IMPORTANT INFORMATION

ABOUT YOUR COURSE

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Our Games Design degree will prepare you for a life in the games industry. We examine the principles
and theories of games design, systems, mechanics, narrative, and gameplay, while equipping you
with the knowledge and understanding of professional workflows. You’ll gain an understanding of
games design from the creative process to game engines, such as Unreal Engine.
Considered ‘professionals in training’, this 3 year course will form the foundation of student’s
workplace practice. The first year provides foundational skill and knowledge in games theory and
development. This includes an academic approach to games and the concept of play; also a broad
study of 3D modelling, game and level design, audio, narrative and gameplay loops.
In the second year students have the opportunity to pursue a number of specialisms, along with
furthering their understanding of 3D modelling and games design, including industry standard
documents and practices. This is supported by a specialised module on careers in the games industry
which includes opportunities to network and hear from industry guest speakers.
By the final year students will be ready to embark on their self-directed honours project which will
focus on their chosen career specialism. They will also devise and create a working game demo.
Supported by tutors in a ‘producer’ role, students put into practice their previous two years of
learning, as well as continue to stretch their ability and understanding as their projects progress.
Final projects are tailored to not only be the best possible degree submissions, but also the backbone
of portfolios, so that, by the time of graduation, students are ready for the workplace or post-
graduate study.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
To be considered for this course, you will require 104-120 UCAS points. This could be gained via a
number of qualifications, for example:
 • BCC or above at A2 Level
• DMM or above at Extended Diploma Level
• M or above at UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma Level
• A proven interest in this area
If you’re unsure how many points you have you can use the UCAS tariff calculator.
Remember that qualifications such as Graded Examinations in Music Performance and Arts Award
(Gold) can also count towards your UCAS points – check the tariff calculator.
Applicants who do not have the required qualifications, but do have the industry experience and/or
proven interest in the subject will also be considered.
All applicants are expected to have at least a grade 4 in GCSEs Maths and English Language. Non-UK
applicants will need to have an English Language qualification at International Level B2 or higher,
such as an IELTS of 6.0 or better (with no component below 5.5). Students with equivalent
qualifications will also be accepted.
If your application is successful, you will be invited to an interview where you will have the
opportunity to talk about your work, influences and interests. A guide will be sent with your
interview details to help you prepare for your interview. Ideal applicants will have a keen interest in
art, design, and video games. You are welcome to bring any relevant examples of work with you, if
you have them. The portfolio is required for this course and applications will not be considered
without the provision of a portfolio.
You will need to provide a digital portfolio. This could be a link to a website or a PDF document with
images of your work. Personal projects are also of interest. You might send through some
art/modelling, gameplay gifs, or links to gameplay videos. Any supporting documents such as
assignments, research, or modelling inspirations will also be helpful. It’s not essential that you’ve
studied games/software already, but if you have had the opportunity, then we’d love to see your
work. If you haven’t had an opportunity to study game design, then an example of your current
school/college work will be ok.

MODULES (CREDITS)
YEAR 1
Creativity and Context for Games (20 credits) – an academic approach to the study of games design,
looking at theories of play and the history of games in the context of human history from early
civilisations to the present day.
Creative Thinking (40 credits) – an opportunity to learn about the broader elements of the creative
process, touching on narrative, sound design, and world building. Students will be able to explore
their understanding of a range of elements of games design.
Introduction to Games Design (40 credits) – this module introduces students to some core theories
behind games and gameplay. Looking at tabletop games, students will analyse play experience
through the study of mechanics, calibration, balance, narrative, currency, and key analytical
frameworks. They will also be introduced to Unreal Engine touching on Blueprints and basic game
construction, exploring the creation of simple mechanics and systems.
Introduction to 3D Modelling (20 credits) – this module introduces core 3D modelling concepts.
Alongside fundamental technical practice in 3D modelling, the students will be introduced to PBR
materials and learn the importance of observation and analysis.

YEAR 2
Heading into the Games Industry (20 credits) – designed to give students an understanding of how
the games industry is structured, the range of job finding activities available to them, and making
themselves appealing candidates through CV, portfolio, networking, self-promotion, and
interpersonal skills development.
Games Development (40 credits) – gives students the opportunity to iterate their knowledge gained
so far with a view to understanding the technical and creative building blocks of game development
including level design. Made up of a number of short ‘rapid prototyping’ projects designed to
highlight technical and creative skills; along with an introduction to industry standard documents.
3D Modelling (40 credits) – this module will develop more advanced 3D modelling processes
incorporating modular modelling, trim sheets, high to low polygon retopology workflows as well as
more advanced PBR material creation.
Games Specialism (20 credits) – a module which gives students the opportunity to test two areas of
interest and undertake two projects with the view to learning new skills and identifying a possible
area of specialism in their final year for their future career path or postgraduate study.

YEAR 3
Honours Project (60 credits) – students negotiate a substantial final year practical project,
underpinned by research, focussed on career direction or postgraduate study. New learning is a key
aspect of the module, along with research and iteration.
Games Proposal (60 credits) – a year long project requiring students to create a playable demo of a
game. This to be supported with industry standard documentation along with reflections on their
creative and technical progress.
WHAT ARE CREDITS?
As a guide, 20 credits typically represents around 52 hours of tutor contact time (e.g.
lectures/workshops/feedback) and 148 hours of self-study time (usually over the course of a
semester). These numbers may increase or decrease depending on the nature, length and level of the
module, especially towards the end of the course.

LOCATION OF DELIVERY
Your primary location of study will be at our Riverside Campus, which is located on New Bailey Street
in Manchester.

TEACHING STAFF
Everyone who teaches on this degree is active in the industry. Whether that’s games design,
character design, gameplay programmer or independent developer; when your tutors aren’t busy
teaching you, they’re busy honing their craft. As a result, we are always working and teaching the
most current industry workflows. We practice what we teach. We also have an extensive network of
industry contacts that we can draw on for guest lectures and workshops, industry-set briefs, and as
guests for our degree shows.

METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
We want to do everything we can to prepare you for working within the creative industries, and this
is reflected in the way we teach and assess you. The programme is mostly coursework based, which
means your tutors will be able to give you regular, constructive feedback. Presentation techniques
will give you valuable experience of how to present your thoughts and ideas successfully and
enthusiastically, so you are better at selling your ideas to prospective employers.
The written work is an important part of assessment and will improve your communication skills. A
combination of lectures, tutorials, peer reviews, discussions and observations will ensure that you are
industry ready. External trips will present you with a wider range of topics and the opportunity to
expand your portfolio, whilst guest speakers will help you to understand the world of games, how it
works and how you can make your mark on it.

COURSE DETAILS
Award to be received on successful completion: BA (Hons) Games Design
Length of course: 3 YEARS (FULL TIME)
Regulator: Office for Students (OfS)
Awarding Institution: University of Central Lancashire
FEES / COSTS
TUITION FEES
Home Students: £9,250 per year

International Students: £17,000 per year

You may be eligible to apply for a student loan from Student Finance. Please see our Tuition Fees
page for more information.

OTHER COSTS
You may find it beneficial to invest in additional equipment and/or study resources to support your
learning. Additionally, there may be the option of attending events outside of Futureworks which
would further enhance your studies. Example costs are:

• Pens, pencils and notebooks: around £50