Games Development BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

Games Development BSc (Hons)

Key Information

• Course duration: 3 or 4 year options
• Course options: Integrated Foundation Year, Diploma Year
• Typical offer: 104-120 UCAS Tariff Points
• Annual fees:
  • Home (full-time): £9,535
  • Overseas (full-time): £18,500
• UCAS code: I610 (3 Year), I611 (4 Year)
• Institution code: N39
• Course start: September 2025

Course Overview

Our TIGA-accredited BSc (Hons) Games Development course has an industry reputation for its technical game design and development content, providing knowledge and experience to support graduates being hired into ever-increasing and sought-after game design, development and programming roles within the industry.

You will explore the mechanics of playful interaction and develop skills in prototyping and user testing across different technologies and platforms, including console, web, mobile, PC and cutting-edge technologies like augmented and virtual reality.

Accreditations

• The TIGA Accreditation system accredits the very best undergraduate and postgraduate university courses enabling both prospective students and game developers.
• PlayStation First is an international academic programme by Sony with the mission of establishing a network of world-class educations capable of generating fresh talent on Sony's platforms.

Why Study with Us

• The Rookies, a global panel of games industry experts, ranked Norwich University of the Arts in the world’s top 30 in 2023 and also placed us 29th for Game Design and Development in their global rankings.
• TIGA (Independent Game Developers’ Association) award Norwich University of the Arts as Best Educational Institute in 2023.
• Study the fundamentals of game development, with Unreal Engine at the core.
• Collaborate with students on BA (Hons) Games Art and Design to make games that bring your technical abilities together with their artistry using content creation software for a range of platforms.
• Be introduced to formative theoretical concepts while developing your critical thinking, analysis and communications skills.
• Develop game design, prototyping, user testing skills and gain an understanding of workflows and project management.
• Workshops, technical demonstrations and live briefs will help prepare you for a career in the games industry.
• Be involved in games jams, and live briefs both within Norwich and internationally to enhance your graduate portfolio.

Course Details

Integrated Foundation Year (optional)

• Our Integrated Foundation Year is designed to equip students with the necessary skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive in their chosen degree subject.
• The course provides a comprehensive introduction to various disciplines, blending critical thinking and creative problem-solving with practical hands-on experience.

Year 1

• Core Units:
  • Creative Learning (40 credits)
  • Explore and Experiment (80 credits)
• Core Projects:
  • Wayfinding Week
  • Make it Manifest(o)
  • Interchange Week

Year 2

• Core Units:
  • Global Contexts (80 credits)
  • Collaboration (40 credits)
• Core Projects:
  • Wayfinding Week
  • Make it Manifest(o)
  • Interchange Week

Diploma Year (optional)

• Level 5 Diploma (120 credits)
• Students have the opportunity to spend a year after the second of their degree (or the third year if studying for a degree with an Integrated Foundation Year) enhancing their employability options through a Level 5 Diploma.

Final Year

• Core Units:
  • Research and Preparation (40 credits)
  • Resolution and Career Development (80 credits)
• Core Projects:
  • Wayfinding Week
  • Make it Manifest(o)
  • Interchange Week

Learning and Teaching

• This course is taught through a mixture of learning and teaching methods including:
  • Group briefings
  • Academic tutorials
  • Group tutorials
  • Workshops
  • Critiques (crits)
  • Seminars
  • Lectures

Assessment

• Assessment for this course is entirely coursework-based, meaning there are no exams.
• Your progress will be evaluated through the projects and assignments you complete for each unit.
• Throughout the year, you’ll receive ongoing feedback to help you refine your work and develop your skills.

Entry Requirements

• Home:
  • A/AS Levels (GCE): 3 A-level qualifications at grades BCC (104 UCAS Tariff points) or above.
  • BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF or RQF): Distinction, Merit, Merit in an art, design or media related subject.
  • T Levels: A T Level in any subject with overall grade A* to C (Pass).
• International:
  • We accept qualifications from all over the world.
  • English language qualifications: Most international students are required to hold an English language qualification.

Fees and Funding

• Home:
  • Tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year: £9,535 per year.
  • Fees for subsequent years: Tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation, subject to government regulations.
• International:
  • Tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year: £18,500 per year.
  • Fees for subsequent years: For Overseas students starting in 2025 inflation will be applied to your fees in later years.

How to Apply

• All applications for undergraduate courses will need to be made via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
• You’ll need our university UCAS code (N39) as well as your course code which you’ll find on your course page.

Related Courses

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