BA (Hons) Computer Games Design

FOUNDATION (YEAR 0) DESIGN & CREATIVE BUSINESS
This 30-week course is designed to equip students with the academic skills and subject knowledge needed to progress on to study at undergraduate level. You’ll develop a unique portfolio of work throughout the course, helping you to progress onto a degree in any creative subject.

Stage 1
The first stage covers the key areas related to your degree programme and will focus on either creative design or business. You’ll learn the theoretical knowledge and debates surrounding these disciplines and the historical and international contexts which underpin them. You will also begin to build the foundations for studying at degree level.

Stage 2
This stage builds on the key research, analytical and reflective skills built in Stage 1. You will also have the opportunity to explore specialist areas of study and focus on your chosen path within the creative arts.

Stage 3
You’ll undertake a self-directed, specialist project which will synthesise and conclude your newly learned knowledge. The Final Major Project consists of three units which include advanced language and study skills needed for progression onto an LCCA design or creative business undergraduate degree.

YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4)
In your first year, you’ll build a solid foundation in game design, asset creation and gameplay mechanics. You’ll learn how to design engaging experiences, experiment with industry tools and collaborate in a studio-style environment that mirrors professional practice.

Games Design Concepts and Visual Storytelling
In this module, you’ll explore the building blocks of game design, from rules, goals and challenges to balancing and pacing. Using UEFN, you’ll design and test new game islands while studying visual storytelling and how it shapes player emotions, motivations and engagement.

Games Studio Practice 1
Here you’ll work as part of a multidisciplinary team to design, plan and prototype an original game. Through paper and digital prototyping, you’ll gain hands-on experience of collaboration, teamwork and the early stages of professional game development.

Introduction to 3D Asset Creation for Games
You’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of 3D modelling for games using industry-standard software. You’ll develop skills in modelling, texturing, shading and basic rigging while learning workflows that prepare you for more advanced asset creation.

Introduction to Gameplay Mechanics
In this module, you’ll use Unreal Engine to explore the core principles of gameplay mechanics. You’ll learn to design player inputs, controls, AI, UI and interactive elements, building a strong foundation in the technical and creative aspects of game development.

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)
In your second year, you’ll expand your skills in level design, project management and advanced gameplay systems. You’ll continue to work in studio-style teams, refining your creative and technical abilities while gaining experience of how professional game development projects are managed.

Level Design: Player Experience and Usability
You’ll learn how to create immersive and intuitive game environments using UEFN. You’ll study flow, pacing and landmark placement, as well as zoning and verticality, to guide players effectively and enhance their overall experience.

Games Studio Practice 2
Here you’ll collaborate in a multidisciplinary team to design, prototype and test an original game. Through rapid and iterative prototyping, you’ll take a concept through to a more advanced stage of development, mirroring industry practice.

Games Project Management
In this module, you’ll develop the leadership and organisational skills needed to manage complex game projects. You’ll apply frameworks such as Scrum and Lean, explore risk management and budgeting, and learn how to adapt agile practices to the unique challenges of the games industry.

Advanced Mechanics and Quest Design
You’ll build your expertise in Unreal Engine through advanced mechanics and quest design. Here, you’ll develop Blueprint scripting skills, design branching quest systems with dynamic elements, and integrate AI and progression systems to create more complex and engaging gameplay experiences.

 YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6)
In your final year, you’ll bring together everything you’ve learned to produce professional-standard projects and prepare for your future career. You’ll refine your technical and creative skills, expand into specialist areas such as audio or emerging technologies, and graduate with a polished portfolio that showcases your talent.

Games Studio Practice 3
Here, you’ll work in a multidisciplinary team to design, develop and test a game during the production phase of the development cycle. You may create a new game or refine a previous project, focusing on technical prototyping and delivering a vertical slice to demonstrate quality and features to potential stakeholders.

Final Year Project and Professional Portfolio Curation
Your final project will give you the chance to define and complete a major piece of work that reflects your academic and professional interests. Alongside this, you’ll curate a professional portfolio that highlights your abilities in game design and presents you confidently to future employers.

Audio and Soundscapes for Games
You’ll explore how audio shapes storytelling and player immersion in virtual environments. Using UEFN, you’ll experiment with recording, editing and foley techniques to design interactive soundscapes, learning how music and sound enhance emotion and narrative in games.

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Advanced Games Feature Design and Emerging Technologies
In this module, you’ll investigate cutting-edge developments in game design, including Metaverse gaming, VR and AR. You’ll analyse innovative titles and apply design principles to create immersive, next-generation experiences that push the boundaries of gameplay.