Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Games Design with Foundation BA Honours
Overview
Our degree courses with Foundation year offer the opportunity to prepare you for advanced study before you progress onto a full honours degree at the University of Westminster. Whether you do not feel ready for degree-level study, don’t have the right qualifications, want to change your subject specialism or return to study after an absence from education, we aim to encourage a broad range of students to undertake our Foundation year in order to progress onto their full honours degree with us.
Course Summary
Our foundation year in Art and Design is designed to provide you with an introduction to our range of subject areas, and to prepare you for the discipline of your choice. It will give you the opportunity to explore new ideas, opening up new perspectives on the key debates within the field. It begins in the first semester with the development of fundamental Art and Design skills, as well as practical exploration across all of the disciplines in our Art and Design foundation programme. In the second semester, you are encouraged to specialise in your own discipline and are supported by our experienced staff team as you prepare your work for an end of Foundation year public exhibition. You will also benefit from workshops in our high-end facilities, and from working with leading academics who will encourage you to become a confident and creative thinker. Your practical development is accompanied by modules in both semesters on foundational academic skills – skills that will be essential as you progress to your chosen full degree.
On successful completion of the foundation year, you will be able to move on to study for the Games Design BA Honours degree for a further three years.
The Games Design BA provides the creative and technical skills needed to design the games of the future. Over the course, you’ll be equipped to craft engaging player experiences for various creative industries and emerging technologies.
Course Structure
The Games Design BA and Games Art BA begin with a shared first year, before branching into specialised pathways. These pathways, along with a variety of optional modules, provide you with the opportunity to customise your degree and expertise according to your interests and career objectives.
You’ll have the opportunity to learn from industry professionals throughout the course. You can also benefit from our industry links by opting to complete a work placement year or expand your educational experience by studying aboard between Years 2 and 3.
Foundation
All Foundation (Level 3) modules are core. There are no optional or elective modules offered at Level 3, as the focus is on the development of key creative and academic skills through a foundational and core understanding of Art and Design disciplines and methods.
Subjects of study include:
- Critical Thinking in a Changing World
- Explorations in Art and Design Core
- Extended Project in Art and Design
- Fundamentals of Art and Design
- Introduction to Academic Practice
- Themes in Art and Design Core
Credit Level 3
Year 1
Core modules:
- 2D Game Art & Design
- 3D Asset Creation
- Creative Industry Skills
- Environment Art and Design
- Game Engines and Mechanics
Option modules:
- 2D Computer Animation
- Drawing Explorations
- Typographic Explorations
- Elective
Credit Level 4
Year 2
Core modules:
- Collaborative Game Development
- Interactive Texts and Narratives
- Level and Experience Design
- System and Mechanic Design
Option modules:
- Branding and Identity
- Concepting for Games
- Extended Reality for Creative
- Stop-Motion Animation
- UX/UI Design
- VFX for Film and Games
- Visual Storytelling
- Web Design
- Elective
Credit Level 5
Placement Year
You’ll also have the opportunity to take an additional year between Levels 5 and 6 (second and third year) to spend on professional experience or international experience. The international experience (study abroad) year offers one or two semesters studying at one of our overseas partner Universities. This is both an exciting experience and also one that helps you to develop the global outlook by employers. The professional experience (placement) year is planned in partnership with the Westminster Work Based Learning team.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a placement year.
Year 3
Core modules:
- Game Production and Enterprise
- Major Project (Games Design)
- Professional Practice
Option modules:
- Critical Enquiry for Creatives
- Designing Narrative Experiences
- Digital Arts Experimentation
- Entrepreneurship for Creatives
- Elective
Credit Level 6
Programme Recognition
The course has membership of The Independent Game Developers Association Limited (“TIGA”) which gives students on this course the opportunity to enter relevant categories of the TIGA Games Industry Awards and TIGA UK Games Education Awards categories, as well as the opportunity to access membership only event(s).
Entry Requirements
UK
- A levels – DD (48 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 48 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 48 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma – PPP
- BTEC Diploma – MP
- Access – 48 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths Pass– IB Pass
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
International
- International Baccalaureate – 48 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English Language Requirements
- If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
Portfolio Guidance
- Number of recommended portfolio pieces: 10 (minimum) to 15 (maximum) images of art, design or media work to reflect your course of interest.
- What to include in your portfolio submission:
- We accept drawing and painting, graphic design and illustration, photography, printmaking and digital prints, sculpture and installations, moving image, 3D and product design.
- Film, video and animation files should be uploaded on YouTube or similar website and links should be provided as part of your Portfolio.
- If you include moving image, then there should be a maximum of 3 video files – and each file must be no longer than 3 minutes duration. Please ensure that all files are in common formats, e.g. PDF; Word, .DOCX, etc.
- How to structure your portfolio:
- Please compile all items of your portfolio into a single file (preferably PDF), or you may wish to create a simple portfolio website, and send us the link. Some DOs and DON’Ts:
- DO provide a single PDF file uploaded to our system. If your file is too large try reducing the file size or upload to Google Drive or DropBox and upload the link to your file instead.
- DO make an online portfolio website on Wix, Blogger or similar with link uploaded to our system, if you prefer this format rather than an uploaded file.
- DON’T upload your portfolio to our system as many separate files – this makes it difficult for us to view your work.
- DON’T use any platform that requires log-in, password, or an account to view – for example Tumblr, Instagram.
- Please compile all items of your portfolio into a single file (preferably PDF), or you may wish to create a simple portfolio website, and send us the link. Some DOs and DON’Ts:
Fees and Funding
UK
- UK tuition fee: £9,535 (Price per academic year)
- Funding: As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
- Scholarships: The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
International
- International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
- EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme: If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students.
- International student funding: Find out about funding for international students.
Teaching and Assessment
- How you'll be taught: Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application.
- How you'll be assessed: Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments. Assessments typically fall into two broad categories: Practical and Coursework.
Supporting You
- Study support: workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors: support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team: provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities: volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course Location
- Harrow is our creative and cultural hub, home to most of our arts, media and digital courses. It houses state-of-the-art facilities for every discipline, including project and gallery spaces, film studios, creative labs, collaborative learning spaces, and the Westminster Enterprise Network.
- Harrow Campus is based in north-west London, just 20 minutes from the city centre by train.
University of Westminster
Overview:
University of Westminster is a public university located in London, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university is known for its focus on practical learning and its strong connections to the industry.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
The university has four campuses across London, providing students with a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students have access to various facilities, including a cinema, gallery spaces, and sports facilities. The university also offers a range of student support services, including career guidance, academic support, and mental health services.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Location:
The university's location in London provides students with access to a wealth of cultural and professional opportunities.Practical Learning:
The university emphasizes practical learning, with many programs incorporating work placements and industry projects.Industry Connections:
The university has strong connections to industry, providing students with opportunities for networking and career development.Diverse Student Body:
The university has a diverse student body, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate courses:
A broad range of undergraduate courses in various disciplines, including business, design, creative industries, and liberal arts.Postgraduate courses:
A variety of postgraduate study options, including master's degrees, research degrees, and short courses.Other:
The university has a strong commitment to research and innovation, with a focus on areas such as sustainability, social justice, and digital technologies. It also has a dedicated alumni network, providing support and opportunities for graduates.