BA (Hons) Games Design with Foundation Year

Program Overview

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BA (Hons) Games Design (with integrated foundation year)

Course Overview

Turn your ideas into exciting new games. Seventy-five percent of your course is practical – designing, developing and creating new game experiences to create a portfolio for future employers. This games design degree is all about the art and design work related to video games, creating storyboard concepts and turning them into playable prototypes. You’ll gain the skills to compete in this growing industry.

On this course you will...

• Have access to dedicated Games Design labs with industry-standard software, providing a friendly, collegiate, and supportive environment.
• You learn games specific topics like drawing & concept art, character design, environment design, 3D modelling, texturing, level design, and game theory.
• Have the opportunity to take a range of trips outside of the lab to gain inspiration and improve creative thinking. In previous years they have included games expo – EGX and Develop: Brighton.
• Take part in our annual Game Jam that culminates in an award ceremony featuring Industry experts as judges and delivering a keynote lecture.
• Develop a wide range of transferable digital skills allowing you to take up a number of internships during your studies.

Key Details

• Recruiting to: UK / RoI / Settled in UK, EU / EEA / International
• Course Location: Carlisle - Brampton Road
• Institute: Institute of Education, Arts and Society
• UCAS Code: W283
• Delivery Style: Blended Learning
• Course Duration: Full-time: 4 Years
• Course Start Point: September
• Award: BA (Hons)

Minimum entry requirements

• 48 UCAS Tariff points

Tuition fees

• £9,535 - UK (2025-2026)
• £14,900 - International (2025-2026)

Related Courses

• BA (Hons) Games Design
• BA (Hons) Animation and Visual Effects

Course Structure

What you will learn

Our foundation year will help you reach the right level for taking the rest of the degree, building a solid foundation of skills from which to expand upon.

On this programme, you will learn to design, develop, and create new and unique gaming experiences. However, this is not a programming course; it is all about the art and design work related to video games. You will learn all about art and design, developing storyboards and concepts which you will later turn into playable prototypes (both 2D and 3D).

Year one

• Media in Context
• Professional Practice
• Media Narratives
• Published Media Products
• Introduction to Drawing for Gaming
• Creative Technologies for Game Design

Year two

• Cultural Contexts
• Collaborative Practice
• Drawing, Visualisation and Concept Art
• 3D Modelling
• Gaming For Game Designers

Year three

• Understanding the Creative Economy
• Working in the Creative Economy
• Concept To Prototype
• Concept Art & Visualisation 2
• Texturing
• Digital Sculpting (Optional)
• Games Creation - Design to Distribution (Optional)
• Motion Capture and Animation for Games (Optional)
• Digital Painting Techniques (Optional)

Year four

• Theory and Research Methods in the Arts
• Dissertation
• Group Game Project
• Markets, Audiences & Exhibition
• Major Project

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

During your foundation year, you will work with students across the Institute of Arts to develop a foundation of skills that will prepare you for your future degree studies. Experiment with different disciplines, artistic styles, and prepare for university life.

As you move onto your degree proper, you will learn through a combination of lectures, demonstrations, seminars, workshops, reviews, pitching, and one to one tutorials. You will undertake self-directed research throughout each year that reinforces your creative practice. Students will be encouraged to collaborate with classmates through group work, online forums, and debates to develop essential skills and critical thinking.

Because the Games Design course focuses on practical work and real-world exploration, learning will take place on campus, with occasional opportunities for field trips. You are also encouraged to engage with and provide content for our departmental social media channels, a place for creative students to share and celebrate their work with other creatives.

How you will be assessed

Summative and formative assessments will take place throughout each academic year. You will be continually involved in the assessment of your own work and that of your peers, alongside receiving critical feedback from tutors.

A wide range of authentic assessment types will be used to help you develop your academic and work-related skills.

Specific examples of this:

• Module Work Book, bespoke ebooks, containing information, formative tasks, self grading exercises, embedded video clips, etc. to assist in specific modules ILO’s but also to enhance a culture of independent learning.
• Presentations/Pitching, where you are able to show work to Tutors and Peers in advance of Assignment Submission
• Seminars & Project Surgeries, a series of developmental seminars run where you review and comment on each others work, guided by tutors All of these activities promote learning partnerships between you, your peers and the staff.

Entry Requirements

• 48 UCAS Tariff Points
• A-levels: A
• T-levels: P (D or E) All subjects are accepted however we do recommend the T Level Digital Production, Design and Development for entry to this course.
• Access to HE: 45 Credits at Pass.
• CACHE Technical Level 3 and Level 3 Extended Diploma: D
• OCR Cambridge Technical & Edexcel/Pearson BTEC Level 3 (National) Extended Diploma: PPP
• Scottish Highers: 48 UCAS Tariff Points.
• Irish LC Highers: 48 UCAS Tariff Points.
• Other experience: Pearson Level 3 National Diploma MP.

Fair Admissions

When you apply, our Admissions specialists will review your whole application. We are looking for your potential to succeed so will assess your qualifications, any relevant work experience, your personal statement, and references.

Where you have received a conditional offer subject to achieving particular grades/UCAS tariff scores, and do not quite meet these scores, please try not to worry, where vacancies exist our Admissions specialists will review your whole application again and take account of any mitigating circumstances and reassess your suitability for the course.

Selection Criteria

As part of the application and selection process, we are looking for your commitment to this programme. In your personal statement, you should demonstrate your motivation for choosing this course and reflect upon any experience you have gained.

The Integrated Foundation Year programme supports your return to education and are specifically designed for students who have the ability to study for a degree but may not have all the necessary qualifications, skills or experiences to join the degree in Year 1.

Contextual Admissions

Going to higher education can transform a person’s life. We use contextual admissions to make sure that we are accessible to everyone who has the potential to succeed. Qualifications and grades are important, but they are considered alongside other information that helps universities to identify potential and widen access to university level study. For some individuals, the disadvantages they have experienced in their life mean that they have not been able to demonstrate their full academic potential. Where a person lives and their personal circumstances can all affect their educational attainment.

We take this context into account and look for an applicant’s potential when making admission decisions. The University of Cumbria will make offers at the bottom of any UCAS Tariff range to applicants that live in postal code regions with the lowest participation in Higher Education (Polar 4 quintile 1 – you can check your postcode here), applicants that are estranged from their parents, are care leavers or have caring responsibilities or are in receipt of or received free school meals during their secondary education. Attendance at our Masterclasses and Summer Schools will also allow applicants to receive an offer lower within the tariff range. (T&Cs apply)

Language requirements

Please follow the link to check language requirements for this programme here.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

2025 - 2026

• £9,535 - UK
• £14,900 - International

International Finance

At the University of Cumbria, we offer affordable tuition fees for international and EU students looking to study at one of our main four campuses. No matter your choice of course or career path, our International Team is here to support you.

Funding

Fees for integrated foundation year are as stated Then, standard undergraduate tuition fees for years 2-4.

For information about funding, please visit our undergraduate funding page.

More Information

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000.

Additional Costs

There will be some additional costs. For example all students will need to purchase stationery and may wish to purchase some text books. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc. although such features are usually options within the course.

• Books are reviewed annually and are therefore subject to change, course welcome information will provide you with an indicative list for the year
• Books and Journals: Most core text books are available via the University's library, however students may wish to buy copies of any texts used to support your learning on your course. This could cost between £50 - £100 per year.
• Stationery: Students should budget for stationery and consumables for your own personal use. This should include notebooks, pens and pencils for taking notes in class and/or in the field. Students should also budget for the purchase of USB pen drives, as well as occasional printing and photocopying costs incurred in the preparation or submission of coursework. Whilst you will choose how much you need, expect to pay around £30 - £40 per year for these items.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

The BA (Hons) Games Design (with integrated foundation year) program is a four-year, full-time degree designed to equip students with the necessary skills for a career in the games industry. The program focuses on the art and design aspects of video game development, emphasizing practical skills such as concept art, 3D modeling, texturing, and level design. It aims to develop students' creativity and prepare them to design and develop exciting new games.

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Objectives:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the art and design principles relevant to video game creation.
• Master industry-standard software for 3D modeling, texturing, and game engine development.
• Build a strong portfolio of work showcasing skills and creativity.
• Gain experience in developing playable prototypes for both 2D and 3D games.
• Collaborate with peers and build a network within the creative industry.

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Outline:

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Year One

• Media in Context: Introduction to the media landscape, exploring different forms and their impact.
• Professional Practice: Fundamentals of professional practice in the creative industry, including communication, teamwork, and ethical considerations.
• Media Narratives: Understanding the structure and development of narrative in various media forms.
• Published Media Products: Analysis of published media products to understand design, audience, and impact.
• Introduction to Drawing for Gaming: Develop fundamental drawing skills with a focus on application in game design.
• Creative Technologies for Game Design: Introduction to software and tools used in game development, fostering a foundation in technical skills.

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Year Two

• Cultural Contexts: Explore the cultural, historical, and social contexts that shape creative work, encompassing various disciplines.
• Collaborative Practice: Develop skills and strategies for effective collaboration within creative teams.
• Drawing, Visualisation and Concept Art: Deepen drawing skills, understanding the role of concept art in visualizing game concepts.
• 3D Modelling: Enhance knowledge of professional 3D modeling techniques for video games and digital media.
• Gaming For Game Designers: Introduction to fundamental concepts and models in Game Theory.

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Year Three

• Understanding the Creative Economy: Contextualize the rise of the creative economy, its cultural and economic impact.
• Working in the Creative Economy: Explore professional practices within the creative industries through guest lectures, presentations, workshops.
• Concept To Prototype: Transition from initial concepts to playable prototypes, applying real-world scenario work and client brief challenges in small group projects.
• Concept Art & Visualisation 2: Further develop advanced visualization techniques relevant to game design.
• Texturing: Enhance expertise in professional texturing techniques used within the games industry.
• Digital Sculpting (Optional): Develop advanced skills and concepts in digital sculpting, focused on its application in game production processes.
• Games Creation - Design to Distribution (Optional): Explore strategies for bringing games to market, covering the entire development process.
• Motion Capture and Animation for Games (Optional): Create computer-based animation in groups or individually.
• Digital Painting Techniques (Optional): Explore and refine digital painting skills with a specific focus on game design applications.

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Year Four

• Theory and Research Methods in the Arts: Prepare for dissertation research by developing critical research skills.
• Dissertation: Independent research project culminating in a written dissertation.
• Group Game Project: Collaborate in small teams to produce a working game, fostering teamwork and communication skills.
• Markets, Audiences & Exhibition: Develop strategies for identifying opportunities, generating interest, and accessing potential markets for game projects.
• Major Project: Capstone project allowing students to showcase their skills and create a substantial and impactful final portfolio piece.

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Assessment:

The program employs a variety of assessment methods including:

• Module Workbooks: Bespoke electronic workbooks incorporating information, formative tasks, self-grading exercises, and embedded video clips to facilitate independent learning.
• Presentations/Pitching: Students present their work to tutors and peers, providing opportunities for feedback and refinement.
• Seminars & Project Surgeries: Participate in group workshops and project critiques, engaging in peer review and tutor-guided development.
• Formative and Summative Assessments: Regularly assess progress through various assignments and projects, receiving ongoing feedback.

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Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program utilizes a blended learning approach, incorporating lectures, demonstrations, seminars, workshops, reviews, pitching, one-on-one tutorials, and self-directed research.
• Collaborative Learning: Students are encouraged to engage in group work, online forums, and debates to cultivate essential skills and critical thinking.
• Practical Focus: Learning extends beyond traditional classroom settings, incorporating on-campus studios, field trips, and opportunities to contribute to departmental social media channels.

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Careers:

The BA (Hons) Games Design program prepares students for a range of career options in the rapidly growing games industry. Possible career paths include:

• Game Designer: Design and develop game concepts, mechanics, and levels.
• Level Designer: Create detailed and engaging game environments and levels.
• Concept Artist: Produce visual concepts for characters, environments, and objects.
• 3D Modeler: Create 3D models for characters, props, and environments.
• Texture Artist: Develop and apply textures to 3D models to create realistic or stylized visuals.
• Game Artist: Combine various art disciplines, such as concept art, modeling, and texturing, to create game visuals.
• Game Tester: Test and evaluate game functionality, identifying and reporting bugs or issues.
• Game Programmer: Develop game logic and code, ensuring seamless gameplay.
• Game Producer: Oversee the overall development of a game, managing budget, timeline, and team.

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Other:

• The program provides access to dedicated Games Design labs equipped with industry-standard software, offering a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
• Students have opportunities to attend industry events, such as EGX and Develop: Brighton, for inspiration and networking.
• The annual Game Jam culminates in an award ceremony judged by industry experts, providing valuable exposure and feedback.
• Graduates develop transferable digital skills that can be applied to various fields beyond the games industry.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• Tuition Fees
2024 - 2025 £9,250 - UK £13,575 - International
• The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.
• Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year.
The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.
• Fees for integrated foundation year are as stated Then, standard undergraduate tuition fees for years 2-4.