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Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
48 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Foundation
Major
Digital Media | Game Design | Game Development
Area of study
Arts | Information and Communication Technologies
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-09-01-
About Program

Program Overview


The Games Design and Production With Foundation Year is a four-year undergraduate program aimed at providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the subject to progress onto the BSc (Hons) Games Design and Production course.


Introduction


The Foundation Year of this four-year program aims to provide you with an understanding of the subject to allow you to progress on to the BSc (Hons) Games Design and Production course.


Attendance and Duration


  • Attendance: Full-time
  • Course duration: Four years
  • Next enrolment: September 2025

Introduction to the Course


This Foundation Year provides the perfect opportunity for you to explore the key principles of art, design, and media. The course is designed to help you develop your creative skills, give you a chance to build a larger portfolio, and provides a good transition period to familiarize yourself with the School of Arts, Media, and Creative Technology and life as a student at Salford.


What Will I Be Doing?


  • Coursework: 60%
  • Presentations: 40%

Course Structure


The course has the following structure:


  • Year 1:
    • Introduction to Programming
    • Visual Arts
    • Game Design Fundamentals
    • Digital Graphics
    • Entertainment Technologies
    • Principles of Digital Game Design
  • Year 2:
    • Agile Production Management
    • Digital Narrative Technologies
    • Games Design Planning
    • Games Design Prototyping
    • Optional Module: Games Engine Programming or Digital Environment Art
  • Year 3:
    • Final Project Development
    • Creative Portfolio
    • Practice-Based Dissertation

Employment and Stats


Graduates from this course have gone to work in a variety of fields across the games industry, including level/game designer, 3D artist, tools/engine programmer, and producer.


Further Study


Graduates from this course could go on to study one of the following Postgraduate courses:


  • MA Animation
  • MSc Games and Extended Reality (XR)

A Taste of What You Could Become


  • Games Designer
  • 3D Artist
  • Applications Developer
  • Animator
  • Data Scientist
  • More

Career Links


The course involves industry partners on several levels, ranging from guest lecturers, live briefs, and placement opportunities.


Requirements


  • Application Process: In your personal statement (up to 4,000 characters), please explain why you are interested in Games Design and Production, what inspires you in the gaming sector, and what you hope to gain from the Foundation Year.
  • Standard Entry Requirements:
    • GCSE: English Language and Maths at grade C/level 4 or above (or equivalent).
    • A Levels: 64 tariff points from A-levels (or equivalent) to include an Arts & Design qualification preferred.
    • T Levels: Pass with D or E in core subject.
    • UCAS Tariff Points: 64 tariff points from A-levels (or equivalent) to include an Art and Design qualification preferred.
    • BTEC National Diploma: MPP including Art & Design.
    • Access to HE: Pass Level 3 Access to HE Diploma with 64 points (relevant subject).
    • Scottish Highers: 64 points including Art & Design.
    • Irish Leaving Certificate: 64 points including Art & Design.
    • International Baccalaureate: 24 points.
    • European Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with at least 60% overall.
  • Alternative Entry Requirements: Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES) for students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully.

Tuition Fees


Your tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. The fee stated reflects the proposed change but remains subject to parliamentary approval:


  • Type of Study: Full-time home
  • Year: 2025/26
  • Fees: £8,505 for the Foundation Year and £9,535 for subsequent years.
  • Year: 2026/27
  • Fees: £8,505 for the Foundation Year and £9,535 for subsequent years.

Additional Costs


You should also consider further costs, which may include books, stationery, printing, binding, and general subsistence on trips and visits.


Program Outline

This prepares you to progress confidently towards your preferred degree pathway in this field.


The Foundation year program provides a shared learning environment for students intending to pursue diverse art, design, and media disciplines.

It fosters collaboration, encourages creative risk-taking, and cultivates students into confident independent learners within a vibrant and creative community.


Outline


This four-year program consists of the following:


Year 1:

  • Introduction to Programming
  • Visual Arts
  • Game design fundamentals
  • Introduction to Digital graphics
  • Entertainment technologies
  • Principles of Digital Game Design

Year 2:

  • Agile Production management
  • Digital narrative technologies
  • Game design planning
  • Game design Prototyping
  • Two optional modules chosen from:
  • Games Engine programming
  • Digital environment art
  • One optional module chosen from below:
  • Advanced Games Engine programming
  • Digital Character art

Year 3:

  • Final project Development
  • Creative portfolio
  • Practice-Based Dissertation
  • Please note, the exact availability of modules may be subject to changes to ensure content remains up-to-date.

Assessment

  • Your academic progress will be evaluated through a range of assessment methods including:
  • Coursework assignments
  • Project submissions
  • Presentations
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About University
PhD
Masters
Bachelors
Diploma
Foundation
Courses

University of Salford: A Summary


Overview:

The University of Salford is a public university located in Salford, Greater Manchester, England. It is known for its strong focus on practical learning and its close ties to industry. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.


Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university provides a vibrant campus experience with a range of facilities and activities for students. These include:

    Accommodation:

    The university offers a variety of accommodation options, including on-campus residences and private apartments.

    Sports Centre:

    Students can stay active and healthy by joining the university's sports centre, which offers a wide range of activities.

    Clubs and Societies:

    Students can join a variety of clubs and societies to meet new people and pursue their interests.

    Library:

    The university library provides students with access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, and online databases.

    Cafe and Dining:

    The campus has several cafes and dining options for students to enjoy.

Key Reasons to Study There:

    Practical Learning:

    The university emphasizes practical learning, with many programs incorporating hands-on experience and industry placements.

    Industry Connections:

    The university has strong ties to industry, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.

    Location:

    The university is located in Salford, a vibrant city with easy access to Manchester city centre.

    Modern Facilities:

    The university has invested in modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art sports centre and a new library.

Other:

The university offers a variety of student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support. It also has a strong commitment to research, with a focus on areas such as energy, healthcare, and technology.

Total programs
463
Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:


Standard entry requirements:

  • GCSE: English Language and Maths at grade C/level 4 or above (or equivalent).
  • A Levels: 64 UCAS points from A-levels (or equivalent) to include an Arts & Design qualification (preferred).
  • T Levels: Pass: D or E in core subject (in a relevant subject).
  • UCAS tariff points: 64 points from A-levels (or equivalent) to include an Art and Design qualification (preferred).
  • BTEC National Diploma: MPP including Art & Design.
  • Access to HE: Pass Level 3 Access to HE Diploma with 64 points (relevant subject).
  • Scottish Highers: 64 points including Art & Design.
  • Irish Leaving Certificate: 64 points including Art & Design.
  • International Baccalaureate: 24 points.
  • European Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with at least 60% overall.

Alternative entry requirements:

  • Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES): This scheme considers applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully.
  • Assessment is through either a review of prior learning or a formal test.
  • By applying to this Foundation Year, you are applying to a four-year program - the shared Foundation Year, followed by a three-year art, design, or media degree at the University of Salford.
  • The Foundation Year is not a standalone qualification.
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