Game Programming with Foundation Year

If you love games and want to learn how they are built from the ground up, Game Programming with Foundation Year course will teach you how to design, code and optimise real-time game systems. Derby has a heritage for creating computer games including Tomb Raider. You will work with gameplay, tools and engine programming, focusing on writing fast, efficient code that runs well on modern hardware.

KEY FEATURES OF THE COURSE

BUILD STRONG SKILLS: Join a course that will teach you how to design, code and optimise real-time game systems and work with gameplay, tools and engine programming, focusing on writing fast, efficient code that runs well on modern hardware.

LEARN IN REPLICA WORK SETTINGS: Study in small, agile teams—much like real game studios—working closely with students from Game Art and Game Design.

GRADAUTE CAREER READY: Be prepared for a wide range of game development roles and gain skills you can use in areas like simulation, XR, serious games and other interactive technologies.

On this course you will learn the core skills needed to become a professional game programmer. This includes:


- programming, algorithms and data structures


- maths for games and real-time systems


- engine architecture and tools programming


- rendering and performance optimisation


- gameplay programming and technical systems


- professional software engineering (version control, testing, CI/CD).


HOW YOU WILL LEARN:
By studying this course, you will join our Games@Derby community, as our BSc (Hons) Game Programming is part of the University of Derby’s Game Development suite, alongside BA (Hons) Game Art and BA (Hons) Game Design. This simulates a fast-paced, supportive, creative, and team-focused studios set-up. You will work in specialist studios and computer labs equipped with industry-standard hardware and software. Industry links also give you opportunities for guest talks, live projects, global game jams and mentoring.


YOUR CAREER.
This degree prepares you for a wide range of careers in game development and the wider tech sector. You will graduate with strong programming, maths and problem-solving skills, and experience working in production-style teams.

Based solely on more than 24,000 student reviews, the University of Derby was named Uni Compare's University of the Year 2027, and voted 1st in the UK for employability and 2nd in the UK for course quality.

Not only that, but 97% of students would recommend the University of Derby*, which we can offer you industry-relevant teaching, state-of-the-art study spaces, multi-award-winning accommodation, and a welcoming, inclusive community.

*Uni Compare 2027