Sheffield Hallam University

Sheffield Hallam University was my first choice during A Level studies. I have studied at the university in two different instances; a Bachelor of Science on Computer Science for Games and recently a Master of Science in Information Technology Management.

MSc Information Technology Management

Year: 2019 to 2020
Overall Grade: Distinction (1st)

Information Technology Management is a one year course that covers a variety of modules dedicated to IT and Business. These range from programming in relation to database and web, group work in different scenarios, and discussions on enterprise ontology and information systems.

Overall I have achieved an first class (distinction) for the course at a percentage of about 75%.

There were seven modules in total:

Semester 1:

  • Introduction to Database – 80%
    Looks at SQL queries and how to apply, filter and sort data for websites.
  • Introduction to Web Development – 91%
    Exploring Visual Studio’s ASP .NET and building webpages.
  • Study Skills & Project Management – 71%
    Methodologies and working as a team for providing solutions.
  • Successful Information Systems – 79%
    Understanding the importance of Information Systems in business.

Semester 2:

  • Enterprise Management Project – 82%
    Exploring Global University Alliance, Ontology and how to plan and prepare new ideas for industries. This module was worth 45 credits, which is three times more than the others.
  • Industrial Enterprise – 75%
    Working in randomised groups to provide a solution. This module was conducted during a single week to test the skills and teamwork for each individual.
  • Research Skills & Dissertation – 65%
    A 60 credit module focusing on the big dissertation assignment. My topic was called “To What Extent Can Teachers Adapt or Utilise Internet of Things Technology in Secondary Education”. Secondary Education referring to schools that teach Year 7 to 11 (GCSEs) and Sixth Form (A Level). The dissertation span over 40 pages and almost 15,000 words, and was assigned throughout the entirety of the Summer season. My work was supervised to provide advice, monitor my status and improve its progress. The dissertation’s deliverable received almost 50 participants in the survey and 4 staff interviews across more than four different schools.

The assignments ranged from individual essays, group work and projects. Each assignment was given well-received and positive feedback by the lecturers and support to improve the quality throughout the course of the degree.

Due to the global pandemic, the graduation ceremony has been pushed back to May 2021.

BSc Computer Science for Games

Year: 2013 to 2017
Overall Grade: Merit (2.1)

Computer Science for Games is a three year course that centres around IT and programming with a big theme around video game development. The variety of modules covered throughout the years include Maths, Mobile Applications, C++ and more. The course also received support by Sony which the university is proud to have.

While I have changed career paths since then, I have learned a lot about programming and do not regret the experience provided throughout those few years. For those interested in studying video game development in the UK, I do recommend this course.

Examples of the modules throughout each year:

Year 1:

  • Introduction to Requirements and System Modelling
  • Mathematics for Graphics
  • Professionalism and Communication Skills

Year 2:

  • Mathematics for Modelling and Rendering
  • Professional Development Project
  • Web Application Development

Year 3:

  • 3D Games Prototyping – 64%
    A group project to develop a product using software and technology provided by Sony for their PlayStation console. The result was a local multiplayer lawnmower game inspired by Crash Bash’s Pogo Painter.
  • Game Software Project Management – 66%
    Each week, our group has to resolve a scenario that has occurred with a solution given on the same session.
  • Mobile Applications – 83%
    A group project dedicated to providing an application in the span of one academic year. The result is a simple touch-based mobile game developed in Marmalade SDK and Visual Studio.

The assignments ranged from individual tasks to group projects. Each assignment was given critical feedback to improve the future work. The 3D Games Prototyping and Mobile Applications projects were well-received by the teachers due to the collaborative group effort placed into them.

Sawtry Village Academy

I studied my GCSEs and A-Levels at Sawtry between 2006 all the way to 2013 when it was originally known as Sawtry Community College. I earned enough UCAS points from my A-Levels to get my first choice for University. My subjects included the following:

A-Levels:

  • Applied ICT
  • Maths
  • Product Design

GCSEs:

  • IT Diploma (equivalent of at least 7 GCSEs including the main IT subject)
  • English (Language, Literature)
  • Maths
  • Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
  • Media