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It brings together storytelling, art, programming, psychology and user experience to create interactive entertainment across platforms like consoles, mobile devices, virtual reality and online multiplayer environments.
If you enjoy playing games, thinking about how they work, and have a creative mindset paired with an interest in technology, a Games Design degree could be the perfect fit.
What Is Games Design Like at University?
Games Design is a hands-on and interdisciplinary subject. You’ll learn how games are made from initial concept through to final product. This includes gameplay mechanics, story development, visual design, audio, user experience and programming.
Most degrees emphasise teamwork, project-based learning and collaboration with students in related fields like animation, art, music or computer science. You’ll spend a lot of time using industry tools and software, building prototypes and refining your design ideas.
It’s not just about playing games, but about understanding what makes them engaging, how users interact with them, and how to design for different audiences and platforms.
What Will You Study?
Course content varies, but most Games Design degrees cover a mix of creative, technical and theoretical areas, including:
Game Development and Prototyping
You’ll learn to turn ideas into playable experiences using tools like Unity, Unreal Engine, or Godot. You’ll experiment with game mechanics, level design and player feedback.
Game Design Theory
This includes studying game genres, player psychology, narrative structure and user experience (UX) design. You’ll analyse what makes games fun, fair and immersive.
3D Modelling and Animation
Many programmes include training in 2D and 3D asset creation, including character modelling, environment design and animation using software like Blender or Maya.
Scripting and Interactivity
You’ll learn to add interactivity to your games using scripting languages such as C#, Python or JavaScript. You don’t need to be a full programmer, but coding is a key skill in modern game design.
Narrative and World-Building
You may explore storytelling, dialogue writing, interactive fiction and how to build believable worlds that engage players emotionally.
Audio for Games
You’ll study how sound and music enhance gameplay, with possible modules on composing, sound effects and interactive audio.
User Testing and Game Psychology
You’ll learn how to design for player experience and how to test, evaluate and refine your games based on feedback and analytics.
Professional Practice and Game Industry Insight
You’ll gain an understanding of the games industry, from independent development to major studios. Some courses include modules on pitching, marketing and monetisation.
Final year projects typically involve creating a full game or prototype as part of a team, often showcased in a portfolio or exhibition.
How Long Does It Take and What Are the Options?
In the UK, Games Design is usually offered as a three-year BA or BSc degree, or four years with a foundation year or placement year. In Scotland, standard honours degrees last four years.
Some universities offer variations such as Games Development, Games Art, Indie Games, or Games Programming. Others combine Games Design with subjects like Animation, VR or Interactive Media.
How Will You Be Taught and Assessed?
You’ll learn through a mix of lectures, creative workshops, lab sessions and studio time. Group projects are a major part of the course, often mimicking real industry teams. You’ll be assessed mainly through practical coursework, game builds, presentations, design documentation and portfolio work, rather than traditional exams.
What A Levels or Subjects Do You Need?
Entry requirements vary, but universities typically look for creative or technical subjects such as:
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Art and Design or Graphics
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Computing or Computer Science
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Media Studies or Film
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Maths (for more technical courses)
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BTECs in Creative Media or IT are often accepted
A strong personal portfolio showing game ideas, artwork, code or prototypes is often just as important as formal qualifications.
What Skills Will You Develop?
A Games Design degree helps you develop creative and technical abilities, along with industry-ready skills like:
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Game development workflows
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User-centred design and testing
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Level and mechanics design
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Communication and storytelling
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Teamwork and project planning
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2D/3D asset creation
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Scripting and interactivity
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Presentation and portfolio building
These skills are valuable not only in gaming but also in related industries like simulation, education, advertising and UX design.
What Can You Do With a Games Design Degree?
Graduates go on to work in a variety of roles within the games industry and beyond. Common careers include:
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Game designer or developer
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Level designer or systems designer
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UI/UX designer
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Game artist or animator
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Narrative designer or writer
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QA tester or usability analyst
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Indie developer or studio founder
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Producer or project coordinator
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Technical artist or gameplay programmer
Others go into areas like app development, virtual reality, interactive media, or user experience design in broader tech and creative sectors.
Studying Games Design Abroad
Many countries offer world-class Games Design degrees with a focus on industry partnerships and cutting-edge tech. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect in key regions:
USA
The US is home to some of the world’s top game design schools, including USC, DigiPen, Carnegie Mellon and Rochester Institute of Technology. Degrees are typically four years and often combine theory with studio-based practice. Many US universities have strong links to industry hubs like San Francisco, Seattle and Los Angeles.
Canada
Canada has a fast-growing games sector, especially in cities like Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto. Universities like Sheridan College, University of Alberta and Ontario Tech offer solid Games Design and Development programmes. Most courses include co-op placements or studio partnerships.
European Union
Countries like the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden offer excellent English-taught games courses. The Breda University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands) is known for its practical, studio-based approach. EU programmes often include team projects and a focus on innovation and storytelling.
Australia
Australian universities such as RMIT, Griffith and Queensland University of Technology offer strong games degrees with options to specialise in art, design, programming or production. Courses often include industry placement and group-based final projects.
New Zealand
New Zealand has a growing games and animation sector. Media Design School and the University of Canterbury are popular for their creative and technical focus. Courses often combine art, coding and production skills with a supportive learning environment.
Studying Games Design abroad can give you access to local studios, international festivals, and global creative networks - ideal if you want to work internationally or explore different game cultures.
Is Games Design the Right Course for You?
If you’re passionate about games, curious about how they work, and excited by the idea of creating something original and interactive, Games Design could be a great fit. It’s a course for people who want to blend creativity with technology, and who enjoy collaboration, experimentation and storytelling.
