Games Design

Can you see yourself forging a successful career in games design, working on the latest blockbuster from Sony, Warner Brothers or TT Games? That’s what some of our previous graduates have achieved. But to reach those heights, you’ll need to be obsessed with games and the related technologies. You’ll need a passion for building worlds and be fascinated by the way we interact with games. You’ll also have at least one game idea that you’re convinced will change the world. This course will prepare you for a life in games design and along the way, you'll cover every aspect of this fascinating industry. We examine the principles and theory of game design, world building, structure and gameplay, while providing hands on technical skills that will take you through every stage of games design.

This year, the main activities within the programme will take place within a classroom/studio/online setting. This will allow you and the staff to develop a mature and informative relationship concerning your study. Not only is this a supportive and welcoming environment but it mimics the professional arena where you will be expected to organise your working patterns based upon set goals.

It is important to note that this is not a distance learning / online course. Online activity will be a part of the course in addition to onsite studios and labs as it is an important transferable skill you will need in industry.
You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of games - from idea generation and game mechanics, to programming and the use of game engines, such as Unreal Engine.

HE Level 4 (Year 1):
Introduction to Games Design (40 credits)
Creative Thinking (40 credits)
Design: Culture and Society 1 (20 credits)
Introduction to 3D Modelling (20 credits)

HE Level 5 (Year 2):
3D Modelling (40 credits)
Game Development (40 credits)
Design: Culture and Society 2 (20 credits)
Games Specialism (20 credits)

HE Level 6 (Year 3):
Game Proposal (60 credits)
Honours Project (60 credits)

We want to do everything we can to prepare you for working within the creative industries, and this is reflected in the way we teach and assess you. The course is mostly coursework based, which means your tutors will be able to give you constant, constructive feedback. Presentation techniques will give you valuable experience of how to present your thoughts and ideas successfully and enthusiastically, so you are better at selling your ideas to prospective employers.

The written work is an important part of assessment and will improve your communication skills. A combination of lectures, tutorials, peer reviews, discussions and observations will ensure that you’re industry ready. External trips will present you with a wider range of topics and the opportunity to expand your portfolio, whilst guest speakers will help you to understand the world of games, how it works and how you can make your mark on it.