Game Design BA/BSc
Study of how digital and interactive games are designed, developed, and experienced, combining creativity, storytelling, technology, and player-focused design.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Love video games
Enjoy storytelling and design
Are interested in game development
Like creative and technical work
Want a career in gaming
Popular Career Fields
Gaming & Interactive Media
Digital Media & Technology
Software & IT
Film & Television
Your Personality Might Be:
Systems thinker
Digital Media & Technology
Creative problem-solver
Collaborative designer
What is it?
What is Game Design?
Game Design focuses on the creative and technical processes behind video games and interactive experiences.
You’ll learn how games are conceptualised, designed, prototyped, and refined, studying gameplay mechanics, level design, narrative, user experience, and the tools used in game development.
Depending on the course, you may work with industry-standard software and game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine, while collaborating in teams to create playable projects.
The degree suits students who enjoy creativity, problem-solving, storytelling, and digital technology.
What is Game Design?
If you’re interested in games as creative and interactive systems, this degree offers a practical and industry-relevant pathway.
It helps you understand:
How gameplay mechanics shape player experience
Level design, world-building, and narrative design
User experience (UX) and player psychology
Game prototyping and iterative design
How creative teams collaborate in the games industry
Game Design combines artistic vision with technical understanding.
Course Summary
Study of how digital and interactive games are designed, developed, and experienced, combining creativity, storytelling, technology, and player-focused design.
What you'll study
Most Game Design degrees cover:
Game design theory and mechanics
Level and systems design
Narrative and interactive storytelling
User experience (UX) and player psychology
Game engines and prototyping tools
Collaborative game development projects
Skills You'll Gain
A 3D Animation degree helps you build a mix of artistic and technical skills, including:
Game design and creative problem-solving – enabling you to design engaging gameplay systems and experiences.
Technical and tool-based skills – helping you use game engines, prototyping tools, and development pipelines.
Teamwork and collaboration – preparing you to work effectively in multidisciplinary development teams.
User-focused design thinking – allowing you to analyse player behaviour and refine experiences through testing.
Project management and iteration – equipping you to manage creative projects from concept to completion.
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Graduates pursue careers in:
Game design and development
Level or narrative design
UX and player experience design
Game production or project coordination
Indie game development
Interactive media and XR
Work Experiences & Placements
Many Game Design degrees offer opportunities to gain industry experience.
Some courses include placement years, industry-led projects, game jams, or internships, while others support students in building experience through external opportunities.
Common experiences include:
Indie or studio-based game development teams
Game testing and quality assurance
Interactive media or XR development
Digital design and UX roles
Collaborative projects with industry partners
Building a strong portfolio is often more important than formal placements.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent. Most universities accept a broad range but Art, Design Technology, Computer Science, Media Studies, or Maths are beneficial depending on course focus.
Personal Statement Tips
Most universities don't require additional admissions tests for this course. Portfolio reviews may be required. A Foundation Diploma in Art & Design might be useful if you don't have art or design related A-Levels.
What to do Next
Show passion for games and interactive design.
Discuss games you admire and why their design works.
Mention relevant experience such as modding, game jams, or coding/design projects.
Highlight creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Wider Reading
The Art of Game Design – Jesse Schell
A comprehensive guide to game design principles and player experience.Rules of Play – Katie Salen & Eric Zimmerman
A foundational text on game systems and interactive design.A Theory of Fun for Game Design – Raph Koster
An accessible exploration of why games are engaging.Level Up! – Scott Rogers
A practical handbook on designing great games.