Software Engineering (Game Development) - Foundation Degree (Progression from CertHE)*
Summary
Build on the foundations developed in the Certificate of Higher Education in Computer Science: Software, Networking & AI by progressing onto the Foundation Degree in Software Engineering (Game Development). This pathway is designed for students who want to combine software engineering principles with the creativity and technical challenges of modern game development.
Throughout the course, you will develop practical skills in programming, game engine development, game mechanics, artificial intelligence tools, and software design. Working with industry-standard technologies and development workflows, you will learn how games are planned, built, tested, and refined while developing the technical knowledge required for a career in software development.
Alongside technical modules, you will complete work-based learning activities that help develop your professional skills and understanding of the wider games and technology industries. Upon successful completion of the Foundation Degree, you can progress to the BSc (Hons) Software Engineering (Game Development) top-up year, further developing your expertise and preparing for careers within the games, software, and interactive technology sectors.
Entry Requirements
To progress onto the Foundation Degree (Year 2) in Software Engineering (Game Development) at Blackpool and The Fylde College, you must have successfully completed the Certificate of Higher Education in Computer Science: Software, Networking & AI (Year 1).
Applicants must have:
- Successfully completed all Level 4 modules within the Computer Science programme
- Achieved a pass in the Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits at Level 4)
This pathway is open only to students who have completed the first year of the Computer Science degree. If you are applying with alternative qualifications or prior learning, your application will be reviewed on an individual basis.
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration / Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
13 Sep 2027
|
University Centre
|
1 Year
/
£0
|
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
The Software Engineering (Game Development) pathway prepares you for a career within the games industry and the wider software development sector. The skills developed throughout the course are highly transferable, combining programming, problem-solving, software design, and project development with an understanding of interactive digital experiences.
Graduates of the Foundation Degree develop practical skills in software development, game engine technologies, technical design, and collaborative development, preparing them for roles such as Junior Software Developer, Junior Game Developer, QA Tester, Technical Designer, or Gameplay Programmer. These positions provide valuable industry experience while building the technical expertise required for long-term career progression.
The pathway also provides a strong foundation for further study through the BSc (Hons) Software Engineering (Game Development) top-up year, allowing you to develop more advanced development, design, and technical specialisms while preparing for graduate-level roles within the games and software industries.
Next steps at B&FC
After completing the Foundation Degree in Software Engineering (Game Development), you can progress directly onto the BSc (Hons) Software Engineering (Game Development) top-up year at Blackpool and The Fylde College. This final year develops more advanced skills in software engineering, game development, artificial intelligence, and interactive design, preparing you for specialist roles within the games industry or the wider software development sector.
Employment Opportunities
This course prepares you for a range of roles within game development, software engineering, and interactive technology. Typical job titles include:
- Junior Game Developer
- Junior Software Developer
- Gameplay Programmer
- Technical Designer
- QA Tester
- Software Development Technician
- Application Developer
- Interactive Media Developer
These roles focus on designing, developing, testing, and supporting software and interactive experiences across the games and technology sectors.
Key information
Extra costs and equipment
The software, tools, and development environments required for this programme are available through Blackpool and The Fylde College's specialist computing facilities. Students have access to the same platforms and technologies used during taught sessions, workshops, and assessment activities.
It is recommended that you have access to a PC or laptop to support independent study, although this is not a requirement. College facilities, specialist laboratories, and supported workshop sessions are available to ensure all students can access the resources needed to succeed.
There may be opportunities to attend optional industry events, conferences, exhibitions, or visits related to software engineering and game development. Where these activities involve additional costs, details will be provided in advance, and support may be available depending on the activity.
What will I learn?
In this second year of the Computer Science degree, specialising in Software Engineering (Game Development), you'll build on your existing computing knowledge to develop the technical, creative, and problem-solving skills required to create modern games and interactive software. The modules you study combine software engineering principles with practical game development, helping you understand how interactive experiences are designed, developed, and refined.
Game Engine Development – Explore the tools, workflows, and techniques used to create games and interactive applications. You'll gain practical experience building projects within a modern game engine while learning how professional development environments support digital creation.
Prompt Engineering – Learn how artificial intelligence tools can support software and game development workflows. You'll explore how prompts are designed, refined, and evaluated while considering their practical applications.
Software Programming – Develop your programming knowledge through the design and implementation of software solutions. You'll learn how to write, test, and refine code while applying software engineering principles to development challenges.
Data Structures & Algorithms – Build your understanding of how software stores, organises, and processes information. This module develops the computational thinking and problem-solving skills that underpin effective software development.
Applied Game Mechanics – Investigate how gameplay systems are designed to create engaging player experiences. You'll explore concepts such as progression, challenge, feedback, and player interaction.
Work-Based Learning – Gain valuable industry experience through live projects or work-based activities, applying your technical skills in a professional context while building your portfolio.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
The Software Engineering (Game Development) pathway includes a dedicated Work-Based Learning module, giving you the opportunity to apply your technical and creative skills within a professional context. This may involve a work placement, employer-led project, industry brief, or other work-based activity designed to help you understand how software and game development skills are used in practice.
Throughout your studies, you will be supported by the delivery team in identifying and securing appropriate opportunities. The programme also benefits from guest speakers and industry professionals who share their experiences, insights, and advice, helping you understand development workflows, emerging technologies, career pathways, and industry expectations.
Where available, students may also have opportunities to attend conferences, exhibitions, game development events, and other industry activities that provide additional exposure to the software and games sectors. These experiences help you build professional networks, explore career opportunities, and gain a broader understanding of the industry beyond the classroom.
How will I learn?
Your learning on the Software Engineering (Game Development) pathway combines practical development work with supportive, engaging teaching. You'll take part in a mix of workshops, laboratories, development sessions, and tutorials, with plenty of opportunities to apply your skills through hands-on projects, collaborative activities, and industry-inspired challenges.
Throughout the course, you'll work with modern development tools and technologies to create software, build interactive experiences, and explore game development workflows. Teaching is designed to reflect professional development environments, with a strong focus on creativity, problem-solving, iteration, and technical skill development.
You'll also benefit from:
- Access to specialist computing laboratories and development environments
- One-to-one tutorials and regular progress reviews
- Blended learning using platforms such as Canvas and Microsoft Teams
- Access to industry-standard software and development tools
- Regular feedback and opportunities to improve your work throughout the year
This practical and collaborative approach helps you develop both the technical expertise and professional confidence required for careers in software engineering and game development, while building a portfolio of work that demonstrates your abilities to employers and future collaborators.
Learning Methods
| Learning Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled | 0 | 288 | 0 |
| Independent | 0 | 912 | 0 |
| Placement | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 0 | 1200 | 0 |
How will I be assessed?
The Software Engineering (Game Development) pathway includes six modules designed to develop your programming skills, technical knowledge, creativity, and professional confidence. Each module is assessed through a combination of practical development work and written assignments, helping you build a portfolio that reflects the skills used throughout the games and software industries.
In Game Engine Development, you'll create interactive projects using modern development tools and techniques. Assessment focuses on your ability to design, develop, and evaluate software solutions within a game development environment.
Prompt Engineering explores how artificial intelligence can support development workflows. You'll be assessed on your ability to design effective prompts, evaluate outputs, and demonstrate how AI tools can be applied within technical projects.
Software Programming focuses on the design and implementation of software solutions. You'll complete practical programming tasks alongside supporting work that demonstrates your understanding of software development principles.
In Data Structures & Algorithms, you'll apply computational thinking and problem-solving techniques to development challenges, demonstrating your understanding of how software organises and processes information efficiently.
Applied Game Mechanics examines how gameplay systems are designed and implemented. You'll create and evaluate mechanics that influence player experience while demonstrating your understanding of game design principles.
Finally, in Work-Based Learning, you'll complete a placement or industry-focused project, building a portfolio of evidence while reflecting on your professional development and employability skills.
By the end of the year, you'll have produced a range of technical projects, development work, and professional evidence that support progression into employment or the final year of your degree.
| Assessment Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 0% | 49% | 0% |
| Exam | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Practical | 0% | 0% | 0% |