Game Programming
University of DerbyDerby (Markeaton Street), United Kingdom
Course overview
Join a course that will teach you how to design, code and optimise real-time game systems. Work with gameplay, tools and engine programming, focusing on writing fast, efficient code that runs well on modern hardware. Learn in small, agile teams—much like real game studios—working closely with students from Game Art and Game Design.
Practise clear communication, problem-solving and teamwork, just as you would in an indie or AAA environment. 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.
Key highlights
- Design, code and optimise real-time game systems
- Covers gameplay, tools and engine programming
- Focus on fast, efficient code for modern hardware
- Work in small agile teams like real game studios
- Collaborate with Game Art and Game Design students
- Skills transferable to simulation, XR and serious games
Entry requirements
- UCAS tariff points: 112 — Requirement: What we're looking for Requirement: What we're looking for UCAS points: 112 A Level: BBC T Level: Merit BTEC: DMM GCSE: GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification Access to…
- A-level: BBC — …What we're looking for Requirement: What we're looking for UCAS points: 112 A Level: BBC T Level: Merit BTEC: DMM GCSE: GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification Access to HE: Pass Access…
- T-level: Merit — …looking for Requirement: What we're looking for UCAS points: 112 A Level: BBC T Level: Merit BTEC: DMM GCSE: GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diplom…
- BTEC: DMM — …Requirement: What we're looking for UCAS points: 112 A Level: BBC T Level: Merit BTEC: DMM GCSE: GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credi…
- GCSE: 4/C — to include Mathematics, English
- Access to HE Diploma: Pass — Pass; with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum
Scholarships
Full Payment Discount
If you pay your annual tuition fee in full ahead of enrolment, you will benefit from a £1,000 discount.
Up to £1,000Sports Scholarships - Individual and Team Sport Scholar
Up to £3,000 fee subsidy and support services.
Sports Scholarships - Performance Team Sports Scholar
Up to £3,000 fee subsidy and support services.
Talented Athlete Award
Please contact the provider.
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships - £2,000
Up to £2,000
Careers this course leads to
- Gameplay programmer
- Engine programmer
- Tools programmer
- Game developer
- XR developer
- Simulation software developer
Cost of study
UK/Home: £9,535 per year | International: £17,500 per year
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Derby, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
Ready to start?
Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a September 2026 place.