Game Design and Development BA/BSc

The video games industry is one of the fastest-growing creative sectors worldwide, combining art, storytelling, design and technology. A Game Design and Development degree gives you the creative, technical and professional skills to design, build and test interactive experiences. It is an exciting course for students who want to turn their passion for gaming into a career.

Course Structure

Most Game Design and Development degrees last three years full time, with some universities offering a four-year programme that includes a placement year or study abroad. Teaching combines lectures, coding workshops, design projects and group collaboration. Students usually work on live briefs and finish the degree with a substantial game project or portfolio that can be showcased to employers.

Typical Modules

While content varies by university, common modules include:

• Introduction to game design principles

• Programming and software development (often using C++, C# or Python)

• 2D and 3D game development

• Level design and user experience (UX)

• Animation and character modelling

• Artificial intelligence for games

• Game engines such as Unity and Unreal Engine

• Sound design and interactive media

• Professional practice and project management

• Most courses culminate in a final-year project where you design and develop a playable game, either independently or in a team.

Entry Requirements

Universities set their own criteria, but most applicants are expected to have:

• A levels or equivalent qualifications, often including computing, mathematics, art or design

• GCSEs in English and mathematics at grade C/4 or above

• A portfolio of creative or technical work may be requested

• Some institutions may also consider applicants with strong practical experience in coding, design or gaming.

The Right Personality Fit

This degree is suited to students who are creative, analytical and passionate about games. Strong problem-solving and programming skills are valuable, as is a good eye for design and detail. Collaboration and communication are essential, as most game projects involve teamwork. Successful students are imaginative, resilient and enjoy experimenting with both storytelling and technology.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of Game Design and Development degrees can enter careers such as:

• Game designer or developer

• Gameplay programmer or software engineer

• Level designer or environment artist

• Animator or character designer

• Quality assurance (QA) tester

• Producer or project manager in the games industry

• Roles in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and simulation design

  
  

The skills developed also transfer to other industries, including film, education, healthcare and software development.

Typical Pay After Graduation

Entry-level roles in the games industry, such as junior developers or testers, typically pay £20,000 to £25,000. With experience, salaries rise to £30,000 to £45,000 for programmers, artists and designers. Senior roles such as lead developer, producer or technical director can earn £50,000 to £70,000 or more. Freelance or independent game developers may earn varying incomes, with successful projects generating significant revenue.