FdSc Computer Games Design and Development Foundation degree at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
FdSc Computer Games Design and Development at SGSC. You'll engage with core concepts, research methods, and hands-on project work, alongside specialist technical or creative modules tailored to your interests.
About this course
FdSc Computer Games Design and Development | University Centre SGS Please be advised that SGS College will be closed from Friday 19 December, until Tuesday 6 January 2026. From the provider’s course page.
FdSc Computer Games Design and Development is a Foundation degree (FdSc) at SGSC, based in University Centre WISE Campus. It runs 2 years, studied full-time.
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Art & Design, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2021-23. Continuation 75% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Level 4 4 modules
- Creative Design, Development and Production Techniques for Video GamesCore
Module details
This module aims to introduce you to the theory and practical aspects of design, development, and production of video games, including but not limited to physical prototyping, digital prototyping and the initial stages of the production pipeline. You will enhance your knowledge and understanding of video games and genres as well as development and production methodologies. You will also have the opportunity to explore a range of creative approaches and evolve technical skills using industry stan
Assessment: Assignment: 30% (1,500 words or equivalent) Practical Assessment: 70% (3,000 words or equivalent)
- Introduction to 3D Modelling and Game GraphicsCore
Module details
This module will introduce you to the industry tools and techniques that are involved in 3D Modelling and Texturing for video games. You will focus on asset modelling and texturing for game content in order to create modular components to build game environments.
Assessment: Portfolio: 50% (2250 words or equivalent) Portfolio: 50% (2250 words or equivalent)
- Fundamentals of Game EnginesCore
Module details
In this module you will be developing and producing a range of functioning game mechanic prototypes, that enable gamers' interaction and experience. Using an industry standard game engine, you will have an opportunity to explore and interact with the software. develop technical skills, and evolve your knowledge and understanding of creative thinking, central to the technical production of video game content.
Assessment: Portfolio: 50% (2250 words or equivalent) Portfolio: 50% (2250 words or equivalent)
- Fundamentals of Games ProgrammingCore
Module details
In this module you will be developing and producing a range of functioning game mechanics, utilising a programming language, towards a prototype project that enable users' interaction and experience. Using an integrated development environment and within an industry standard game engine, you will be introduced to the fundamentals and principles of a programming language, allowing the opportunity to explore and interact with the software's, develop further technical skills and enhance your knowle
Assessment: 70% Portfolio 3150 words (or equivalent) 30% Assignment 1350 words (or equivalent)
Level 5 5 modules
- Game ProductionCore
Module details
This module will simulate a small 'Games Studio' environment where you will work in a team comprised of students from multiple discipline pathways. Building on both interpersonal and technical skills, you will negotiate roles and create a production plan to develop an artefact, which will then form the basis for critical reflection. You will work in your teams under the supervision of staff, to create a vertical slice of a game experience product to include mechanic behaviour, artistic represent
Assessment: 30% Presentation 2400 words (or equivalent) 70% Portfolio 3600 words (or equivalent)
- User Interface & Extended Games ProgrammingCore
Module details
In this module you will be developing knowledge around interactive user interfaces (UIs) and extending upon programming languages applications, all of which enable gamers' interaction and experience. Using an industry standard game engine and within an integrated development environment, you will have an opportunity to practically develop both an interactive user interface (UI) and a programmed game experience, both of which will be referenced to an existing video game product. This will allow y
Assessment: 50% Portfolio 3000 words (or equivalent) 50% Portfolio 3000 words (or equivalent)
- Sector-based Work PlacementCore
Module details
This module aims to prepare you for the industry through practical experience in a sector relevant placement, comprising 20 hours. There will be a clear focus on industry expectations, personal reflection and wider employability skills, ensuring you are prepared to enter the job market and successfully progress with your career.
Assessment: Portfolio: 100% (3000 words or equivalent)
- Extended Game EnginesCore
Module details
In this module you will be developing complex scripting skills through practical exploration and apply attention to product detail through design and iteration. Using an industry standard game engine, you will have an opportunity to produce and develop your own designed video game experience, from initial concept to polished product; further develop your technical skills, and enhance your knowledge and understanding of creative thinking, towards the whole production and implementation of video g
Assessment: Portfolio: 70% (4500 words or equivalent) Assignment: 30% (1500 words or equivalent)
- Emergent TechnologyCore
Module details
The module aims to develop your research abilities and investigative skills in the context of emergent technologies and industry trends. Exploring the production pipeline and production processes you will have an opportunity to explore various innovations and trends in the sector providing you with a platform to make informed discoveries which can then be experimented within. This experience will be reflective of the industry structure and expectations in both content and practical application.
Assessment: Portfolio: 100% (3,000 words or equivalent)
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll study the theory and practice of computer games design and development across two years. A course like this typically starts with foundations in visual studies and design principles, colour, composition and form, alongside workshops in materials and processes, from traditional media to digital fabrication. Contextual studies ground your work in art and design history. As you progress, you'll move into sustained studio practice, digital and emerging media tools such as creative software and 3D, and live client briefs. In your final year, you'll normally develop a specialist direction in areas such as graphic design, illustration, UX and digital, or fine art, culminating in a major self-directed project and degree show.
Who it's for
This course suits you if you're curious about how games are made, whether you're drawn to design, code, art or narrative, and want to combine creativity with problem-solving. You'll thrive if you enjoy both independent thinking and collaborative work, and if you're ready to learn through practical projects rather than theory alone. Many students arrive with A-level qualifications or equivalent. The day-to-day involves prototyping, coding, designing, testing and iterating; you'll work on your own ideas and alongside peers.
Careers & job market
Nationally, 87% of art and design graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 55% are in highly skilled roles or continuing their studies. Graduate earnings across the field show a starting range of £22,000–£27,000 at 15 months; earnings typically vary after three and five years. A foundation degree can lead directly to employment or to a top-up bachelor's degree, depending on your ambitions and the opportunities available to you.
University & format
This Foundation degree is studied full-time over 2 years at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, a higher education college based at University Centre WISE Campus. The course is taught in English and is a nationally recognised UK degree award.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 90% |
| another higher-education qualification | 10% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at SGSC →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Art & Design graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in art & design · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Art & Design nationally
National figures for Art & Design graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
continued or completed
continued into the next year or completed their qualification
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Published threshold met. Sample size is not included in this snapshot. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Job market & outlook
How Art & Design graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Art & Design graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Design studios & agencies
- In-house brand teams
- Games & media companies
- Freelance & self-employed
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Art & Design graduates.
Fine Art TechnicianFirst Choice StaffPharmacy Technician – Brand New State-of-the-Art HospitalCompass AssociatesArtificial Intelligence Engineering ManagerMBN SolutionsArtificial Intelligence EngineerExperis UKDelivery Driver (Part Time 24 hours) - AndoverOcado LogisticsCompliance Business PartnerNashrock Insurance RecruitmentIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 7.8 out of 10: NSS 81.7% · continued 75%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Design, and creative and performing arts across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around University Centre WISE Campus
533 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Art & Design right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to SGSC from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by SGSC; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check SGSC’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with SGSC and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at SGSC
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates earn?
What will it cost me?
Request information about FdSc Computer Games Design and Development
Prospectus, key dates, entry and funding, free to your inbox.