including HTML, CSS and basic scripting techniques. Students create responsive web content while developing an understanding of user experience, accessibility, and contemporary web design practices. 

Working in the Digital and Games Industries 
Examines the structure, roles, and professional practices within the digital and games sectors. Students explore career pathways, industry expectations, project workflows, entrepreneurship and the skills required for successful professional development.  

Introduction to 3D Modelling and Animation 
Introduces the principles and techniques of 3D modelling and animation for digital games. Students create and manipulate assets while developing an understanding of modelling workflows, animation processes and asset optimisation.

Artificial Intelligence for Games 
Explores artificial intelligence techniques used in game development, including pathfinding, decision-making, behaviour trees and autonomous agents. Students implement AI systems that enhance gameplay, challenge and player interaction within digital games.  

Narrative Game Design 
Examines storytelling techniques and narrative structures in games, focusing on character  development, world-building, player agency and interactive storytelling. Students design engaging narrative experiences that integrate effectively with gameplay and player progression.  

Integrated Group Project 
Provides experience of collaborative game development within a multidisciplinary team. Students apply project management, communication and technical skills to plan,  develop and deliver a substantial game project from concept to completion.  

Game Development Frameworks 
Introduces industry-relevant game development frameworks and tools for creating interactive applications. Students learn framework architectures, workflows, and implementation techniques to support efficient development, testing and deployment of digital games.  

Intermediate 3D Modelling and Animation
Develops advanced skills in 3D asset creation and animation for games. Students refine modelling, texturing, rigging, and animation techniques while considering production pipelines, optimisation, and visual quality requirements.  

Web-based Game Development 
Explores the design and development of games for web platforms using contemporary web technologies. Students create interactive browser-based experiences while addressing performance, accessibility, responsiveness and cross-platform compatibility considerations.

The Computing Project 
An independent capstone project enabling students to investigate, design, develop and evaluate a substantial game or computing-related solution. The module develops advanced research, project management, problem-solving and professional communication skills.  

Advanced 3D Modelling and Animation
Develops advanced techniques in 3D asset production, character creation, animation and visual storytelling. Students create sophisticated game-ready assets while refining technical workflows and applying industry-standard practices for digital content production.  

Multiplayer Game Development 
Focuses on the design and development of multiplayer gaming experiences. Students explore networking concepts, player interaction systems, synchronisation techniques and performance considerations while creating engaging online or local multiplayer games. 

Virtual Reality Systems  
Explores the design, development and evaluation of immersive virtual reality experiences. Students investigate interaction techniques, user engagement and emerging technologies while creating interactive applications for virtual and extended reality environments.  

New Horizons in Computing  
Investigates contemporary developments and future directions in computing and digital technologies. Students evaluate emerging innovations, analyse their potential impact and  develop research and presentation skills relevant to industry and academia.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should normally meet one of the following entry requirements:

A-levels BBB–BCC.
BTEC Extended Diploma DMM–MMM.
International Baccalaureate 26 points, with three subjects at Higher level.
UCAS tariff 120–104 points.
Work out how many UCAS tariff points you have achieved with the UCAS tariff calculator.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Find out about the other English qualifications that we accept.

Studied before or got relevant experience?

If you have suitable qualifications, credits from a previous university course, or relevant professional experience, these could count towards your course at School of Coding, and you could start the course in year 2 or 3.

Mature Students

Mature applicants with relevant professional or industry experience are also encouraged to apply and may be considered on an individual basis.

Course Fee Structure

UK Students

£9790 GBP

The course fees shown here are what you will pay for the first year of your course if you start in the academic year 2026–27 and you are studying full-time (fee amount is subject to parliamentary approval). You pay fees in each year of your course. The fees you pay may increase each year.

Benefits

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Digital Game Development programme are well prepared for a wide variety of careers across the creative technology sector. Potential career paths include:

Gameplay
Programmer

Gameplay programmers develop the core mechanics, controls and interactive features that make games engaging and enjoyable. They work closely with designers and artists to bring gameplay ideas to life using programming languages and game engines.

Game
Developer

Game developers design, build and test complete video games across multiple platforms, including PC, console and mobile. They combine programming, problem-solving and creativity to deliver immersive gaming experiences from concept to release.

Game
Designer

Game designers create the vision behind a game by designing levels, characters, gameplay mechanics, storylines and player progression. They focus on delivering engaging, balanced and enjoyable experiences that keep players entertained.

Technical
Artist

Technical artists bridge the gap between art and programming, ensuring that visual assets work efficiently within a game engine. They develop tools, workflows and technical solutions that help artists create high-quality game environments and effects.

3D Artist and
Animator

3D artists and animators create characters, environments, objects and visual effects for games, bringing digital worlds to life through modelling, texturing, rigging and animation. They combine artistic creativity with technical skills to create immersive and visually engaging experiences.

AI Programmer
(Games)

AI programmers develop intelligent behaviours for non-player characters (NPCs), enemies and game systems using artificial intelligence techniques. They create realistic decision-making, pathfinding and adaptive gameplay that enhances player immersion and challenge.

Graduates may also progress to postgraduate study or establish their own independent game development studios.

Besides, a graduate in Digital Game Development can also take up careers like: Technical Designer, Software Developer, Graphics Programmer, Gameplay Systems Developer, Virtual Reality (VR) Developer, Augmented Reality (AR) Developer, Interactive Media Developer, Simulation Developer, Mobile Game Developer, Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer, Technical Artist, Indie Game Developer, Game Producer and Technical Project Manager

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This degree combines programming, game design and software development to prepare students for careers in the digital games and interactive technology industries.

No. The course begins with fundamental programming concepts before progressing to more advanced development techniques, making it suitable for beginners as well as those with prior experience.

Students gain experience with industry-standard game development tools and engines used for creating modern interactive applications and games.

Yes. Throughout the programme you will develop individual and collaborative game projects, culminating in a substantial final-year game development project.

Graduates can pursue careers in game development, gameplay programming, software engineering, virtual reality, augmented reality, simulation technologies, technical design and interactive media.

Yes. International students are welcome to apply, provided they meet the academic and English language entry requirements.

The programme uses project-based learning and industry-inspired assignments that reflect professional game development practices and help you build a strong portfolio.

Yes. Graduates may progress to master’s degrees in game development, computer science, artificial intelligence, software engineering or other related disciplines.

You will develop expertise in programming, game design, software engineering, artificial intelligence, teamwork, creative problem-solving, project management and professional communication.

School of Coding offers an industry-focused learning experience that combines practical projects, expert teaching, modern technologies and strong employability support, helping graduates develop the skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving games and digital technology industries.

Get in Touch

Location

35 Livery St, Birmingham B3 2PB, United Kingdom

Call Us

0121 582 4468

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