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Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
Duration
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Bachelors
Major
Digital Media | Game Design | Game Development
Area of study
Arts | Information and Communication Technologies
Course Language
English
About Program

Program Overview


Game Development BA(Hons)

Master game development skills while specialising in your chosen discipline.


Key details

  • Location: Penryn Campus
  • Course duration: 3 years / 4 years
  • Attendance: Full-time / Professional Placement

Course overview

We’re ranked as the number one university for game design in England (Princeton Review, 2025), and we take that accolade very seriously. On this Game Development degree, you’ll establish your specialism within the field, gaining industry-level technical, creative and professional skills within an environment that mirrors a real games development studio. You’ll also work as you might in industry, learning to communicate and collaborate effectively as you operate in multi-skilled teams to develop your own games from the outset.


Why study this course at Falmouth?

  • Build your own games from day one and have the opportunity to establish your own company in your third year
  • Work in one of the largest and best-equipped dedicated game-making spaces of any university in the UK
  • Learn in a department dedicated to gaming and be surrounded by people working in all aspects of the industry
  • Develop a multidisciplinary approach, using Unity and Unreal to touch upon all aspects of game creation
  • Showcase your work to industry leaders through our annual Games Expo and gain professional insights via guest lecturers
  • Have the flexibility to change your area of specialism based on your skills and interests

Overviews of each specialism

Game Development: Art BA(Hons)

  • Overview: Get into teams from the start to learn core game art abilities, such as environment modelling and game engine integration, using industry-standard packages, processes and pipelines.
  • Course routes:
    • Three year degree
    • Four year degree with Integrated Foundation Year
    • Four year degree with professional placement
  • UCAS codes:
    • BA(Hons) 3 year: W281
    • Integrated Foundation Year BA(Hons) 4 year: FY02
    • Professional placement BA(Hons) 4 year: PY29

Game Development: Design BA(Hons)

  • Overview: Prototype and implement the rules, systems, puzzles and levels that shape player experience, iteratively testing and refining them.
  • Course routes:
    • Three year degree
    • Four year degree with Integrated Foundation Year
    • Four year degree with professional placement
  • UCAS codes:
    • BA(Hons) 3 year: W284
    • Integrated Foundation Year BA(Hons) 4 year: FY28
    • Professional placement BA(Hons) 4 year: PY31

Game Development: Programming BA(Hons)

  • Overview: Become a gameplay programmer who implements and tests core game mechanics and evaluates how players interact with them.
  • Course routes:
    • Three year degree
    • Four year degree with Integrated Foundation Year
    • Four year degree with professional placement
  • UCAS codes:
    • BA(Hons) 3 year: W285
    • Integrated Foundation Year BA(Hons) 4 year: FY30
    • Professional placement BA(Hons) 4 year: PY33

Game Development: Writing BA(Hons)

  • Overview: Create backstories, dialogue, quests and player journeys, learning to translate foundational writing skills into narrative design for games.
  • Course routes:
    • Three year degree
    • Four year degree with Integrated Foundation Year
    • Four year degree with professional placement
  • UCAS codes:
    • BA(Hons) 3 year: W286
    • Integrated Foundation Year BA(Hons) 4 year: FY31
    • Professional placement BA(Hons) 4 year: PY34

Course details

Year one

  • You'll learn what it takes to make a game, including game creation, project management and pipelines, pitching ideas and considering theories about what games are and how they engage players.
  • Modules:
    • Core modules (studied by all specialisms)
      • Development Foundations
      • Digital Creativity
      • Multidisciplinary Teamwork
      • Reading Games (except for Game Development: Programming students, who will study Data Fundamentals instead)
    • Specialist modules for each specialism

Year two

  • With greater confidence in your skills, you'll mirror professional game development as you tackle a larger game project in a multi-skilled group.
  • Modules:
    • Core modules (studied by all specialisms)
      • Game Form & Player Experience
      • World Building: Pre-Production
      • World Building: Production
    • Specialist modules for each specialism

Year three

  • During the final year of your Game Development degree, you'll produce a complete and potentially publishable game as part of a team.
  • Modules:
    • Core modules (studied by all students)
      • Experience Design
      • Future Skills
      • Professional Portfolio
      • Future of Games
      • Major Collaboration

Additional routes

Integrated Foundation Year (optional)

  • Why study an Integrated Foundation Year route?
  • What you'll learn
  • Modules:
    • Explore
    • Technique
    • Apply
    • Industry
    • Launch

Professional placement (optional)

  • You can choose to take an optional professional placement after your second year on a three-year programme, or after your third year if you're studying for a degree with an Integrated Foundation Year.
  • How you'll study during your professional placement

Facilities

  • Large studio equipped with regularly updated, state-of-the-art game development machines.
  • Rokoko Smartsuit Pro 2 motion capture suits, including Smartgloves and Face Capture
  • Life drawing studio for artists and weekly life sessions.
  • Specialised computing hardware for game development, deep learning projects, motion capture and immersive experiences.
  • Standard packages used in software development for the games and visual effects industries, including Adobe and Autodesk suites.
  • Attached lab committed to staying at the cutting edge - featuring augmented reality, virtual reality AR/VR/MR (XR) equipment including HoloLens, HoloLens 2 and Meta Quest 3 & 2.
  • Attached lab with access to PS5 development and testing kits.
  • Access to a variety of game engines including Unity and Unreal.
  • Studios open late during term time.
  • Access to free software.

Stories from our community

  • Explore student projects, graduate successes, staff news and industry insights

Staff

  • Dr Douglas Brown, Dean of the Faculty of Screen, Technology & Performance
  • Brian McDonald, Senior Lecturer Digital Games
  • Dr William H Huber, Associate Professor of Game Studies
  • Lucy Stent, Game Programming and Game Development Foundation Lecturer
  • Dr Tony Pellicone, Senior Lecturer
  • Phoebe Herring, Senior Lecturer
  • Jeremy West, Associate Lecturer, Game Development BA(Hons)
  • Dr Michael Scott, Head of Computing and Associate Professor of Computer Science Education
  • Che Wilbraham, Lecturer: Games
  • Pete Shepherd, Associate Lecturer (Audio)
  • Richard Milligan, Lecturer
  • Terry Greer, Senior Lecturer in Game Design
  • Dr Jeff Howard, Associate Professor of Games and Occulture
  • Joseph Walton-Rivers, Lecturer
  • Tim Phillips, Lecturer
  • Lee Montgomery, Course Leader
  • William Pryn, Senior Lecturer, Games Academy

Careers

  • Our graduates have worked as:
    • Level Designers at Supermassive Games, Mediatonic and King
    • Animator at Creative Assembly
    • Game Designer at Rare
    • Games Writers at Hangar 13 and Playground Games
    • Producer at Rocksteady Studios
  • What can you do with a games degree?

How to apply

  • Ready to apply for 2025?
  • You can apply for our undergraduate degrees via UCAS.
  • Course routes and UCAS codes:
    • Game Development: Art BA(Hons)
    • Game Development: Design BA(Hons)
    • Game Development: Programming BA(Hons)
    • Game Development: Writing BA(Hons)
  • Application advice & interview information

Fees, costs & funding

  • Tuition fees for students starting the course in September 2025
  • Annual tuition fee: £9,535 per year (Full-time UK), £17,950 per year (Full-time EU/international), £1,905 per professional placement year (Full-time UK and EU/international)
  • Typical course costs:
    • £150 - Recurring annual costs (materials and books)
    • £30-£150 - Headset with microphone
    • £25-£100 - Webcam
    • £300 - Optional study visits and placements for the course duration
    • £1,500 approx. - Laptop or desktop computer
  • Funding information

Ask a student

  • What better way to find out about life at Falmouth University than by asking our current students?
  • From course details and academic support, to the social scene and settling in, our students are ready and available to answer any questions you might have.
  • Chat to our students

Similar courses

  • Game Animation BA(Hons)
  • Computer Science BSc(Hons)
  • Esports & Livestreaming BA(Hons)
  • Robotics BSc(Hons)
  • Game Art BA(Hons)
  • Computing for Games BSc(Hons)

Program Outline


Degree Overview:

The Game Development BA(Hons) program at Falmouth University equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become successful game developers. Ranked as the number one university for game design in England by The Princeton Review in 2023, the program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, mirroring real-world game development studios. Students collaborate in multi-skilled teams, specializing in one of five focus areas: Art, Design, Programming, Writing, or Animation. This three-year program allows students to start building games from day one, working on progressively challenging projects as they progress through the course. The program's design reflects a real-world game development studio environment, encouraging teamwork, communication, and collaboration while fostering individual specialization and creativity.


Outline:


Year One:

  • Students get a holistic introduction to game development, learning about game creation, project management, pipelines, ideation, and game engagement theories.
  • Core modules cover topics such as development foundations, digital creativity, and multidisciplinary teamwork.
  • Students choose their specialization path, focusing on one of the five areas: Art, Design, Programming, Writing, or Animation.

Year Two:

  • Students delve deeper into their chosen specialization, developing specific skills and expanding their knowledge base.
  • They tackle larger game projects in multi-skilled teams, experimenting with various approaches and creating innovative features.

Year Three:

  • The final year focuses on developing a complete and potentially publishable game as part of a team.
  • Students pitch their game to industry professionals, receive feedback, and refine their work.
  • They conduct research relevant to their project and build an online portfolio showcasing their skills and expertise.
  • Modules like Experience Design, Future Skills, and Future of Games equip students with professional and entrepreneurial skills, preparing them for the industry.

Assessment:

All assessments at Falmouth University are 100% coursework based. Students are continuously assessed on group projects throughout their studies through a group working strategy. Additional assessment methods may include:

  • Game making
  • Visual, verbal, and written assignments
  • Portfolio of project work

Teaching:

  • The program utilizes a "digitally enhanced learning & teaching" approach.
  • Students receive primarily in-person instruction through seminars, tutorials, and studio teaching, with specific elements delivered online either live (synchronously) or pre-recorded (asynchronously).
  • Industry professionals contribute as guest speakers, providing valuable insights into the current state and future trends of the gaming industry.
  • The program boasts a diverse faculty with expertise in various areas of game development.
  • Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated, extensively equipped games development studio, industry-standard software and hardware, motion capture labs, and more.

Careers:

Graduates of the Game Development BA(Hons) program are equipped to pursue a variety of careers in the gaming industry. Potential career paths include:

  • Level Designer
  • Animator
  • Game Designer
  • Games Writer
  • Producer
  • Gameplay Programmer
  • VFX Artist
  • 3D Artist
  • Technical Artist
  • UI/UX Designer
  • The program's emphasis on real-world experience, collaboration, and industry connections gives graduates a competitive edge in the job market, with many securing positions at leading gaming companies like Supermassive Games, Mediatonic, and King.

Other:

  • The program offers optional opportunities for professional placements during the second or third year of the program.
  • Students can choose to complete an Integrated Foundation Year before commencing their three-year degree, providing them with a strong foundation in the principles of game development.

Conclusion:

The Game Development BA(Hons) program at Falmouth University provides a comprehensive and industry-focused education, preparing students for successful careers in the dynamic world of game development. The program's emphasis on collaboration, real-world experience, and industry connections, coupled with its state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty, makes it a top choice for aspiring game developers.

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Falmouth University


Overview:

Falmouth University is a public university located in Cornwall, England, renowned for its creative arts and design programs. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as online study options. The university is known for its strong industry connections, professional-grade facilities, and inspiring location.


Services Offered:

Falmouth University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

    Accommodation:

    On-campus and off-campus accommodation options are available, offering modern and well-equipped spaces.

    Student Support:

    The university offers a variety of support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.

    Employability Service:

    Falmouth University has a dedicated Employability Service that helps students develop their career skills and find employment opportunities.

    Student Voice:

    The university encourages student feedback and participation through its Student Voice program.

    Study Abroad Exchanges:

    Students have the opportunity to study abroad at partner institutions around the world.

    Virtual Experience:

    Falmouth University offers a virtual experience platform for prospective students to explore the campus and learn more about the university.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Falmouth University offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience, with:

    Accommodation:

    Modern and well-equipped accommodation options on and off-campus.

    Open Days:

    Open Days are held regularly, allowing prospective students to experience campus life and meet staff and current students.

    Freshers' Week:

    A dedicated week of events and activities designed to help new students settle in and make friends.

    Student Clubs and Societies:

    A wide range of clubs and societies cater to diverse interests, providing opportunities for students to connect with like-minded individuals.

    Location:

    Falmouth is situated in a beautiful and inspiring location, with easy access to the coast and surrounding countryside.

Key Reasons to Study There:

    Industry Connections:

    Falmouth University has strong industry connections, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.

    Professional-Grade Facilities:

    The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including studios, workshops, and labs, designed to support creative learning and practice.

    Inspiring Location:

    Falmouth's location in Cornwall offers a unique and inspiring environment for creative study, with access to stunning beaches, coastal landscapes, and a vibrant arts scene.

    Focus on Employability:

    Falmouth University is committed to preparing students for successful careers, with a dedicated Employability Service and a strong focus on practical skills development.

Academic Programs:

Falmouth University offers a wide range of academic programs, with strengths in:

    Art & Design:

    The university is renowned for its art and design programs, including animation, film, photography, graphic design, fashion, and textiles.

    Games:

    Falmouth University has a dedicated Games Academy, offering programs in game design, development, and production.

    Business & Marketing:

    The university offers programs in business, marketing, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on creativity and innovation.

    Computing:

    Falmouth University offers programs in computing, including data science, robotics, and software development.

    English, Journalism & Writing:

    The university offers programs in English, journalism, and creative writing, with a focus on practical skills and industry connections.

    Performance, Theatre & Music:

    Falmouth University offers programs in performance, theatre, and music, with a focus on practical training and professional development.

Total programs
178
Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:


Three Year Degree:

  • 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points: This typically corresponds to a combination of A-levels, BTEC/UAL Extended Diplomas, or other Level 3 qualifications.
  • Specific subject requirements may vary depending on your chosen specialism (Art, Design, Programming, or Writing).

Four Year Degree with Professional Placement:

  • 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points
  • Same subject requirements as the three-year degree (if applicable)

Four Year Degree with Integrated Foundation Year:

  • 80 – 120 UCAS Tariff points
  • No specific subject requirements beyond general academic ability

Language Requirements:

  • English Language: GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C) or equivalent.
  • Non-Native English Speakers: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening.
  • Other equivalent tests may be accepted.
  • Entry requirements are based on your qualifications at the time of application.
  • The University may consider applicants with non-standard qualifications or experience on a case-by-case basis.

Summary:

  • Entry requirements vary depending on the chosen pathway and your qualifications.
  • Most applicants will need 104-120 UCAS Tariff points from Level 3 qualifications.
  • Non-native English speakers require an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent.
  • The University welcomes applications from all backgrounds and considers individual circumstances.
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