Course overview
Build practical, industry-connected expertise in Central London.
Design player-focused mechanics, levels, quests and systems while developing game prototypes, agile project skills, studio collaboration and a professional portfolio.
Course overview
Take game ideas from concept to playable prototype in multidisciplinary teams, using professional tools to develop mechanics, player experience, level design, project delivery and emerging interactive technologies.
Study pattern
On-campus teaching in Central London; the detailed weekly timetable is confirmed for the chosen intake.
Curriculum
Explore the published programme structure by year and academic level.
01Integrated Foundation pathway
Level 3
Integrated Foundation pathway
Level 3
- Stage 1 — subject foundations and degree preparation
- Stage 2 — research, analytical and reflective skills
- Stage 3 — self-directed Final Major Project
01Year 1
Level 4
Year 1
Level 4
- Games Design Concepts and Visual Storytelling
- Games Studio Practice 1
- Introduction to 3D Asset Creation for Games
- Introduction to Gameplay Mechanics
02Year 2
Level 5
Year 2
Level 5
- Level Design: Player Experience and Usability
- Games Studio Practice 2
- Games Project Management
- Advanced Mechanics and Quest Design
03Year 3
Level 6
Year 3
Level 6
- Games Studio Practice 3
- Final Year Project and Professional Portfolio Curation
- Audio and Soundscapes for Games (option)
- Advanced Games Feature Design and Emerging Technologies (option)
Module availability and content may change as part of the provider’s ongoing academic review.
Assessment
Practical ways to show what you know.
Assessment is practice-led and can include studio projects, live briefs, design outcomes, portfolios, presentations, critiques and reflective professional work.
Written contextual research connects creative decisions with historical, cultural, ethical and industry perspectives.
The final year includes a substantial self-directed project and a professional portfolio or dissertation appropriate to the discipline.
Entry requirements
Your route onto the course.
Academic entry
- Direct Year 1 entry normally requires 112 UCAS tariff points or an accepted equivalent Level 3 qualification.
- Accepted routes can include a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, relevant BTEC or UAL qualifications, an Access to Higher Education Diploma or 27–30 International Baccalaureate points.
- Four GCSE passes at grade 4/C or above, including English, are normally required.
Integrated Foundation pathway
- The integrated Foundation pathway normally requires 32 UCAS tariff points or an accepted equivalent Level 3 route.
- Alternative qualifications and applicants with relevant professional experience may be assessed individually.
- Four GCSE passes at grade 4/C or above, including English, are normally required for the published foundation route.
Portfolio
Applicants are normally invited to present a portfolio or examples of relevant creative work for assessment.
English language
- GCSE English at grade 4/C, Functional Skills English Level 2 or an accepted equivalent is normally required.
- Published alternatives can include IELTS 6.0 for direct undergraduate entry, Duolingo English Test 85, or another accepted English-language qualification appropriate to the route.
International and non-standard entry
Equivalent UK and international qualifications are considered individually. Relevant professional experience may support a non-standard application and an interview or written task may be requested.
Application documents
- Completed application form.
- Qualification certificates and transcripts, with certified translations where required.
- Personal statement explaining motivation, experience and readiness for study.
- Evidence of English-language ability where applicable.
Fees & funding
Understand the full cost.
Published fees may increase annually in line with inflation and UK government legislation.
International tuition and any additional course costs should be confirmed before application.
Funding your study
Student Finance England funding may be available to eligible UK students, subject to personal circumstances and current funding rules.
What you’ll achieve
Skills for ideas that move forward.
Design and test player-centred game systems, mechanics, quests and levels.
Deliver multidisciplinary studio projects and a professional games-design portfolio.
Career opportunities
Where this course can take you.
Career outcomes depend on your experience, further training and the requirements of each role.
Potential career directions
- Game designer
- Level designer
- Games producer
- UI/UX designer
- Interactive narrative designer
- Games tester
Frequently asked questions
Course questions.
Where is the course taught?
The published campus is Central London.
When can I start?
Published intakes are October, February, June.
Who awards the qualification?
The published awarding university is University for the Creative Arts.