By joining this course you'll become part of a committed community of game makers. You can expect to learn by making, to be encouraged to be curious and experimental, and to collaborate with others. We value and reward unique ideas and risk-taking, and help you think about games not only as commercial products but also meaningful art experiences.

The course begins with a close review of the fundamentals of games or the ‘rules of play’, while covering the key design skills, programming tools and co-creation strategies that lead to compelling titles. You’ll explore the function of game engines, make 2D assets, and test your developing knowledge in a series of mini game jams.

Your second year shifts attention to narrative design, game sound and 3D asset creation. Alongside this you’ll engage emerging forms of game-making for extended realities (XR), while building essential industry-insight through modules that target commercial/entrepreneurial thinking.

Year three encourages you to think differently about the form and function of games. You’ll build both ‘tangible games’ and ‘serious games’, and consider how the real-time capabilities of game engines can add a playful twist to a range of art, design and performance disciplines. Following this the course transforms into a professional games studio, providing you an opportunity to develop a complete and original title. Here you'll dive deeper into the workflows that underpin the industry, and receive advice and feedback from regional professional game designers, developers and producers.

Work placements, industry links and internships

We have access to a wide network of companies within the creative industries and tech sector both in the region and nationally. Artists, designers, developers and leaders of digital agencies, games and animation studios, and tech companies engage our students regularly through industry-insights events, specialist talks, masterclasses and live briefs.

Students studying courses in Creative Computing have worked recently on projects with Aardman, IBM, Complete Control, We The Curious, Opposable Group, Bristol VR Lab and many others. Showcasing talents and drive in industry-facing modules, many of our students have gone on to secure freelance opportunities, internships and part/full time employment with some of the best brands in the South West and beyond.

Recent graduates of courses in Creative Computing are working at Rockstar Games, Codemasters, Complete Control and Endemic Creations, and beyond games, Dyson, Aerian, Network N and more.

The broad scope of skills acquired by studying Games Development at Bath Spa will prepare you for a range of employment opportunities both within and outside of games. Games-specific roles include: 

• Games Designer
• Level Designer
• 3D Artist
• 2D Artist
• VFX Artist
• Technical Artist
• Environment Artist 
• Game Developer
• Creative Director
• Gameplayer Programmer
• UX Designer
• QA Tester
• Producer 
• Project Manager
• Community Manager