Games Design and Production

نظرة عامة على البرنامج

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Games Design and Production

Overview

The Games Design and Production course at the University of Salford is a three-year undergraduate program that prepares students for a career in the digital creative industries. The course focuses on the development of skills and experience in game design, art, and programming, with an emphasis on teamwork, problem-solving, and industry-standard practices.

Course Details

Year One

• Game Design Fundamentals: Students learn the fundamentals of game design, including theory, design methods, and process.
• Visual Arts: Students engage with creative processes and practices, developing their independent creative capabilities.
• Entertainment Technologies: Students study technologies from the past, present, and future, and conceptualize and build interactive prototypes.
• Principles of Digital Game Design: Students work in production teams to build their first 2D digital game.
• Digital Graphics: Students learn about photographic theory, composition, digital image theory, and image retouching.
• Introduction to Programming: Students receive a solid introduction to the foundations of computer programming.

Year Two

• Game Development Foundations: Students work in production teams to build their first 3D digital game.
• Human Data Interaction: Students learn about the theoretical principles of human-computer and data interaction.
• Advanced Gameplay Development: Students work in groups to produce functional polished product.
• Optional Modules:
  • Digital Environment Art: Students learn to design, develop, and deploy 3D virtual games environments.
  • Games Engine Programming: Students learn to build an understanding of more complex underlying programming paradigms.

Year Three

• Creative Portfolio: Students focus on the realities of finding meaningful employment in the digital creative industries.
• Final Project Proposal and Prototyping: Students define their own production groups, genre, narrative, and technology.
• Final Project Development: Students work on a full-scale production of their game prototype.
• Practice-Based Dissertation: Students develop a purely written or practice-based dissertation.

Assessment

• 60% Coursework
• 40% Presentations

Teaching

• Production-based modules are delivered primarily through workshops.
• Theory modules are delivered through combined lecture/seminar sessions.
• Project work allows students to produce work tailored to their individual interests.

Facilities

• TV studios
• Green screen facilities
• Audio production
• MakerSpace
• Stop-frame studio
• Computer Suites and Editing Studios
• Equipment stores

Employment and Stats

• Graduates have gone on to work at world-renowned development companies, including Rockstar, Sony, EA, Saga, and Namco.
• 90% of students are in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.

Requirements

• GCSE English and maths grade C/grade 4 or above.
• UCAS tariff points: 104-112 points.
• A-level: 104-112 points.
• T-level: Pass (C in core subject).
• BTEC National Diploma: MMM-DMM.
• Access to HE: 104-112 UCAS Tariff points.
• International Baccalaureate: 28 points.
• European Baccalaureate: Pass in Diploma of at least 73-78% overall in a relevant subject.

Tuition Fees

• Full-time home: £9,535 per year (2025/26), £9,535 per year (2026/27).
• Full-time international: £17,650 per year (2025/26), £18,120 per year (2026/27).

Scholarships

• International students may be eligible for scholarships.

Related Courses

• BA (Hons) Animation
• DipHE Creative and Digital Media
• BSc (Hons) Creative Computing

Student Information

• Terms and conditions
• UCAS information: Course ID G470, Institution S03

Data

• 78% of students say staff value students' views and opinions about the course.
• 74% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.
• 90% of students are in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.

مخطط البرنامج

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Degree Overview:

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In a nutshell:

• The Games Design and Production program focuses on preparing students for employment in the rapidly growing video game industry.
• The program is designed for students interested in becoming game designers, producers, programmers, or artists.
• The curriculum combines both theoretical and practical elements, with an emphasis on building functional games in a multidisciplinary team environment.

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Objectives:

• To equip students with the skills and knowledge required for a successful career in the games industry.
• To provide students with real-world experience in game development through group projects and placements.
• To foster a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

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Description:

• The program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering the fundamentals of game design, programming, art, and production.
• Students will learn how to concept, design, prototype, and produce games using industry-standard tools and technologies.
• The program culminates in a final year project where students will develop a fully functional game prototype.
• The program also includes a placement module, providing students with the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience.

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Outline:

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Year One:

• Game Design Fundamentals: Learn the theories and principles of game design, prototyping, and testing.
• Visual Arts: Develop skills in traditional and digital art techniques, including drawing, painting, and 3D modeling.
• Introduction to Programming: Gain a foundation in computer programming, including code structures, principles, and basic game engine concepts.
• Digital Graphics: Learn digital art techniques, including image editing, retouching, pixel art, and vector art.

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Year Two:

• Game Development Foundations: Build your first 3D game using industry-standard tools and technologies.
• Human Data Interaction: Understand the principles of human-computer interaction and data analysis in game design.
• Advanced Gameplay Development: Design and implement advanced gameplay mechanics, including AI, physics, and narrative systems.
• Optional Modules: Choose from a range of specialized modules, including Digital Environment Art or Games Engine Programming.

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Year Three:

• Personal Portfolio: Develop a professional portfolio showcasing your skills and experience in game design and development.
• Final Project Proposal and Prototyping: Plan and prototype a final year game project in a simulated industry environment.
• Final Project Development: Develop a fully functional game prototype, incorporating all aspects of game design and production.
• Practice-Based Dissertation: Conduct research and produce a written or practical dissertation on a topic related to game design and development.

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Assessment:

• Assessment methods include coursework, projects, presentations, and examinations.
• Coursework may include game prototypes, design documents, and written assignments.
• Projects may involve the development of full-fledged games or smaller game components.
• Presentations allow students to showcase their work and receive feedback from tutors and peers.
• Examinations typically assess students' theoretical knowledge and understanding of key concepts.

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Teaching:

• Classes are taught by experienced game designers, programmers, artists, and producers.
• The program uses a blended learning approach, combining lectures, workshops, and self-directed study.
• Students have access to industry-standard facilities and software.
• There is a strong emphasis on group work and collaboration.
• Students receive regular feedback and support from tutors.

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Careers:

• The program prepares students for a variety of careers in the games industry, including:
• Game designer
• Game producer
• Programmer
• Artist
• Tester
• Quality assurance specialist
• Project manager
• Many graduates have gone on to work for major game studios, including Rockstar, Sony, EA, Saga, Namco, Travellers Tales, and Team 17.
• The campus is home to industry-standard facilities, including TV studios, green screen facilities, audio production studios, and a MakerSpace.
• The program has strong links to the games industry, with regular guest lectures and live briefs from industry partners.
• The program is open to students from all backgrounds and disciplines.

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| Type of study | Year | Fees | |---|---|---| | Full-time home | 2024/25 | £9,250.00 per year | | Full-time international | 2024/25 | £17,040.00 per year | | Full-time home | 2025/26 | £9,250.00 per year | | Full-time international | 2025/26 | £17,650.00 per year |