BA (Hons) Game Design

Program Details

Degree: Bachelors
Major: Game Design | Game Development | Software Development
Area of study: Information and Communication Technologies
Timing: Full time
Course Language: English

Intakes

Program start date

Sep 15, 2027

Program Overview

Overview

Dive into the creative and technical aspects of game creation with our BA (Hons) in Game Design. This comprehensive program covers everything from conceptual design and storytelling to user experience and project management, preparing you for a diverse range of careers in the thriving game industry.

What's Unique About This Course?

Computer Games Design is part of our new multi-million pound, Screen School.
On this course you will use a variety of specialist and industry-standard software packages.
Our Animation Base room within Screen School is complete with Cintiq drawing pads as well as six Individual Stop Motion Animation Booths.

What Happens on the Course?

As a full-time student you will be studying three modules per semester which requires about 12 hours of attendance per week. The rest of the learning will be self-directed outside the formal sessions. You will study in well-equipped studios. The studios are accessible from 8 am to 8 pm. There are no formal exams and all assignments are based on briefs and assessed by coursework. You can always book a session with your tutors for a one to one meeting to discuss your progress and get individualized support.

Students who join our course come from various academic backgrounds. So, in the first year we introduce everyone to the fundamentals of game design and gradually build on that foundation in years two and three.

In Year 1 you will study the theory of game design and are introduced to the process and strategies involved. You will also study digital arts, level design, 3D modelling and interaction design through code.

In Year 2 you will build on the previous year and explore the world of serious games and game ethics and deign and present your own serious game. You will also study game audio which involves recording and editing your own sounds for games; will get involved in team production of a game and take a specific role within that team; improve your level design skills by designing and developing a more indicative game level using visual coding; and study 3D production through animation and modelling.

In Year 3 you have a lot of space and freedom to focus on your chosen areas of game design by negotiating the content of your various projects with your tutors. You will work on your final major project of your choice throughout the year. At the same time, you will be working on a client-based brief for a game and also choose an area to experiment with, this should be an area that you like and want to know more about. You can link your experimentation with your final major project. You will work on designing a game, usually as a member of a team and will be introduced to how to prepare for the world of work, this will include preparing a professional portfolio ready for taking to your interviews.

Modules and Assessment

All assessment on this course is based on coursework. There are no exams. You will be given an assignment brief at the beginning of the module. The assignment brief explains in detail what you are required to do, what you need to submit and when the deadline is. It also explains the criteria used to assess the assignment.

New £5m Screen School

Wolverhampton Screen School will be the ambitious epicentre for stimulating screen based culture, education, research and industrial development within the region and beyond.

Additional Information

BA (Hons) Computer Games Design

The member of academic staff who leads this course is Faramarz Amiri.
For more information our facilities here.
For more information about Computer Games Design at Wolverhampton, please visit our website:

Wolverhampton School of Art

For more information about the Wolverhampton School of Art: visit our home page.
Discover more about our outstanding facilities – visit our facilities pages.
Learn about the creative industries and everything we do to make your creative career a reality on our Creative Futures page.
Check out the work of our 2023 graduating students on our Degree Show and MA Show pages.
Find out what our students say – view testimonies from successful graduates on our Case Studies page.
Research – learn about the Centre for Art and Design Research and Experimentation (CADRE) and FEINART, our ambitious and innovative pan European training network.
Wolverhampton School of Art hosted the prestigious British Art Show 9 in 2022.
Artsfest – our established programme of arts and cultural events continues to bring you the very best this region has to offer.

Every year our students show their work in the Final Year Show.

Potential Career Paths

Game Designer
Level Designer
Narrative Designer
UI/UX Designer
Game Producer
Concept Artist
Game Animator

What Our Students Say

Graduate Success - Jason Barlow graduated in 2011:

Jason Barlow graduated from the University of Wolverhampton in 2011 and is now using the skills learned on his degree to lead a team of animators and 3D artists at a virtual reality simulation company.

Funding

Tuition Fees Loan (Home Fee Status):

Most students will be able to apply for a loans to pay for these subject to eligibility. To find out more information please refer to the government Student Finance website.

Changes for EU students:

The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as having Overseas Fee status. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

Self-funding:

If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: See How to pay.

For more information please contact the Gateway.

Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment , confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.

Entry Requirements

Typical entry requirement: 96 UCAS points including a level 3 qualification in Art and Design.

A Levels - grades CCC / BCD
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma or OCR Cambridge L3 Technical Extended Diploma - grades MMM
BTEC L3 Diploma - grades DD
Access to HE Diploma (60 credits) of which a minimum of 45 must be at Level 3 (96 UCAS point equivalence, minimum 45 credits at merit)
UAL L3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design or Creative Media Production & Technology - grade M

Use the UCAS Tariff calculator to check your qualifications and points

If you've got other qualifications or relevant experience, please contact The Gateway for further advice before applying.

Other Requirements

Those meeting the entry requirements may be shortlisted for a Portfolio Review. Further details can be found at https://www.wlv.ac.uk/how-to-apply/4---after-youve-applied/subject-specific-applications/. Applicants will also be required to provide satisfactory reference.

Students must have studied a minimum of two years post GCSE level. However, it is expected that some applicants will be mature students with work experience, who wish to further their career development. These applicants will be processed through standard procedures, which may involve an interview as part of the process. Please see https://www.wlv.ac.uk/how-to-apply/4---after-youve-applied/ for further information.

Course Fees and Finance

Location	Mode	Fee
Home	Full-time	£9250 per year
Home	Full-time	£9535 per year
Home	Part-time	£4625 per year#
Home	Part-time	£4768 per year#
International	Full-time	£14950 per year
International	Full-time	£15995 per year

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed

# Undergraduate part-time fees for 50% rate of study

How We Compare

Find out how our course is rated on Discover Uni, the official website for comparing UK higher education courses

Full-time Course

66%say staff value students views and opinions about the course
83%of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.
80%in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.

Part-time Course

100%in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.

For more official course information visit Discover Uni

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Program Outline

Degree Overview

Overview

This course is designed for individuals who are passionate about games and are fascinated by how they are made.
It will provide students with the skills and knowledge to turn their creative game ideas into reality.
The program covers the main processes involved in the design, making, and coding of computer games, and includes the study of art and technical aspects.
Students will collaborate on creating games, while learning and practicing individually.
The course emphasizes creativity, innovation, problem-solving, passion for games, and utilizing industry-standard software packages and hardware.

Objectives

Introduce students to the fundamental concepts and processes of computer game design and development.
Develop students' skills in concept design, level design, character design, 3D modelling, animation, game coding, and ethical game design.
Enable students to experiment with virtual reality and motion capture technology.
Prepare students for professional employment and self-employment in the gaming industry.
Foster students' abilities in critical thinking, reflection, self-awareness, and communication.

Program Description The BA (Hons) Game Design course at the University of Wolverhampton is a three-year full-time program (six years part-time). It is divided into three levels, with each level covering different aspects of game development:

Level 1:

Introduction to game design theory, digital arts, game engines, game development ethics and strategies, 3D modelling, and programming.

Level 2:

Advanced level design, 3D production and animation, visual development and research methods.

Level 3:

Focuses on individual game design projects and client-based briefs, experimentation with emerging technologies, game audio, professional development, and self-marketing strategies.

Outline

Content:

The program covers a broad range of subjects, including game design principles, 3D modelling and animation, coding and programming, level design, character design, environment design, game audio, game production, VR and motion capture technology, ethics in games, digital art and drawing, research methods, game history and theory, game development careers and business practices.

Structure:

The course involves a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, and individual project work.

Course Schedule:

The program follows a semester system, with three modules studied each semester.

Individual Modules:

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Assessment

Assessment Methods:

All assessments in this program are based on coursework and involve tasks, exercises, and projects that test students' understanding and application of the taught material.
No formal examinations are held.
Each module has its own set of assessment criteria, explained in detail within the module brief.
The criteria consider subject knowledge, creativity, innovation, research skills, technical proficiency, project execution, communication skills, critical analysis, reflection and self-awareness.

Teaching

Teaching Methods:

The program utilizes various teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, demonstrations, individual and group projects, and self-directed study.
Students are provided with regular feedback on their work to support their development and progress.

Faculty:

The course is taught by experienced and qualified educators who are experts in their fields and passionate about games and education.
They come from diverse backgrounds, including computer science, art and design, animation, and game development, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience.

Unique Approach:

The unique aspect of the program is its emphasis on the individual student as a game developer, encouraging creativity, exploration, and experimentation.
The course provides a balanced approach, combining theory with practice and technical knowledge with artistic skills, preparing students for the demands of the industry.
Students have access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, including a Motion Capture suite, sound recording room, motion graphics suite, 3D animation suite, and dedicated games-focused laboratories.

Careers

Potential Career Paths:

Game Designer, 3D Modeler, Level Designer, Digital Artist, Art Director, Project Manager, Game Developer, Programmer, VR Developer, Game Tester, Freelance Game Designer, Game Artist, Game Animator.
Opportunities also exist in related industries such as digital entertainment, broadcasting, media, advertising, and education.

Other

Additional Information:

The course emphasizes the importance of creative collaboration, encouraging teamwork, communication, and the development of interpersonal and project management skills.
The program offers opportunities to participate in industry-related events, internships, and competitions, and provides career support and advice to help students prepare for their chosen careers.
Students have the opportunity to showcase their work at the annual Graduate Show and portfolio presentations, gaining valuable experience and industry exposure.
The course fosters an inclusive and supportive learning environment, welcoming students from all backgrounds and abilities, and celebrates the diverse voices and perspectives within the gaming community.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

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About University

University of Wolverhampton

Overview:

The University of Wolverhampton is a public university located in Wolverhampton, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as degree apprenticeships and CPD short courses. The university is known for its strong focus on student support and its commitment to providing a high-quality learning experience.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at the University of Wolverhampton can expect a vibrant and supportive campus environment. The university has a strong sense of community, with a variety of clubs, societies, and events to get involved in. The university also has a number of facilities and services to support student life, including a gym, a Students' Union, and a library.

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The University of Wolverhampton offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

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The university has a strong commitment to research, with a number of research centers and institutes. The university also has a strong international focus, with a number of programs and services for international students.

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Program Details

Intakes

Program Overview