TEF Gold Undergraduate course

BA (Hons)

Game Arts and Design

Turn your creativity into captivating games. Master 3D modelling, 2D art, animation, level design, and gameplay coding—all guided by industry experts. Explore every stage of game development and specialise in what excites you most.

Our typical offer

104 UCAS points

Create in world-class facilities

 Create with cutting-edge tech in world-class facilities—where your ideas come to life in VR, 360° immersion, and high-spec game labs.

Shape the future of gaming

Future-proof your career with industry-led, tech-focused training — where innovation, entrepreneurship, and ethical practice prepare you to thrive and make an impact.

Break into the industry

Boost your employability with optional year-long, paid placements at top studios like Criterion Games.
BA (Hons) Game Arts and Design

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About

If you love creating visually stunning games and immersive experiences, this course gives you the chance to focus on the artistic side of game development. You’ll learn to design characters, environments, and storylines using industry tools like Unreal Engine and Blender. Graduates go on to work at top companies like EA Games and Aardman Animation, and work on high profile projects like Alien: Romulus and Netflix’s Three Body Problem.

Joel HodgesMr Joel Hodges
Lecturer in Game Arts & Design

This course is for you if...

you’re passionate about creating immersive, engaging games
Hand holding two cogs
you enjoy blending creativity and technical skills in game design
Lightbulb with cog inside
you want to master industry-standard tools and workflows
Three arrows pointing upwards
you’re aiming for a career as a game artist, 3D modeller, or level designer
Ladder leading up to cloud, depicting career aspirations

Details

Year 1

Get straight into learning the art and coding skills you need as a game designer. You are introduced to 2D design and 3D modelling software, game engines and gameplay coding. Bring your drawings to life with animation and interactivity, and create your first 3D models and games. Learn about storytelling and build your own gaming hardware. 
Wireframe of mountain landscape

Core modules

FAPY100
Stage 1 Placement Preparation 0 credits

This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking a company placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

GAD4001
Illustration and Concept Art

In this module, students will learn core skills in 2D illustration and concepting processes in relation to games. Students will learn about form, shape, silhouettes and rapid ideation processes that will give them the tools to create concepts for designs, and develop the pieces in final game ready assets. Students will explore colour theory, and how to design for set themes, styles, and the considerations that need to be made in the initial ideation stages. Students will learn to use standardised digital art suites in order to create assets in the game art production pipeline.

GAD4002
3D Modelling

This module provides an introduction to the fundamental principles and techniques used in creating 3D models for the gaming industry. Students will learn to design, model, and optimize assets for integration into real-time rendering environments, focusing on game-specific requirements such as low polygon counts. By the end of this module, students will have created a portfolio of game-ready assets and gained experience in using industry-standard tools and software.

GAD4003
Game Art Practice

This module is designed to introduce students to the fundamental principles and practical skills required to create high-quality 3D art assets for video games. Students will gain hands-on experience in designing, modelling, texturing, and optimizing 3D assets, with a strong focus on the artistic and technical considerations specific to game development. This module will enable students to produce game-ready assets while understanding the complete workflow from concept to implementation in a game engine.

GAME4001
Design Practice

This module welcomes students to the world of game design through a balance of playful activities and thought-provoking debates. The module explores design practices such as observation, ideation, prototyping and testing, in relation to industry culture and wider social contexts. The module introduces students to practical and creative processes that encourage experimentation and prepare for HE workflows. Through conceptual understanding of artistic practice combined with technical production skills in a range of areas, such as 2D and 3D design, facilitated by industry standard design software and processes.

GAME4002
Interactive Experiences

In this module, students will explore core theories around worldbuilding, narrative design and immersion theory for game design. Students will get hands on experience with popular video games to explore, critique and discuss how narratives and the worlds that are crafted create an immersive experience. Students will also critique how the nature of interaction in games is controlled by designers and developers to control the audience into feeling agency in games, and where frameworks are developed to explore ludo-narrative gameplay. Students will work with wireframing tools and processes to demonstrate their understanding of how narrative structures are developed and designed in games.

Optional modules

GAME4003
UI Design

In this module, students will explore the concepts behind User Experience Design (UX) and User Interface Design (UI). Students will be given a range of material to explore and critique to understand the application of different design methods, principles and considerations for creating UI for games. Students will iterate on designs, exploring the use of fonts, logos, colours and considerations for different games markets. Students will create a menu system for a hypothetical game that includes the title screen, a pause menu, and a settings menu. This menu system will explore branding and identity, functionality, affordances and feedback, and the wider consideration of accessibility in design.

GAME4004
Sound Design

This module explores the fundamental principles and techniques of sound design specifically for video games. It covers the creation, implementation, and manipulation of audio assets, including sound effects, music, and dialogue, to enhance player experience. Students will learn to utilize industry-standard software and hardware, focusing on real-time audio integration and interactive soundscapes.

Year 2

Master more advanced 3D modelling and game programming techniques, and hone your level design skills. Learn about working in the creative industries from visiting speakers, and work with Illustration students to further develop your drawing skills.
Core modules
  • GAME5001: Critical Design (20 credits)
    This module develops students’ ability to critically reflect upon design strategies that they can subsequently apply to their own videogame development. Students will evidence what they have learnt via a digital journal.
  • GAME5002: Professional Portfolio (20 credits)
    In this module, students will be given the opportunity to propose and develop a project that follows a chosen area of game design and development. This project will be supported by an allocated tutor that can support and guide through the creative process. Students will be given regular sessions alongside this project that help shape and develop their online portfolio and presence to successfully market and showcase their work. Students will be given tools and methods to help manage time efficiently, implementing regular review processes to iterate on work and manage expectations.
  • GAME5005: Studio Practice – Challenge Module (20 credits)
    In this module, students will join with peers across digital subjects to learn collaborative design and development processes, understanding how to professionally communicate between different disciplines and teams, working towards an immersive experience that is aligned to the UN sustainability goals.  Students will be introduced to professional project and source control management tools and processes to enhance their practice and efficiency. Students will form small groups to design and develop a small interactive experience that showcases their learning from their own crafts, and their professional skills.
  • GAD5001: Asset Production (20 credits)
    In this module, students will build on asset production techniques to understand how to prepare large scale asset productions, with considerations for batch production, modular design, procedural game assets and texturing techniques such as trim sheets. Students will create a broad portfolio entry that showcases their skills in numerous areas of asset production in games. Students will learn how to utilise basic scripting in a game engine to generate dynamic assets that are optimised and efficient. Students will also explore utilising additional tools that assist with areas like foliage design and clothing design for games.
Optional modules
  • GAME5003: Rigging and Animation (20 credits)
    This module will provide students with the principles of animation for both objects and characters. They will focus on understanding weights and stretches, exploring different techniques and styles of animation. This will allow the students to experiment and consider which style is best suited to the work they want to create. Students will craft a range of animation elements from object tests to facial rigs on 3D characters, giving a strong understanding of the range of skills encompassed in animation for games, along with a core understanding to critique and analyse animation styles and form.  
  • GAME5004: VFX for Games (20 credits)
    In this module, students will explore a range of visual effects pipelines for use in game engines, ranging from particle effects to shaders. Students will learn about how these effects can be used in conjunction with other elements like sound to facilitate engagement and reward to players in games. Students will produce a portfolio of work in this module to set tasks and briefs that tests efficient and visual design practices.
  • GAME5006: Scanning and Photogrammetry (20 credits)
    This module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of photogrammetry and 3D scanning techniques, tools, and applications. This module covers the fundamental principles of capturing, processing, optimising, and analysing spatial data to create accurate 3D models. Students will gain hands-on experience with both photogrammetric software and 3D scanning hardware to understand their practical applications in various fields such as archaeology, architecture, engineering, gaming, and virtual reality.  
  • GAME5007: MoCap and MoEdit (20 credits)
    In this module the students will learn about the delivery of Motion Capture services. Students will explore through all stages of the pipeline, from good stage practices and running a shoot, and the different jobs that are part of it, to delivering fully cleaned and retargeted data. Students will create a portfolio of work that demonstrates core practices within the Motion Capture pipeline, showcasing professional practices and shoot etiquette.
  • FAPY501: Stage 2 Placement Preparation (0 credits)
    This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme or are looking for other work opportunities. It is designed build on the Level 1 module (FAPY100) and to assist students in their search and application for a placement and/or other work experience and in their preparation for the placement itself.
Using Unreal Engine in the Immersive Media Lab

Placement year (optional)

An optional paid 48-week work placement offers invaluable practical work experience. We recommend pursuing a placement, as it enhances your final year of study and improves your employability on graduation.
Student Leah Philpot using motion capture equipment

Core modules

FAPY604
Digital Art and Technology/Internet Design Placement

An extend period of professional training (at least the duration of both teaching semesters - 36 weeks) spent as the third year of a sandwich programme undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company (either a paid placement or unpaid internship). This provides an opportunity for the student to gain relevant industrial experience to consolidate the first two stages of study and to prepare for the final stage and employment after graduation.

Final year

Focus on your own particular areas of interest by selecting from a range of optional modules and set your creativity free in your epic final year project.
Core modules
  • ADA600: Common Dissertation: Critical Practices (20 credits)
    The module engages students in situating practice through research, contextualisation and critical reflection, in relation to their final stage study and post University aspirations. Programmes can offer: a traditional dissertation; preparation for an extended dissertation; situating existing practice; or the construction of a new body of work as practice-based research.
  • GAME6004: Major Project (40 credits)
    This module acts as the capstone of the degree, giving students a dedicated self-directed project to design, craft and refine as a major portfolio piece. Students will be allocated a supervisor that will guide and support the development of the work, along with encouraging critical discussion around the chosen theme and topic. Students are encouraged to experiment and innovate in their craft, exploring how their chosen craft can be pushed forward.
  • GAME6005: Portfolio and Professional Practice (20 credits)
    In this module, students will develop and refine a professional portfolio that is ready for applications in the creative industries. Students will be supported by industry professionals that will offer review and advise on how to target specific markets and roles. Students will also craft a range of promotional material to celebrate their existing portfolio of work, that can then be showcased at a final exhibition for the degree. Students will be involved in curating, organising and displaying their work, along learning key events managements skills with partners and key stakeholders.
Optional modules
  • GAME6001: Game Design (40 credits)
    In this module, students will demonstrate their skills in design, team development practices and their own craft that has been demonstrated through their portfolio of work to this stage. Students will be given the opportunity to pitch ideas and form teams, bringing an idea to life in the form of a demo. Students will work professionally to set deadlines and goals set through the module, working in a studio format. Students will craft a press-kit for their game and create a trailer that could be used to pitch the game to potential investors.  
  • GAME6002: Interaction Design (40 credits)
    This module focuses on the experimentation and fabrication of interaction devices and experiences that allow audiences to interface with digital experiences. Students will explore the considerations for accessibility and fabrication tools needed in designing and developing game controllers, along with exploring the world of alternative controllers using custom hardware. Students will produce an interaction device that can interface with a crafted experience.
  • GAME6003: Experience Design (40 credits)
    In this module students will explore the world of creative and artistic installation, learning how to curate and craft an experience to be part of an interactive exhibit. Students will learn a range of prototyping and experimental design processes that will explore outside of the world of games. Students will explore physical computing devices, and display techniques such as dome projection and projection mapping.
Exhibition in the 360 Dome at Devonport Market Hall
 
 
 
 
 
 

Which games degree is right for you?

Choosing the right course is the first step toward your future in the dynamic world of gaming. 
Whether you're passionate about creating stunning visuals, crafting immersive gameplay experiences, or building the next generation of game engines, there's a degree for you.
BSc (Hons) Game Arts and Design
Perfect for creative minds who want to design the visual world of games. Focus on 3D modelling, 2D art, animation, and level design. Get hands-on with industry-standard tools and bring art to life.
BSc (Hons) Game Production and Design
Ideal for those who love to code and design interactive gameplay. Master programming, prototyping, and game mechanics design. Bring your ideas to life through programming in C++ and scripting.
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Games Development)
For the tech-minded who want to dive deep into computer science with a game-focused twist. Develop game engines, artificial intelligence, and programming tools. Build a solid foundation in software engineering principles.
The recognises institutions committed to providing high-quality educational experiences through knowledgeable faculty and proven curricula.
Our Senior Technician Andrew Banks has also been awarded a Silver Status as an Unreal Authorised Trainer.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Experience

 
Motion Capture in the Immersive Media Lab

The university gives us access to everything we could need to create games. We have full-blown drawing platform suites, we have a visual dome so we can do 3D Dome experiences, motion caption software, recordings booths, everything we need to build every single section of game design interactive experiences XR and VR.

Glen, BA (Hons) Game Arts and Design graduate

 

I’ve learnt a large array of industry-relevant skills such as 3D modelling, coding, and animation. The course has also pushed me to gain better skills in areas such as presenting/public speaking, and working in a team alongside other people to make games.

Esther, BA (Hons) Game Arts and Design graduate

Game Arts and Design student Esther
 
Student Glen Ferguson

When it comes to networking during our course, they've brought in a lot of people from different areas of the industry. You can get involved with research and you can get involved with other projects outside of the University.

Glen, BA (Hons) Game Arts and Design graduate

 
 
 

Learn from experts in their field

 Learn from expert coders, artists, designers, and creative technologists working at the cutting edge of games, VR, robotics, sound, and interactive media. Our hands-on, project-based approach builds your coding and creative skills from the ground up—no experience needed. We’ll equip you for a fast-changing digital world, where creativity and critical thinking is always in demand.
Mr Joel Hodges Lecturer in Game Arts & Design


Lecturer in Game Arts & Design

Dr Rafael Arrivabene Lecturer in Game and Experience Design


Lecturer in Game and Experience Design

Dr Lauren Hayhurst Lecturer in Narrative Design


Lecturer in Narrative Design

Show all
 
 
 
 

Life in 50¶È»Ò

50¶È»Ò's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
 

The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.

Jenna
Current student

Students sitting on the Barbican
Life in the city

Discover what 50¶È»Ò and its unique geographical location have to offer
Accommodation halls internal
Explore your accommodation options

Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls

Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene

Careers

Our graduates work at top companies like Facebook, Pixar, and EA—or thrive as indie developers and start-up founders. With 2,000+ game studios in the UK, you can build a career close to home in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.

Your Game Arts and Design degree opens doors to roles like game artist, coder, designer, or producer—and builds skills valued across tech and creative sectors. Optional paid placements with studios like Criterion Games give you real-world experience and industry connections. 
  • ]

    82% of our game arts and design graduates are in work or further study

  • A

    78% of our game arts and design graduates agree that their current activity is meaningful

*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
 
Graduate Leah

I knew it would be really rewarding to experience working as a designer for a team of over a hundred people and to learn from industry veterans, and that a placement would boost my understanding of the game development industry. Looking back on it now, I can safely say it did!

Graduate Leah on her industry placement with EA Games

 
Ella Chambers

The placement made me better at productivity and time keeping – at my placement and my current job we had to time our work so that it could be charged correctly; it’s something that I know some people in the industry struggle with, but thanks to my placement I can do it without any stress.

Graduate Ella on her experience on placement with Sponge Learning

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Tuition fees for new full-time students starting in 2025-2026 or
 2026-2027.
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
£795 per 10 credits
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,905
 
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,430
 
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
In November 2024, the UK Government announced an increase to tuition fees and maintenance support for 2025/26 academic year, setting the standard tuition fee and student maintenance loan at £9,535 per year and the University’s tuition fees were increased to this rate.
The UK Government has indicated that further fee increases may be announced this year and in subsequent years. If the UK Government does so, the University may increase annual tuition fees in subsequent years, which may include the fees for the 2026/2027 academic year, in line with the Student Contract and all times in line with the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government. More information about  fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year.
Full-time study
£17,600 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,905
 
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,430
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year.
Full-time study
£18,150 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
To be confirmed

Optional placement year completed outside the UK
To be confirmed
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Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at 50¶È»Ò, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
 

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
 
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Entry requirements

Our typical offer
104 UCAS points

You may be eligible for a contextual offer

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

GCSE
All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) mathematics and English at grade 4/C or above.

A levels
104 points from a minimum of 2 A levels.

BTEC
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
DMM in any subject.
12 Unit BTEC Diploma
D*D* in any subject.

All Access courses
Pass a named Access to HE Diploma in any subject with at least 33 credits at merit/distinction.

T level
Merit in any subject.

International Baccalaureate
28–32 overall to include Higher Level 4 English and Maths accepted within: Higher Level = 4, Standard Level = 5.

Ready to apply?

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
 
UCAS course code
W282
Institution code
P60
Duration

3 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location
50¶È»Ò
    •  

    Entry requirements

    We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
     
    Our typical offer
    104 UCAS points
     
     

    BSearch entry requirements for your country

    5

    English language requirements

    To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
     

    Ready to apply?

    As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
     
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    • UCAS course code
    W282
    Institution code
    P60
    Duration

    3 years
    (+ optional placement)
    Course type

    Full-time
    Study location
    50¶È»Ò
     
     
     

    Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day

    Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of 50¶È»Ò.
     
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    The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.