Games Design Course BA (Hons)

Program Overview

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Course overview

Foundation year

Work placement

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Computer games facilities

See the facilities you use when you study computer games at Teesside University

The games designer makes great ideas become real, designing the rules and structure of a game, and implementing them in a game engine. It involves working with many different people, understanding the roles of specialists who need to work together to create games. You develop 2D and 3D design skills alongside an appreciation of game mechanics and its relationship to game play, including conceptual, story, character, level and visual design. You also study game engines and industry technologies and compare their capabilities.

Top reasons to study this course at Teesside:

Industry links:

take part in Animex, our annual international animation and games festival featuring experts from Rockstar, Pixar, Disney and Sony.

Real-world experience:

enter GameJam events, take part in industry competitions and Beta test upcoming games before they are released.

Career-ready:

our ExpoSeries of events allow you to showcase your skills to industry professionals who are seeking to recruit new and rising talent.

Start-up business support:

we support you to develop your own business in games through our innovative Power UP Indie Games Accelerator.

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Program Outline

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Games Design BA (Hons)

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Degree Overview:

This program equips students with the knowledge and skills to become professional game designers. Through a combination of theoretical instruction and practical application, the program covers the following areas:

• Game design principles and mechanics: Students learn the core principles of game design, focusing on mechanics, gameplay, and user experience.
• Game development tools and technologies: Students acquire proficiency in industry-standard game engines and tools, such as Unity and Unreal Engine.
• Creative and technical skills: The program emphasizes the development of both creative and technical skills, including storytelling, level design, programming basics, and visual design.
• Professional development: Students gain valuable experience through industry collaborations, guest lectures, and participation in events like Animex.
The program's objectives are to:
• Prepare graduates for a successful career in the games industry.

• Develop students' creative and technical skills to a high level.

• Provide students with a strong understanding of the games industry and its processes.

• Foster a collaborative learning environment where students can learn from each other and industry professionals.

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Other:

• The program is offered full-time and part-time, with the option to include a work placement year.
• The program is accredited by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).
• Graduates of the program have been recognized as being among the world's best young games development talent.

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Outline:

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Year 1 Core Modules:

• Game Creation: Introduces students to game development using industry-standard software.
• Game Design and Mechanics: Covers the fundamental theories and principles of game design.
• Game Prototyping: Focuses on creating basic game prototypes and exploring core gameplay loops.
• Industry Briefs: Provides students with real-world experience by working on industry-commissioned projects.

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Year 2 Core Modules:

• Games Business, Marketing and Publishing: Explores the business aspects of the games industry, including marketing, publishing, and finance.
• Journeyman: Students collaborate with other games students in a simulated game studio environment to develop a game.
• Mission Design: Teaches students how to design engaging and immersive game missions.
• UI and UX Design: Focuses on the design of user interfaces and user experiences for games.

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Optional Work Placement Year:

Students have the option to spend a year working in the games industry, gaining valuable experience and skills.

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Final-Year Core Modules:

• Beta Arcade: Students work as a team to develop a working game demo in a current game engine.
• Games Project: Students undertake a large-scale project of their choice, creating a substantial piece of work and a written report.
• Narrative Design and Integration: Explores the theory and integration of narrative concepts in games.

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Assessment:

Assessments are primarily based on practical projects completed throughout the program. Students develop a portfolio of their work and receive feedback from tutors. The final-year project allows students to showcase their skills and knowledge in a self-directed project.

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Teaching:

The program uses a combination of lectures, tutorials, and practical workshops. Students are encouraged to work independently and collaborate with their peers. The program boasts industry-standard facilities, including multiple games development labs, a virtual reality lab, and state-of-the-art motion capture facilities.

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Careers:

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in various roles within the games industry, including:

• Creative director
• Game designer
• Scriptwriter
• Level designer
• Interface designer
• Games tester
Graduates have secured positions at leading game studios such as Microsoft Rare, Naughty Dog, Ninja Theory, and Ubisoft.

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Other:

• The program places a strong emphasis on industry collaboration and provides students with opportunities to network with professionals.
• The program is offered at both the Teesside University Middlesbrough campus and the London campus.
• Students have access to disability services and support.
• The program offers financial support options, including scholarships.
• The program welcomes international students and provides dedicated support.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

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Full-Time:

• UK Applicants: £9,250 a year
• International Applicants: £17,000 a year

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Part-Time:

• UK Applicants: £4,500 (120 credits)

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Payment Information:

• More details about our fees can be found on the "Fees" page
• More details about our fees for international applicants can be found on the "Fees for International Applicants" page
• What is included in your tuition fee?
• Length: 3 years (or 4 with a work placement)
• UCAS code: G470 BA/GD
• Start date: September
• Semester dates