This course requires 104–120 UCAS tariff points including a minimum of 2 A-levels or equivalent. We are happy to consider a combination of qualifications and grades to meet the overall tariff, for example A-levels A*CC, ABC, BBB or BCC, BTECs DDM or DMM. You can use the UCAS calculator to see how your qualifications equate to UCAS tariff points.
If English is not your first language you'll need IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each of the 4 components, or equivalent.
Why study BSc (Hons) Games Design at BU?:
Explore level design, interactive storytelling, narrative development, interface design, games analytics, scripting for game creation, plus 3D modelling and texturing
Taught in dedicated facilities, using the latest industry-standard software for developing games
Opportunity to put your learning into practice by taking a 4-week work placement (as part of the 3-year course) or a 30-week placement (as part of the 4-year course)
Benefit from our industry connections and guest lectures with games developers across the UK and overseas, including Unity, Jagex, King, Sports Interactive, Creative Assembly, Climax Studios, Playground Games, Boss Alien, Media Molecule, and others
As well as the games industry, you’ll be prepared for a career in a range of sectors including digital technologies, architectural visualisation, mixed and virtual realities, and the wider digital creative industry
This course received an impressive 94% satisfaction rating from our final year students.
For September 2022 entry: We are currently developing a foundation year option for UK students who do not meet the entry requirements for the degree course. This additional year of study will give you a grounding in the skills required for this course, building your confidence, knowledge and skills for further study. After successful completion of the foundation year, you will progress to the full degree. This page will be updated with more information in October 2021. Please register your interest and we will email you when the foundation year option is open for applications
UCAS Code: G601
More info: Click here
Year 1
Core units
Games Design Principles: You will discover the basic principles of game design, as well as gain experience in collaborative working and sharing ideas.
Digital Technologies: You will gain knowledge of a wide variety of technologies involved in the creation of a computer-based solution to a real world problem using several contemporary tools.
Game Modelling Fundamentals: You will explore the theory and practice of 3D modelling with an emphasis on creating assets for real-time rendering, as used in the computer games industry.
Level Design Fundamentals: You will explore the theoretical underpinning and good practice of creating functional, visually believable and convincing 3D game levels using an industry standard game engine.
Lighting & Texturing: You will learn the specifics of texturing used in a modern game pipeline (e.g. bitmap and procedural texturing) as well as for the lighting design of modern computer games.
Game Development Pipeline: You will discover the set of techniques and concepts related to the creation of a modern computer game using leading, industry-standard middleware products.
Year 2
Core units
Storytelling and Narrative Development: You will develop skills in the development of narratives as a fundamental part of game design, and also discover the systems and theories that underpin interactive storytelling systems.
Modelling for Animation: You will develop 3D modelling skills by appropriately applying different techniques to the concepts of 3D modelling for games animation (e.g. interpret 2D concepts and create the corresponding 3D models ready for rigging).
Interface Design: You will explore interaction techniques as involved in the current and near future computer games, through the principles of human-computer interaction.
Animation for Games: You will acquire an overview of the state of the art for contemporary animation approaches for games as well as develop animation skills to animate character models expressing convincing attitudes, under given circumstances and modulated by attributed personality traits.
Game Studio Project: You will experience the practicalities of working in a team, simulating a real world games studio, in order to plan, design and implement a computer game from concept ideas and all the way to release stage.
Commercialisation & Business Environments: You will develop the fundamental commercial and professional skills and knowledge needed to successfully establish and operate a business within the creative industry sector.
Optional placement year
You have the option to complete either an optional 4-week placement or a minimum 30-week work placement year which can be carried out anywhere in the world. The placement year offers a chance to gain experience and make contacts for the future.
Final year
Core units
Individual Project: You will apply the methods and techniques to develop your major individual project, through surveying research literature to identify suitable topics for investigation, developing of a formal specification; and critically evaluating the project.
Usability & Games Analytics: You will discover the essential user experience principles allowing one to draw firm conclusions on the game players' experience for future game design by effectively evaluating a variety of game-derived data.
Pervasive Gaming: You will develop knowledge of current and emerging gaming technologies for various types of pervasive games by exploring their supporting platforms and contexts.
Innovation, Enterprise & Business Development: You will discover the possibilities of developing your own innovative business ideas, by exploring opportunities for enterprise and innovation through preparing a detailed, professional business proposal.
The computer games industry is continuing to expand at a rapid rate. This course will help you develop all the skills you need to enter this fast-paced and exciting industry.
We have links with games companies locally, nationally and internationally, allowing you to make contacts before you graduate.
OSHC: 624 ($) GBP per year
