Computer Games Design

Study options

Award

BSc (Hons)

Key facts

UCAS code:
I732
UCAS code:
I733
UCAS code:
I734
Study option:
Full-time, Staffordshire University London
Study option:
Full-time, Staffordshire University London, with a placement year
Study option:
Full-time, with a foundation year at Capital City Colleges Group t/a WKCIC GROUP - Har
Duration:
3 Years
Duration:
4 Years
Duration:
4 Years
Start date:
23 September 2024

Number 1 in the UK

For Games Design and Development, Rookies World School Rankings 2023

Expert teaching

Learn from expert academics with real-world experience in the games industry

Industry standard

Facilities and software, including 3DS Max, Substance and Unreal engine

Develop your skills on our Computer Games Design degree. Ideal if you’re interested in becoming a level designer or games designer.

Develop your skills on our Computer Games Design degree. Ideal if you’re interested in working a developer within the video games industry in a role such as a Level Designer, 3D Artist, or Technical Designer. Our Computer Games Design degree explores the creative and technical aspects of games production, giving you the necessary skills to develop, produce and publish games titles. We work closely with industry partners to ensure that course content remains relevant, giving our students excellent networking opportunities in the games industry.

You’ll explore the creative and technical aspects of games production and have access to an industry-grade computer suite and software such as 3DS Max, Substance and Unreal engine as well as the Twine narrative games engines. Using professional techniques acquired through lectures, tutorials, seminars, and industry workshops, you will develop a portfolio of industry standard work.

Develop your skills on our Computer Games Design degree. Ideal if you’re interested in working a developer within the video games industry in a role such as a Level Designer, 3D Artist, or Technical Designer. Our Computer Games Design degree explores the creative and technical aspects of games production, giving you the necessary skills to develop, produce and publish games titles. We work closely with industry partners to ensure that course content remains relevant, giving our students excellent networking opportunities in the games industry.

You’ll explore the creative and technical aspects of games production and have access to an industry-grade computer suite and software such as 3DS Max, Substance and Unreal engine as well as the Twine narrative games engines. Using professional techniques acquired through lectures, tutorials, seminars, and industry workshops, you will develop a portfolio of industry standard work.

Develop your skills on our Computer Games Design degree. Ideal if you’re interested in working a developer within the video games industry in a role such as a Level Designer, 3D Artist, or Technical Designer. Our Computer Games Design degree explores the creative and technical aspects of games production, giving you the necessary skills to develop, produce and publish games titles. We work closely with industry partners to ensure that course content remains relevant, giving our students excellent networking opportunities in the games industry.

You’ll explore the creative and technical aspects of games production and have access to an industry-grade computer suite and software such as 3DS Max, Substance and Unreal engine as well as the Twine narrative games engines. Using professional techniques acquired through lectures, tutorials, seminars, and industry workshops, you will develop a portfolio of industry standard work.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Computer Games Design

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Computer Games Design

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Computer Games Design

Course content

In Year 1 you’ll learn about level development pipelines and games mechanics design and implementation. You’ll cover 3D modelling skills and develop an understanding of 3D games engines.

In your second year, you’ll work on a group project as a junior member of a development team. You will specialise as a game designer through modules covering advanced game engines, environment art, scripting and UI design.

Your third year will see you become a senior member of the collaborative development team. Finalising your skillset and portfolio through individual projects and games production modules.

Representatives from games companies come to the University for development and training, providing you with excellent opportunities to network with industry professionals and potential employers.

In Year 1 you’ll learn about level development pipelines and games mechanics design and implementation. You’ll cover 3D modelling skills and develop an understanding of 3D games engines.

In your second year, you’ll work on a group project as a junior member of a development team. You will specialise as a game designer through modules covering advanced game engines, environment art, scripting and UI design.

Your third year will see you become a senior member of the collaborative development team. Finalising your skillset and portfolio through individual projects and games production modules.

Representatives from games companies come to the University for development and training, providing you with excellent opportunities to network with industry professionals and potential employers.

Our Computer Games Design foundation year will give you the technical and industry knowledge you need to study a degree in creative side of the games industry.

In our foundation year you’ll be taught at the Tottenham campus of College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London with high levels of tutor support and guidance.

At the end of the foundation year you’ll begin studying our 3-year BSc (Hons) Computer Games Design at Staffordshire University London’s Digital Institute, based in Queen Elizabeth Park. You’ll move to our Here East campus at Queen Elizabeth Park, London, where you’ll learn with experienced experts in the latest and greatest facilities, including a state-of-the-art studio spaces and high-grade software and hardware.

During the course you will develop the technical and creative skills you need to become a professional in computer games design. You will become more than just an expert in software such as 3DS Maz, Substance and Unreal, you’ll be studying with a curriculum that is constantyl updated to professional standards and according to the input of our team of industry partners. During your course you’ll get the chance to network with our partners, who are big-hitters in the computer games design.

Our focus throughout our courses is your employability when you graduate, and that’s why we offer work experience opportunities, as well as making sure we keep you ahead of the game with industry legislation and modern design techniques.

Computer Games Design, Staffordshire University London

Computer Games Design, Staffordshire University London

Video

Student Mel discusses what it's like to study BSc (Hons) Computer Games Design at Staffordshire University London.

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Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 3 compulsory modules
Year 3 compulsory modules
Dta Industrial Placement 120 credits
Year 4 compulsory modules
Year 4 compulsory modules
Emergent Games Technologies 20 credits
Experimental Level Design 20 credits
Games Development Project 40 credits
Multiplayer Level Design 20 credits
Senior Collaborative Games Development 20 credits

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Entry requirements

112-120 UCAS Tariff points

  • GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

112-120 UCAS Tariff points

  • GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

UCAS Tariff : 48 points

A level: DD

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016): PPP

Championing Women in the Gaming Industry: Voices of Inspiration

News

This International Women’s Day, we interviewed both games students and lecturers to explore their experiences in the gaming industry.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

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Facilities

Careers

Graduates from our Computer Games Design degree are in great demand, working across the globe as games designers, 3D artists, 3D animators, level designers and technical artists. Our graduates joined the likes of Ubisoft as level designers, working on games like The Division, and several of our recent graduates worked on Grand Theft Auto V and other upcoming Rockstar North titles.

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

This course has integrated theoretical, technical, practical and creative modes of study. This means the theoretical underpinning is taught alongside the technical knowledge, community management creative skills and the creative, practical elements of social media, content creation and PR for games.

This course has integrated theoretical, technical, practical and creative modes of study. This means the theoretical underpinning is taught alongside the technical knowledge, community management creative skills and the creative, practical elements of social media, content creation and PR for games.

This course has integrated theoretical, technical, practical and creative modes of study. This means the theoretical underpinning is taught alongside the technical knowledge, community management creative skills and the creative, practical elements of social media, content creation and PR for games.

Assessment

There are no exams for this course – assessment is based entirely on coursework. We find this is the best way to assess the integrated approach to theory and practice that you’ll engage in. Your coursework, carried out in response to assignments, project briefs or self-initiated proposals, will be presented in forms appropriate to professional practice, such as a portfolio of work or showreel, word-processed reflective evaluations, essays and case studies.

Your approach to the coursework for a given module should be individual and distinctive. Tutors see this work throughout its development thus forming a one-to-one professional working relationship with you throughout each module. Formative assessment is carried out in tutorial and critique situations and feedback is usually provided to you orally, with a written record kept either by the tutor and/or yourself. This is sometimes produced as the result of peer- or self-assessment exercises.

There are no exams for this course – assessment is based entirely on coursework. We find this is the best way to assess the integrated approach to theory and practice that you’ll engage in. Your coursework, carried out in response to assignments, project briefs or self-initiated proposals, will be presented in forms appropriate to professional practice, such as a portfolio of work or showreel, word-processed reflective evaluations, essays and case studies.

Your approach to the coursework for a given module should be individual and distinctive. Tutors see this work throughout its development thus forming a one-to-one professional working relationship with you throughout each module. Formative assessment is carried out in tutorial and critique situations and feedback is usually provided to you orally, with a written record kept either by the tutor and/or yourself. This is sometimes produced as the result of peer- or self-assessment exercises.

There are no exams for this course – assessment is based entirely on coursework. We find this is the best way to assess the integrated approach to theory and practice that you’ll engage in. Your coursework, carried out in response to assignments, project briefs or self-initiated proposals, will be presented in forms appropriate to professional practice, such as a portfolio of work or showreel, word-processed reflective evaluations, essays and case studies.

Your approach to the coursework for a given module should be individual and distinctive. Tutors see this work throughout its development thus forming a one-to-one professional working relationship with you throughout each module. Formative assessment is carried out in tutorial and critique situations and feedback is usually provided to you orally, with a written record kept either by the tutor and/or yourself. This is sometimes produced as the result of peer- or self-assessment exercises.

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills); written English (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy); academic writing (including how to reference); research skills; critical thinking and understanding arguments; and revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management).

Additional support

Our Student Inclusion Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Feedback

Feedback is an important part of the assessment process and not only justifies the mark you receive but guides you on how to improve. Extensive feedback will be available throughout the course that will be constructive, develop your capabilities and motivate you to continue. Feedback will always be given in a timely manner to allow you to reflect on your progress and be a better critic of your own work.

Assessment feedback comes in a variety of forms throughout your studies and in a written format at the end of each period of study. At the end of modules once assessments are complete you will receive feedback in written comments, completed checklists/mark sheets, and in the case of demos and presentations direct feedback from the tutors.

Feedback is an important part of the assessment process and not only justifies the mark you receive but guides you on how to improve. Extensive feedback will be available throughout the course that will be constructive, develop your capabilities and motivate you to continue. Feedback will always be given in a timely manner to allow you to reflect on your progress and be a better critic of your own work.

Assessment feedback comes in a variety of forms throughout your studies and in a written format at the end of each period of study. At the end of modules once assessments are complete you will receive feedback in written comments, completed checklists/mark sheets, and in the case of demos and presentations direct feedback from the tutors.

Feedback is an important part of the assessment process and not only justifies the mark you receive but guides you on how to improve. Extensive feedback will be available throughout the course that will be constructive, develop your capabilities and motivate you to continue. Feedback will always be given in a timely manner to allow you to reflect on your progress and be a better critic of your own work.

Assessment feedback comes in a variety of forms throughout your studies and in a written format at the end of each period of study. At the end of modules once assessments are complete you will receive feedback in written comments, completed checklists/mark sheets, and in the case of demos and presentations direct feedback from the tutors.

Year 1

22% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
78% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 2

28% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
72% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 3

20% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
80% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Independent learning

All students are encouraged to build on their independent capabilities in relation to their own learning routes. Tutors will mentor, support and guide students with clear direction in relation to ‘out of classroom’ activities and expectations in order to allow students the capacity to meet the learning objectives of their modules and course of study.

All students are encouraged to build on their independent capabilities in relation to their own learning routes. Tutors will mentor, support and guide students with clear direction in relation to ‘out of classroom’ activities and expectations in order to allow students the capacity to meet the learning objectives of their modules and course of study.

All students are encouraged to build on their independent capabilities in relation to their own learning routes. Tutors will mentor, support and guide students with clear direction in relation to ‘out of classroom’ activities and expectations in order to allow students the capacity to meet the learning objectives of their modules and course of study.

Year 1

0% practical assessments
100% coursework
0% written exams

Year 2

0% practical assessments
100% coursework
0% written exams

Year 3

0% practical assessments
100% coursework
0% written exams

Staff

Professor Christopher Headleand

Head Of Department - Sugi

Prof. Headleand is a Computing & Video Games academic with over 20 years' experience; internationally recognised as an expert in student engagement. He is head of Games Design & Technology & researches Virtual Reality, Visualisation & Serious Games.

Christopher's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 23 September 2024 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time, Staffordshire University London
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

For the course starting on 23 September 2024 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons) Full-time, Staffordshire University London, with a placement year
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

For the course starting on 23 September 2024 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons) Full-time, with a foundation year at Capital City Colleges Group t/a WKCIC GROUP - Har
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate £16,750 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate

UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.

International students: Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course, as long as you complete it in the normal time-frame (i.e. no repeat years or breaks in study).

Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.

Sources of financial support

If you receive funding from Student Finance you may be eligible to apply for additional benefits. Details can be obtained by visiting: www.gov.uk

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Our students

The course content always feels like you are learning skills that will have benefits and uses in the games industry.

The best thing about the course is that we are able to make games, not just write about them and think about them and forget them, but actually make what we want to make. The lecturers are insightful, knowledgeable and fun. They have made the journey and filled it with character. 

The course content always feels like you are learning skills that will have benefits and uses in the games industry. For example learning Jira (product management tool) is super useful and not taught in other places. 

Scott Billyeald Doughty

Student, BSc (Hons) Computer Games Design

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Staffordshire University London BSc (Hons) Full-time, Staffordshire University London 23 September 2024 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at Staffordshire University, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of Staffordshire University enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

Information from discover uni

in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021