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Games Development (Design) BA(Hons)

2023-24 (also available for 2024-25)

Places available in clearing. Find out more.
Places available in clearing. Find out more.

Start date

18 September 2023

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years inc. placement year

About the course

Reasons to study

  1. Boost your CV: Take part in internal Games Jams, or externally organised events like the Global Game Jam, Grads in Games and Game Republic.
  2. Industry experience: We'll support you to secure a placement as part of your degree. Some students undertake this at our in-house games development studio, Canalside Studios.
  3. Cover multiple disciplines: Our three Games Development courses share a common first year, so you will gain a thorough understanding in the basics of the game development process, including how to plan, design and create game ideas and concepts.

Computer game designers are needed as the fundamental backbones of computer game development. Creating fun isn’t easy, and a good designer can create entertainment from complex systems whether it’s single-player, multiplayer, competitive or co-operative, designers create memorable gameplay experiences.

During the course we cover complex aspects of games design and development, we’ll analyse games to explore why a game is fun and the motivations of the player. We provide you with the chance to take a deeper look at the broader understanding of games development and explore what is possible within the medium of games.

Our three Games Development courses share a common first year, so you will gain a thorough understanding in the basics of the game development process, including how to plan, design and create game ideas and concepts. Learning to produce design prototypes, concept and artwork, scripting and playtesting all to learn the skills of the entire game production cycle. We’ll also aim to introduce new technologies and developments that emerge in the games industry, as well as exploring the subject in context, exploring current research, issues and ideas. As the course progresses and your understanding evolves you will become more specialised in your chosen area, producing design documentation and prototypes, concepts, artwork or scripting you’ll work both on your own but also in a group setting so we can support you in developing your team working abilities, which reflects the way the industry operates. Developing an understanding of the entire game production cycle leads to a more efficient and industry employable game developer.

Our Games Development (Design) explores various design disciplines:

  • Games analysis
  • Games design theory and practice
  • Visual scripting
  • Games prototyping
  • Visual design

During your studies, you’ll also have the chance to take part in lots of internal Game Jams. We’ll also encourage you to get involved in externally organised events like the Global Game Jam, Grads in Games and Game Republic.

Your course is designed for the real world – it carries the ‘ScreenSkills Tick’, which identifies courses best suited to prepare you for a Creative Industries career. We know you'll graduate aiming to gain a job in the industry, so we maintain active links with business and industry figures. If you’d like to take what you’ve learnt out into the real world, we also give you the opportunity to spend a placement year working in the industry and our Placement Unit can help you find a position that’s right for you.

Finally, if you’re a student from within the UK, you could even think about starting your own small business while you’re here by applying for the Enterprise Placement Year (EPY).

Course detail

Core modules:

Concept Development 1

The module explores methods and practices around concept development and generating ideas for games. We aim to develop your understanding of game concepts, rules and mechanics through evaluation and critique of traditional and computer games, as well as gaining practical skills in the development and refinement or original concepts including formal iterative design methods, design documentation and visual and verbal presentation skills.

Games Team Project 1

The Games industry relies on professionals who work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams. This module gives you an early experience of both developing game assets and working as part of a team in which such artefacts are planned, designed, implemented and evaluated. The module aims to provide you with an understanding of industry best practices within the games industry. This includes reflective and peer assessment of contribution to the team effort. You will gain introductory experience of a product development cycle, technology limitations, and possible future developments relevant to the course.

3D Games Asset Development

The module has been designed to introduce you to the principles of 3D asset creation for current generation video games and integration into games engines. During the module you will examine workflows for specific platforms and technologies, while developing an understanding of the requirements of developing assets to specific design briefs and styles.

Visual Studies (for Video Games)

This is a broad introductory module covering the key theoretical principles of visual design for computer games. Using a broad range of traditional and digital tools you will develop core practical and software skills in design, development and asset production processes.

Games Prototyping 1

The module aims to develop your technical skills and knowledge in game engine prototyping, using a state-of-the-art game engine, to design and develop a game prototype. Practical studio themes will be developed by tutors which are aimed at helping you to gain an understanding of how the theory fits in with computer games design. You will be introduced to the concepts and principles that underpin the creation of game prototypes and will use a visual scripting language to control actions, interactions and animations.

Introduction to 3D and Animation

The module will introduce you to the practical principles and theoretical knowledge of creating digital 3D characters. Examining a broad range of applications for 3D production and optimisation for games development you will create your own characters, from introductory models to complete character production pipeline.

Entry requirements

To find out if you’re eligible to start this course in September 2023 and get more information on how to apply, please see our Clearing pages or call our Clearing Helpline on 0333 987 900001484 472777.

If you’re interested in studying this course in September 2024, please view the 2024-25 course information.

Games Development


Our Games Development courses share a common first year, so you will gain a thorough understanding in the basics of the game development process, including how to plan, design and create game ideas and concepts. Learning to produce design prototypes, concept and artwork, scripting and playtesting all to learn the skills of the entire game production cycle. Our students regularly enter their work into a range of competitions and often win in a variety of categories.

Placements


This course offers you the chance to undertake an optional placement in Year 3. This opportunity helps you to build on the knowledge and skills developed on the course. You will be employed by the company for 12 months, but the actual number of weeks worked will be dependent on the annual leave entitlement you are given in line with the placement company’s policy.

The placement year is a valuable tool that can enhance your employability and help you to develop as an individual. It is acknowledged that graduates with industry experience are generally much more attractive to employers.

Our Placement Unit will be on hand to support you in finding suitable placement opportunities, through timetabled and drop-in sessions as well as by appointment. The Placement Unit team are regularly in contact with local and national companies and will assist you with preparing your CV and with interview techniques. They'll also be in contact with you during your placement so that you'll be fully supported while you gain the experience that employers value so highly.

Alternatively, if you are a student from within the UK, you could consider starting your own small business by applying for the Enterprise Placement Year in conjunction with the University’s Enterprise Team. You’ll have the opportunity to benefit from business advice, mentoring and networking sessions. Find out more information on the Enterprise Placement Year.

Student Work

Your career


As a graduate of this course, you may consider employment in a wide range of sectors including games design, games visualisation and narrative design.

Additionally, you may gain skills that are transferable to other industries and may be able to pursue any career that requires a good honours degree. You could go on to further study and the University has many options available for postgraduate study (including postgraduate teacher training) and research which may interest you.

*Percentage of graduates from this course who are in work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduation (HESA Graduate Outcomes 19/20 data, UK domiciled graduates)

 

90%* Graduates employed

Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you'll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you'll soon discover that you're never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey. Find out more about all our support services.

A wide range of resources are also offered within the School of Computing and Engineering, which provides you with support in a variety of areas. These include:

Student Support Office: a one stop shop for students studying within the School. The team deal with every aspect of student life from enrolment, module queries, timetabling, exams, assessments, course-related committees and graduation. They are the first place to go with any query, and they can also signpost to other support networks.

Student Guidance Office: provides guidance about how students can develop their academic study skills and learning development. The team provide support with academic skills including research and project planning, referencing and paraphrasing, essay writing, critical thinking, understanding assessments and the presentation of academic work. Common learning development topics include, developing effective study habits, time management, how to manage deadlines, plan, structure and organise work and understanding the University regulations and systems.

Technical Support: technicians support our students across each department. Based in our labs with different specialisms and knowledge they are on hand to advise and guide, students can access our technician’s expertise during lectures and seminars as well as during self-study. A technical Helpdesk is also available to all students within the School of Computing and Engineering to help troubleshoot any computer issues or to borrow hardware and software.

Personal Academic Tutor (PAT): you will be allocated a PAT who will be an academic based in the School of Computing and Engineering. You will be offered the opportunity to meet with your PAT at various points throughout the year. PATs are there to help you get the most out of your time at University, to discuss academic progress so that you can achieve your best and to direct you towards appropriate support services such as wellbeing and finance.

Important information

We will always try to deliver your course as described on this web page. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below.

Changes to a course you have applied for

If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

Cancellation of a course you have applied for

Although we always try and run all of the course we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will contact you to discuss other suitable courses with us we can transfer your application to. If we notify you that the course you have applied to has been withdrawn or combined, and you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

We will always try to deliver your course and other services as described. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below:

Changes to option modules

Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have a range of options to choose from and we will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

Major changes

We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change in this context is a change that materially changes the services available to you; or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.

For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but this may not always be the case. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation with affected students. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

Termination of course

In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include transferring to a suitable replacement course for which you are qualified, being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered, or claiming an interim award and exiting the University. If you do not wish to take up any of the options that are made available to you, then you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the course without liability to the University for future tuition fees and you will be entitled to a refund of all course fees paid to date. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by a framework of regulations, policies and procedures, which form the basis of your agreement with us. These include regulations regarding the assessment of your course, academic integrity, your conduct (including attendance) and disciplinary procedure, fees and finance and compliance with visa requirements (where relevant). It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to abide by them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you will also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to. You should read these carefully before you enrol. Please note that this information is subject to change and you are advised to check our website regularly for any changes before you enrol at the University. A person who is not party to this agreement shall not have any rights under or in connection with it. Only you and the University shall have any right to enforce or rely on the agreement.

Equal opportunities

The University of Huddersfield is an equal opportunities institution. We aim to create conditions where staff and students are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, age, race, caste, class, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, family responsibility, trade union activity, political or religious belief, or age. Please visit our website to see our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy

Data protection

The University holds personal data on all enquirers, applicants and enrolled students. All such data is kept and processed in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Legislation. The University’s Data Protection Policy and Privacy Notices are available on the University website.

Students’ Union membership

Under the 1994 Education Act, students at all UK universities have the right to join, or not to join, the Students’ Union. There is no membership fee. If you choose not to join you have the right not to be disadvantaged; however, you are not entitled to vote, take part in elections, or hold any office. The following arrangements apply in order that non-Union members are not disadvantaged: Non-members are welcome to take part in the activities of Affiliated Clubs and Societies on payment of the appropriate subscription. However, they may not vote or hold office in the society or club. Union members may be offered a discounted subscription. Non-members are free to use Union facilities on the same basis as members. Welfare, catering and shops are available to non-members as well as members. Union members may be offered a discounted price.

The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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