Software Engineering (Game Development) - BSc Hons Degree (Top Up)*
Summary
Build on the foundations developed in the Foundation Degree in Software Engineering (Game Development) by progressing onto the BSc (Hons) Software Engineering (Game Development) top-up year. This final year is designed for students who want to deepen their expertise in game development, software engineering, and interactive design while developing the advanced technical and creative skills expected of a graduate developer.
Throughout the course, you will explore advanced programming techniques, game artificial intelligence, player experience design, and the systems that underpin engaging gameplay. You'll also undertake a substantial independent project, allowing you to investigate a specialist area of interest while demonstrating the technical, analytical, and research skills expected of an honours graduate.
The programme combines advanced technical study with practical development and independent investigation, helping you develop the expertise required to create sophisticated interactive experiences. Upon successful completion, you'll graduate with a full honours degree and be well positioned for specialist roles within the games and software industries or postgraduate study.
Entry Requirements
To apply for the BSc (Hons) Software Engineering (Game Development) top-up degree, you must have successfully completed the Foundation Degree in Software Engineering (Game Development) at Blackpool and The Fylde College.
Applicants must have:
- Successfully completed all Level 5 modules within the Software Engineering (Game Development) pathway
- Achieved the Foundation Degree in Software Engineering (Game Development)
This top-up year is available only to students progressing from the Foundation Degree in Software Engineering (Game Development).
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration / Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
11 Sep 2028
|
University Centre
|
1 Year
/
£0
|
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
The BSc (Hons) Software Engineering (Game Development) top-up year prepares you for advanced technical and creative roles within the games and interactive technology sectors. Building on the knowledge gained during the Foundation Degree, you'll develop a deeper understanding of software development, gameplay systems, player experience, and intelligent game technologies.
Graduates are well positioned for roles such as Gameplay Programmer, Game Developer, Software Engineer, Technical Designer, Tools Programmer, AI Programmer, or Interactive Media Developer. The combination of technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and independent project work developed throughout the course is highly valued across both the games industry and the wider technology sector.
The honours degree also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study and professional development, supporting progression into specialist technical, leadership, or research-focused roles.
Next steps at B&FC
After completing the BSc (Hons) Software Engineering (Game Development) top-up year, you'll be prepared to enter professional roles within game development, software engineering, and interactive technologies. You may also choose to continue your academic journey through postgraduate study or specialist training in areas such as game development, artificial intelligence, software engineering, and interactive media.
Employment Opportunities
This course prepares you for a range of advanced roles within game development, software engineering, and interactive technologies. Typical job titles include:
- Gameplay Programmer
- Game Developer
- Software Engineer
- Technical Designer
- AI Programmer
- Tools Programmer
- Interactive Media Developer
- Technical Artist
These roles focus on designing, developing, testing, and improving interactive software and digital experiences.
Key information
Extra costs and equipment
The software, tools, and technologies required for this programme are available through Blackpool and The Fylde College's specialist computing facilities. Students have access to the same platforms and resources used during taught sessions, workshops, and project work.
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 game development and software engineering. 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 final year of the Software Engineering (Game Development) degree, you'll build on the knowledge and practical skills developed during your Foundation Degree to explore advanced game development techniques, player experience design, and intelligent game systems. The modules you study focus on the technologies and design principles that underpin modern games, helping you develop the technical expertise and creative skills expected of a graduate developer.
Advanced Games Programming – Develop your understanding of advanced programming techniques used within modern game development. You'll explore approaches to building efficient, scalable, and maintainable game systems.
Game AI & Decision Systems – Examine how artificial intelligence is used to create responsive and engaging gameplay experiences. You'll explore decision-making systems and techniques used to drive intelligent behaviour within games.
Developing Game Dynamics – Investigate the systems and mechanics that shape player experience. You'll explore how gameplay dynamics influence engagement, progression, challenge, and interaction.
User Experience for Games – Explore how players interact with games and digital experiences. You'll investigate design approaches that support accessibility, usability, and player satisfaction.
Final Project – Undertake a substantial independent project focused on a specialist area of game development. This module allows you to apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout your studies while developing your research, analytical, and project management abilities.
By the end of the honours year, you'll have developed advanced technical knowledge, creative confidence, and the ability to design and develop sophisticated interactive experiences, preparing you for graduate employment or further study.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
The BSc (Hons) Software Engineering (Game Development) pathway builds upon the professional experience gained during your Foundation Degree, encouraging you to engage with current industry practices, emerging technologies, and professional networking opportunities throughout your final year.
The programme benefits from guest speakers and industry professionals who share their experiences, insights, and advice, helping you understand current development practices, industry expectations, and career opportunities within the games and interactive technology sectors.
Where available, students may also have opportunities to attend conferences, exhibitions, game development events, and other industry activities. These experiences provide valuable exposure to current professional practice, help you build industry connections, and support your transition into graduate employment or further study.
Your Final Project also provides an opportunity to investigate an area of professional interest, allowing you to develop specialist knowledge and demonstrate your abilities through an extended piece of independent work.
How will I learn?
Your learning on the BSc (Hons) Software Engineering (Game Development) pathway combines advanced technical study with practical, project-based learning. You'll take part in a mix of workshops, laboratories, seminars, and tutorials, with opportunities to apply your knowledge to realistic game development and software engineering challenges.
As an honours-level student, you'll be expected to take greater ownership of your learning through independent research, critical evaluation, and self-directed study. You'll investigate contemporary development techniques, explore specialist areas of interest, and develop the ability to assess complex technical and creative challenges using evidence-based approaches. This increased independence reflects the expectations of graduate-level study and helps prepare you for professional roles within the games and technology sectors.
You'll also benefit from:
- Access to specialist computing laboratories and development environments
- One-to-one tutorials and project supervision
- Blended learning using platforms such as Canvas and Microsoft Teams
- Access to industry-standard development tools and technologies
- Regular feedback and opportunities to refine your work throughout the year
This supportive and practical approach helps you develop both the advanced technical expertise and professional skills required for graduate roles within game development and software engineering. The combination of guided teaching and independent study ensures you graduate with the confidence, knowledge, and analytical ability expected of an honours graduate.
Learning Methods
| Learning Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled | 0 | 0 | 288 |
| Independent | 0 | 0 | 912 |
| Placement | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 0 | 0 | 1200 |
How will I be assessed?
The BSc (Hons) Software Engineering (Game Development) pathway includes five modules designed to develop advanced technical knowledge, creative practice, and independent research skills. Assessments are designed to reflect the expectations of honours-level study, combining practical application with critical evaluation, analysis, and independent investigation.
In Advanced Games Programming, you'll explore advanced development techniques used within modern games. Assessment focuses on your ability to develop solutions, evaluate approaches, and apply programming skills to complex development challenges.
Game AI & Decision Systems examines how intelligent behaviours are created within games. You'll investigate decision-making approaches and demonstrate your understanding of AI systems through practical and analytical work.
Developing Game Dynamics explores the mechanics and systems that shape player experiences. Assessment focuses on your ability to evaluate, design, and develop engaging gameplay experiences.
In User Experience for Games, you'll investigate how players interact with games and digital experiences. You'll explore approaches to improving accessibility, usability, and player engagement through a combination of practical and written work.
The Final Project is the centrepiece of the honours year, allowing you to investigate a specialist area of game development through an extended independent project. You'll plan, research, develop, and evaluate a substantial piece of work, demonstrating the technical, analytical, and project management skills expected of a graduate.
By the end of the year, you'll have produced a portfolio of advanced technical work, research, and professional documentation that showcases your abilities and prepares you for graduate employment, professional practice, or postgraduate study.
| Assessment Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 0% | 0% | 58% |
| Exam | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Practical | 0% | 0% | 0% |