Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Game Design program at the British University in Cairo immerses students in digital art, game design, and creative industries. By fostering a personal creative identity and exploring diverse cultures, the program prepares students for rewarding careers in the game industry and beyond, equipping them with practical and conceptual knowledge applicable across the creative sector.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The BA (Hons) Game Design programme at the British University in Cairo introduces students to various digital, artistic, and creative experiences. The program aims to develop skills in digital art technologies, artistic principles, styles, and theories within game design and broader creative industries. It fosters the development of a personal creative identity and enables students to create game designs and digital artwork related to diverse cultures and practices (regional, national, and international). The program addresses the evolving needs of the creative industries, preparing students for a challenging and rewarding career by providing a clear understanding of current industry practices. The modules and their descriptions are as follows:
- 2D Game Design Development (ADGMG014, HE Level 4, 20 Credits): This module focuses on the principles and practices of 2D game design. Students create a digital game, working in specialist production teams mirroring industry roles (producer, artist, designer, sound engineer, programmer). They learn about game asset pipeline management, deadline strategies, and project management techniques.
- Art & Sound Design (ADGMG024, HE Level 4, 20 Credits): This module explores the interplay of art and sound in digital play spaces.
- Memory Games (ADGMG034, HE Level 4, 20 Credits): This module examines pivotal events in video game history, honoring key figures and exploring the personal experiences of players. Students reflect on their own gaming history to understand the influence of the past on future game creation.
- Industry & Professional Practice (ADGMG044, HE Level 4, 20 Credits): This module provides insights from game industry experts through masterclasses. Students learn professional codes and conventions to enhance their job prospects.
- 3D Modeling (ADGMG054, HE Level 4, 20 Credits): This module introduces 3D modeling, exploring the relationship between 2D art and 3D modeling, covering perspective, texturing, rendering, and lighting.
- Game Specialism-I (ADGMG064, HE Level 4, 20 Credits): This module develops core competencies in a chosen industry specialization (game production & team management, game design, game programming, game art, game research, game audio, or game narrative). Students work in specialist teams on a game development project guided by an industry expert.
- Story Design & 3D Level (ADGMG075, HE Level 5, 20 Credits): This module focuses on video game writing mechanics, practical knowledge, collaboration with writers, and industry formats. Students create a 3D game level using an industry-recognized game engine, developing pitching and design documentation skills.
- Game Programming-I (ADGMG085, HE Level 5, 10 Credits): This module explores key programming concepts and their application to game projects. It covers conceptual understanding of game programming, project planning, and management skills.
- Creation-I (ADGMG095, HE Level 5, 10 Credits): This module involves conducting a literature review to refine dissertation ideas and prepare a dissertation proposal, also focusing on professional practice planning.
- Game Programming-II (ADGMG105, HE Level 5, 10 Credits): This module explores contemporary game development concepts, culminating in an individual game project on a chosen platform.
- Creation-II (ADGMG115, HE Level 5, 10 Credits): This module prepares students for level 6 modules (dissertation and Advanced Game Project), focusing on identifying dissertation areas of interest, synthesizing theory, conducting literature reviews, and planning future careers.
- Game Specialism-II (ADGMG125, HE Level 5, 20 Credits): This module builds upon the specialization chosen in Level 4, involving mini-briefs based on current industry practices and trends.
- Organic Modeling & Animation (ADGMA206, HE Level 6, 20 Credits): This module focuses on creating an animated story, teaching advanced character modeling techniques, animation pipelines, and traditional drawing skills through life-drawing sessions.
- GMG Dissertation (ADGMG156, HE Level 6, 40 Credits): This module involves identifying a dissertation topic, synthesizing course theory, conducting a literature review, and preparing a dissertation proposal.
- GMG Graduation Project–Enquiry & Development (ADGMG166, HE Level 6, 20 Credits): This module develops professional gaming practice and communication skills, focusing on pitching game concepts and developing self-directed project working methods. The Organic Modeling & Animation module includes bi-weekly observational and life-drawing sessions. The Game Specialism modules involve working in teams led by industry experts. It equips students with skills applicable across the wider creative industries.
Other:
The program emphasizes the development of a personal creative identity and the creation of game designs and digital artwork related to diverse cultures and practices. The program aims to provide students with a clear perspective on current practices in the creative industries.
The British University in Egypt (BUE) is a private institution located in El Shorouk City, Cairo, established in September 2005. It offers a British-style education, awarding degrees validated by partner UK universities and recognized by the Egyptian Supreme Council of Universities.
Academic Structure:
BUE comprises several faculties, including:
- Business Administration, Economics, and Political Science
- Dentistry
- Engineering
- Energy and Environmental Engineering
- Information and Computer Science
- Mass Communication
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Arts and Humanities
- Law
- Arts and Design
These faculties offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required in today's job market.
Admissions:
Admission to BUE is competitive and aligns with the regulations set by the Egyptian Council of Private Universities. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic performance and English proficiency. Detailed information on the application process, including specific requirements for various educational certificates, is available on the university's official admissions page.
Campus and Facilities:
The main campus spans approximately 40 acres, featuring modern teaching facilities, state-of-the-art laboratories, a comprehensive library, and various recreational amenities. The university is committed to providing a conducive learning environment that fosters both academic and personal growth.
Accreditation and Partnerships:
BUE maintains strong collaborations with UK institutions such as London South Bank University, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Queen Margaret University. These partnerships ensure that the curricula meet international standards and provide students with opportunities for global exposure. Additionally, BUE is accredited by the Egyptian Supreme Council of Universities and has received recognition from the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for its commitment to maintaining high educational standards.
Leadership:
The university is led by President Professor Mohamed Loutfi, who assumed the position in 2021. Professor Loutfi brings a wealth of experience from previous academic roles in both the UK and Egypt. In December 2022, the esteemed cardiologist Sir Magdi Yacoub was appointed as the first honorary chancellor of BUE, reflecting the institution's dedication to excellence in education and research.
Entry Requirements:
The British University in Cairo's admission requirements adhere to Egyptian Council of Private & National Universities (CPNU) regulations. Specific entry requirements for the Faculty of Art & Design include: High school entry requirements (determined by the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education). A portfolio inspection group interview session or an aptitude test. For the portfolio, students must prepare original art and design work, including a self-statement, sketchbooks, paintings, photographs, and digital work (on a memory stick). Students must also indicate their preferred Art & Design department (Fine Art, Interior Architecture, Fashion & Textiles, Graphic & Media Photography, Game Design, or Illustration Animation). Department choices are not fixed and depend on module grades and Prep Year performance. For the aptitude test, students must bring pencils, erasers, colored pencils, a 60cm ruler, and colored and black markers.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
For students holding national high school certificates: A valid academic IELTS score of at least 5.0. OR, successful completion of the Cambridge University Linguaskill English Placement Test. Students with internationally recognized high school certificates are exempt from the English test, based on specific criteria (a table showing certificate types and exemptions is included in the provided text but the image is not accessible to me).
