Computer Games Design with Animation

Study options

Award

BSc (Hons)

Key facts

UCAS code:
I653
UCAS code:
I654
UCAS code:
I655
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

State of the Art Facilities

Including the Epic Games sponsored Design Centre, dedicated games lab & PlayStation Academic Development Programme

Experienced Faculty

Our expert faculty includes industry professionals with years of experience in the gaming world, ensuring that you'll receive practical advice and guidance that's both relevant and up-to-date.

Are you passionate about the world of video games? Do you dream of creating immersive and engaging gaming experiences for players around the world? Then look no further than the Computer Games Design and Animation course at Staffordshire University!

Our cutting-edge programme is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the fast-paced and constantly evolving world of game development. Through a combination of hands-on practical work and in-depth theoretical study, you'll learn the ins and outs of game design, animation, programming, and more.

Our cutting-edge programme is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the fast-paced and constantly evolving world of game development. Through a combination of hands-on practical work and in-depth theoretical study, you'll learn the ins and outs of game design, animation, programming, and more.

Our cutting-edge programme is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the fast-paced and constantly evolving world of game development. Through a combination of hands-on practical work and in-depth theoretical study, you'll learn the ins and outs of game design, animation, programming, and more.

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

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

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

Part-time study

This course is available as a part time study course. 

Part-time study

This course is available as a part time study course. 

Part-time study

This course is available as a part time study course. 

Work placements

If you choose to complete one of our sandwich courses with a work placement between the second and final years of the course, our placement staff will work with you to identify a suitable location for your work placement. Please also note that you are responsible for any costs incurred in travelling to and from your work placement, and for any accommodation costs.

Course content

The first year of your course will introduce you to games design principles, the use of games engines in the creation of games, the creation of 3D assets, and the animation of game assets, all using industry-standard approaches and software. In your second year, you will be able to choose from a range of modules that cover various topics such as environment modelling, character modelling, lighting, hand-keyed animation, hard-surface modelling, cinematics, and using animations in a games engine. Alongside this, you will also work in a collaborative environment with fellow students to create a game product. In level 6, you will round out these core skills by studying further advanced topics such as visual effects in a games engines, and the use of emergent, cutting-edge tools. You will work with other final year students in leading a collaborative effort with level 5 students in the creation of a further game product. 

The first year of your course will introduce you to games design principles, the use of games engines in the creation of games, the creation of 3D assets, and the animation of game assets, all using industry-standard approaches and software. In your second year, you will be able to choose from a range of modules that cover various topics such as environment modelling, character modelling, lighting, hand-keyed animation, hard-surface modelling, cinematics, and using animations in a games engine. Alongside this, you will also work in a collaborative environment with fellow students to create a game product. In level 6, you will round out these core skills by studying further advanced topics such as visual effects in a games engines, and the use of emergent, cutting-edge tools. You will work with other final year students in leading a collaborative effort with level 5 students in the creation of a further game product. 

The foundation year introduces gives you your first experience of studying games in an academic environment. You will learn the foundations of games design and the use of games engines, whilst also building your first 3D assets. In the third semester, you will apply what you have learned in the first 2 semesters by working with other Foundation students on a collaborative project. Level 4 of your course will introduce you to further games design principles, the use of games engines in the creation of games, the creation of game-ready 3D assets, and the animation of game assets, all using industry-standard approaches and software. In your second year, you will be able to choose from a range of modules that cover various topics such as environment modelling, character modelling, lighting, hand-keyed animation, hard-surface modelling, cinematics, and using animations in a games engine. Alongside this, you will also work in a collaborative environment with fellow students to create a game product. In level 6, you will round out these core skills by studying further advanced topics such as visual effects in a games engines, and the use of emergent, cutting-edge tools. You will work with other final year students in leading a collaborative effort with level 5 students in the creation of a further game product.

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.

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

UCAS Points: 112-120

UCAS Points: 112-120

UCAS Tariff : 48 points

A level: DD

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

Heralding 20 Years of Games: The Christmas Lectures

News

Staffordshire University is using it’s 20 years of games anniversary to share its remarkable expertise in a series of online Christmas Lectures.

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.

Staffordshire University Games Development Showreel 2023

Staffordshire University Games Development Showreel 2023

Video

A 2023 showreel presenting the various game development projects at Staffordshire University

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Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and laboratory practicals. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course.

At the start of your course you will be taught in a combined lecture/tutorial method delivered in a lab. As you progress through the course you will be encouraged to seek out your own sources of research material and demonstrate this via log books. Your learning will be supported by our excellent online VLE and Digital Communities.

Towards the end of your study you will drive your own learning, as traditional teaching is replaced by tutor support. Project tutors will help guide you towards the creation of a games industry portfolio and encourage you to reflect on your next career move.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and laboratory practicals. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course.

At the start of your course you will be taught in a combined lecture/tutorial method delivered in a lab. As you progress through the course you will be encouraged to seek out your own sources of research material and demonstrate this via log books. Your learning will be supported by our excellent online VLE and Digital Communities.

Towards the end of your study you will drive your own learning, as traditional teaching is replaced by tutor support. Project tutors will help guide you towards the creation of a games industry portfolio and encourage you to reflect on your next career move.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and laboratory practicals. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course.

At the start of your course you will be taught in a combined lecture/tutorial method delivered in a lab. As you progress through the course you will be encouraged to seek out your own sources of research material and demonstrate this via log books. Your learning will be supported by our excellent online VLE and Digital Communities.

Towards the end of your study you will drive your own learning, as traditional teaching is replaced by tutor support. Project tutors will help guide you towards the creation of a games industry portfolio and encourage you to reflect on your next career move.

Assessment

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

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

Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and placements where appropriate. Your actual contact hours will depend on the subject area, on the option modules you select and professional body requirements. A typical composition of study time for this course is:

Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and placements where appropriate. Your actual contact hours will depend on the subject area, on the option modules you select and professional body requirements. A typical composition of study time for this course is:

Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and placements where appropriate. Your actual contact hours will depend on the subject area, on the option modules you select and professional body requirements. A typical composition of study time for this course is:

Year 1

24% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
76% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 2

24% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
76% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 3

21% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
79% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Independent learning

Students will be expected to undertake independent learning activities in which they develop further the content taught in lecturer-led sessions. This will include the application of games design techniques, practicing use of games engines, modelling and animation tools. 

Students will be expected to undertake independent learning activities in which they develop further the content taught in lecturer-led sessions. This will include the application of games design techniques, practicing use of games engines, modelling and animation tools. 

Students will be expected to undertake independent learning activities in which they develop further the content taught in lecturer-led sessions. This will include the application of games design techniques, practicing use of games engines, modelling and animation tools. 

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

Fees

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

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:

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:

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).

Not included in the fees:

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

The cost of materials for the development of a student’s individual practice and work. Additional costs vary dependent upon student’s own choice of materials and approach to their practice.

Optional personal insurance when borrowing equipment such as cameras, lighting equipment etc. for extended period of use off campus [Approx £50-£100]. It may be possible to add some items to home contents insurance.

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

The cost of materials for the development of a student’s individual practice and work. Additional costs vary dependent upon student’s own choice of materials and approach to their practice.

Optional personal insurance when borrowing equipment such as cameras, lighting equipment etc. for extended period of use off campus [Approx £50-£100]. It may be possible to add some items to home contents insurance.

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

The cost of materials for the development of a student’s individual practice and work. Additional costs vary dependent upon student’s own choice of materials and approach to their practice.

Optional personal insurance when borrowing equipment such as cameras, lighting equipment etc. for extended period of use off campus [Approx £50-£100]. It may be possible to add some items to home contents insurance.
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.

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date
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.

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