Program Overview

Introduction to BSc (Hons) Games Design

The BSc (Hons) Games Design program at Manchester Metropolitan University is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to become a games designer in the fast-paced modern games industry. This hands-on course combines technical skills with creative design principles, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the games design process.

Course Overview

The BSc (Hons) Games Design program is a three-year full-time course that covers a range of topics, including game programming, game mechanics, game design principles, and games design techniques. Students will have the opportunity to work on various game projects, developing their skills in game design, programming, and production.

Key Features

• The course is designed to ensure direct relevance to the computer games industry.
• Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and industry-standard game engines.
• The program includes a range of core modules, including Computer Games Programming, Game Mechanics, Game Design Principles, and Games Design Techniques.
• Students will have the opportunity to participate in game jams and work on a final year project that showcases their skills and knowledge.

Course Structure

The course is structured over three years, with each year building on the previous one. The first year focuses on gaining technical skills and techniques, the second year develops new approaches to creating environments for games, and the third year focuses on realizing creative potential and honing knowledge and understanding of working in the games design industry.

Year 1

• Core modules:
  • Computer Games Programming
  • Game Mechanics
  • Game Design Principles
  • Games Design Techniques
• Students will be encouraged to undertake a series of game projects and introduced to the fundamentals of game making.

Year 2

• Core modules:
  • Games, Players and Data
  • Environment and Level Design
  • Rapid Game Prototyping
  • Speculative Futures
• Students will develop new approaches to creating environments for games and gain an in-depth understanding of the data generated through games.

Year 3

• Core modules:
  • UX and Design Principles
  • Games Studio
  • Final Year Project
  • The Games Industry
• Students will focus on realizing their creative potential and honing their knowledge and understanding of working in the games design industry.

Entry Requirements

The typical entry requirements for the BSc (Hons) Games Design program are:

• 104-112 UCAS tariff points
• IELTS score of 6.0 overall with no individual element below 5.5
• Level 3 qualifications, such as GCE A levels, Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma, or Access to HE Diploma
• GCSE grade C/4 in English Language and Mathematics or equivalent

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are still being finalized. However, information on 2025/26 standard undergraduate fees for UK/Channel Islands and EU/Non-EU international students is available.

Careers Support and Prospects

The BSc (Hons) Games Design program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, confidence, and employability skills to compete with the best graduates in the country. There is a broad range of career opportunities for games designers within the fast-growing digital and creative sectors in the UK and abroad.

Employed or in Further Study

88.7% of UK-domiciled, full-time, first-degree graduates are employed or in further study 15 months after graduation.

Explore Your Options and Build Sought-After Skills

Through the Careers Service, students will be supported and encouraged to get ready for further study or working life, including starting their own business. The university also offers a range of resources and services to help students build their skills and enhance their employability.

Conclusion

The BSc (Hons) Games Design program at Manchester Metropolitan University is a comprehensive and hands-on course that provides students with the skills and knowledge required to become a games designer in the modern games industry. With its state-of-the-art facilities, industry-standard game engines, and experienced teaching staff, this program is an excellent choice for students looking to pursue a career in games design.