Computer game designers are needed as the fundamental backbones of computer game development. Creating fun isn’t easy, and a good designer can create entertainment from complex systems whether it’s single-player, multiplayer, competitive or co-operative, designers create memorable gameplay experiences.

During the course we cover complex aspects of games design and development, we’ll analyse games to explore why a game is fun and what are the motivations of the player. We provide you with the chance to take a deeper look at the broader understanding of games development and explore what is possible within the medium of games.

Our three Games Development courses share a common first year, so you will gain a thorough understanding in the basics of the game development process, including how to plan, design and create game ideas and concepts. Learning to produce design prototypes, concept and artwork, scripting and playtesting all to learn the skills of the entire game production cycle. We’ll also aim to introduce new technologies and developments that emerge in the games industry, as well as exploring the subject in context, exploring current research, issues and ideas. As the course progresses and your understanding evolves you will become more specialised in your chosen area, producing design documentation and prototypes, concepts, artwork or scripting you’ll work both on your own but also in a group setting so we can support you in developing your team working abilities, which reflects the way the industry operates. Developing an understanding of the entire game production cycle leads to a more efficient and industry employable game developer.

Our Games Development (Design) explores various design disciplines: * Games analysis * Games design theory and practice * Visual scripting * Games prototyping * Visual design

During your studies, you’ll also have the chance to take part in lots of internal Game Jams. We’ll also encourage you to get involved in externally organised events like the Global Game Jam, Grads in Games and Game Republic.

Your course is designed for the real world – it carries the ‘ScreenSkills Tick’, which identifies courses best suited to prepare you for a Creative Industries career. We know you'll graduate aiming to gain a job in the industry, so we maintain active links with business and industry figures. If you’d like to take what you’ve learnt out into the real world, we also give you the opportunity to spend a placement year working in the industry.

Our Placement Unit can help you find a position that’s right for you. Alternatively, we have a small number of placements available in our in-house games development studio, Canalside Studios, where you could find yourself working as part of a team developing games for a range of platforms including mobile, iPhone /Android and VR development with latest VR technologies. Previous students have also developed commercial titles as far back as the Xbox 360 to Steam and Nintendo Switch.

Finally, if you’re a student from within the UK, you could even think about starting your own small business while you’re here by applying for the Enterprise Placement Year (EPY).

Placements

This course offers you the chance to undertake an optional placement in Year 3. This opportunity helps you to build on the knowledge and skills developed on the course. You will be employed by the company for 12 months, but the actual number of weeks worked will be dependent on the annual leave entitlement you are given in line with the placement company’s policy.

The placement year is a valuable tool that can enhance your employability and help you to develop as an individual. It is acknowledged that graduates with industry experience are generally much more attractive to employers.

Our Placement Unit will be on hand to support you in finding suitable placement opportunities. They will assist you with preparing your CV and with interview techniques. They'll also be in contact with you during your placement so that you'll be fully supported while you gain the experience that employers value so highly.

The Placement Unit team are regularly in contact with local and national companies. We have a number of placement opportunities available in the University’s Canalside Studios, giving you an opportunity to work as part of a team undertaking research and developing games for a range of platforms. You can find more information on placements here.

Alternatively, if you are a student from within the UK, you could consider starting your own small business by applying for the Enterprise Placement Year in conjunction with the University’s Enterprise Team. You’ll have the opportunity to benefit from business advice, mentoring and networking sessions. Find out more information on the Enterprise Placement Year.

Your Career

As a graduate of this course, you may consider employment in a wide range of sectors including the automotive, construction, manufacturing, design, medical and electronics industries. You could consider roles such as software engineer, design and test engineer and lead engineer to name a few.

Additionally, you may gain skills that are transferable to other industries and may be able to pursue any career that requires a good honours degree. You could go on to further study and the University has many options available for postgraduate study (including postgraduate teacher training) and research which may interest you.