BSc (Honours) Computer Science for Games

Sheffield Hallam’s BSc (Hons) Computer Science for Games combines cutting-edge facilities with industry-informed learning. From the UK’s largest cluster of cybersecurity labs to live client projects and flexible placement routes, students graduate equipped with real-world skills and employer-ready experience.

Facilities & Learning Environment

Digital Campus Hub
Located at City Campus, students benefit from:

• Seven Cybersecurity Labs – The UK’s largest educational cluster, equipped with advanced tools like EnCase, Cellebrite, and Axiom for digital forensics, ethical hacking, and penetration testing.

• PlayStation Teaching Lab – One of the largest worldwide, featuring PlayStation dev kits, NVIDIA-powered PCs, and a full games studio for immersive development work.

• Steel Minions studio: A live student-run games studio where you tackle real commissioned projects—from research prototypes to commercial titles—backed by external publishers

• Smart Interactive Technologies Lab – Equipped with humanoid robots (Pepper, Nao, MiRo, Beam), supporting AI, object tracking, conversational agents, and robotics.

• IoT & Physical Computing – Modules include hands-on work with Raspberry Pi and Arduino devices, blending software and hardware design.

• Cloud & Remote Access – 24/7 browser-based access to virtual machines and key software via Microsoft Azure Lab Services.

• Adsetts Library & IT Support – 24-hour library access, group study rooms, and full digital tool availability across campus.

Experiential Learning Highlights

Weekly Labs & Live Projects

• All modules include demonstrator-led practical labs in languages such as Java, Python, C/C++, and areas like web dev, game design, and digital forensics.

• Year 1 & 2 Group Projects simulate professional software development with real clients—integrating tools like UML, cloud services, and AI frameworks.

• PS4/PS5 dev-kit usage: In Year 2, work on console development using real PlayStation hardware to build and optimize games.

• Final-Year Capstone Project involves building a major independent solution, often incorporating robotics, games, or secure systems using SHU’s specialist labs.

Placement Year & Internships

• Sandwich Year Option (after Year 2): A 12-month industrial placement, leading to a Professional Diploma in Practice and invaluable workplace experience.

• Short-Term Internships: Paid opportunities (approx. £12/hour) during term-time or summer, supported by the SHU Futures team.

• Placement Prep from Year 1: Employers actively recruit SHU students, with internal support for CVs, applications, and interviews.

Career Services & SHU Futures

• SHU invests over £100m in student experience and careers, offering:

  • One-to-one guidance

  • Industry events and fairs

  • SHU-exclusive job listings

  • Ongoing alumni networking

City Life

• Based in Sheffield, a vibrant and affordable student city with a lively tech community, diverse culture, and nearby access to the Peak District, ideal for a balanced academic and social lifestyle.

Sheffield Hallam University – BSc (Hons) Computer Science graduates enter skilled tech careers with strong employment outcomes and industry connections. Within 15 months, 90–95% of graduates are employed or pursuing further study, with 100% of UK-resident graduates securing jobs such as: 

• Embedded Programmer for Console or Engine Support

• Software Engineer or Developer

• Web/Mobile App Developer

• Game Software / Tools Developer

• Cybersecurity Specialist or IT Consultant

University Services That Support Employment

Embedded Employer Engagement

• Yearly employer-led projects in specialist labs such as cybersecurity and PlayStation game development facilities.

Optional Year-Long Placement (Sandwich Year)

• Paid placements available after Year 2 with major firms like IBM, Intel, HSBC, Disney, SkyBet, Jaguar, NHS, Nissan, Mercedes, and others. Many placements lead directly to graduate roles.

Careers & Employability Services

• CV and interview coaching, networking events, job portals, and sustained post-graduation support.

Professional Development Activities

• Coding workshops, hackathons (including Festival of Computing), and diplomas in professional practice.

Employment Statistics & Salary Figure

• 90% employed or studying within 15 months; 80% in highly skilled roles across computing departments.

• Median salary approximately £26,000 at 15 months, £29,000 at 3 years, £31,500 at 5 years.

University–Industry Partnerships

• Collaborations and placements with IBM, Intel, Next, HSBC, Nissan, Jaguar, NHS, Disney, SkyBet, and more.

• Over 23,000 placement opportunities yearly with 1,000+ employers.

• Sandwich courses boast a ~96% placement rate and strong conversion to graduate employment.

Reputation (employability rankings):

• Ranked in the UK’s top 50 universities overall, and 6th among modern universities for graduates in highly skilled jobs.

Graduation Outcomes & Alumni Success

• 100% employment for recent UK-resident graduates, with 80% in highly skilled roles.

• Alumni roles include developers, analysts, cybersecurity specialists, QA engineers, and consultants at top employers like IBM, HSBC, Capgemini, Cisco, Sumo Digital, Alpine F1, NHS, and more.

• Strong student and alumni feedback highlights excellent placement support and real-world career readiness.

Further Academic Progression

Graduates often:

• Progress to MSci or BEng integrated degrees with professional projects and placements.

• Pursue 1-year MSc degrees in AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science, or related fields at SHU or other institutions.

• Pursue an MComp in Computer Science for Games (adds depth and specialist skills).

• Engage in PhD research, leveraging SHU’s industry ties and security labs.

• Professional Chartered status pathways via BCS accreditation, with opportunities also to branch into finance, analytics, or consultancy.