Games Design and Development

取得日期：2026-10-29

https://www.uwl.ac.uk/course/undergraduate/games-design-development?start=1898&option=33

https://www.uwl.ac.uk/international/your-country/international-entry-requirements/hong-kong

BSc (Hons) Games Design and Development | University of West London

Skip to main content

Search Open menu Close menu

Current students

New students

Returning students

Support for students

Semester and term dates

Policies and regulations

Learning tools and resources

Your feedback

Studying off campus

IT Services

Results and graduation

Student Portal

Student handbook

Student news

Search UWL.ac.uk

Undergraduate

BSc (Hons) Games Design and Development

Full-time

September 2027

Fees per year†

£17,250 – International

£10,050 – UK

Duration

Location

Overview

Course details

Our students

Entry and fees

Facilities

Teaching staff

Related courses

How to apply

Register for open day

Start date

On this BSc (Hons) Games Design and Development degree, you will be empowered in your ability to create new worlds and design gameplay experiences from scratch, all through the use of powerful games engines, creation of a variety of new asset types, and confident utilisation of code.

Specialised teaching focused on game design and development will help prepare you for a career in the fast-growing and highly creative games industry.

Our bold curriculum is designed to provide the key design and technical skills demanded in the field. You will learn how professional game designers and developers build new worlds, test player behaviour, and fine-tune user experience through your study of design theories.

You will develop proficiencies across a variety of technical skills, including application of professional code paradigms and use of industry-standard software. You will gain a high-level understanding of production and pipelines across a range of roles in the games industry, as taught by active industry practitioners. Your analytical skills will be supercharged through the contextual study of games, enabling you to design better experiences, and make more accurate predictions in the growing games market.

During this games course, you will also study the creative and cultural aspects of games, gaining a deeper understanding of how design impacts experience. This is enhanced through the course's close relationship with other games and esports courses within the University of West London, offering an engaged and exciting study community.

The BSc (Hons) Games Design and Development degree benefits from the provision of major UWL events in the games and esports departments, such as the twice-annual game jam (often featuring industry sponsors and support) and the annual UWL Game Awards, which rewards excellence in a number of subject-specific areas. We also support regular student-led community events such as open-play gaming sessions, mini jams, and masterclasses from expert speakers.

Why study this course?

Our Computer Games and Animation courses are ranked 2nd in London and 5th in the UK - National Student Survey 2026*

2nd London university for overall student satisfaction - National Student Survey 2026*

Ranked top 50 in the UK and 2nd modern** London university - The Guardian University Guide 2027

Top 20 in the UK for teaching quality - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2027

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to

see relevant course information:

Study options:

We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.

Duration: 3 years

With Foundation Year

Duration: 4 years

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available,

try selecting a different study option.

What you'll study

BSc (Hons) Games Design and Development has been designed by experienced course leaders with active participation within the UK games industry to provide sector-leading study of modern game design and development paradigms.

The curriculum is grounded on the principles of how games are made, providing a broad foundational underpinning which is software-agnostic, while allowing for high-level specialisation through study of contemporary topics in modern gaming and resulting in a highly-personalised final major project.

The course content develops skills across design fundamentals, player behaviour, asset creation (such as 2D, 3D, animations, and other multimedia assets), and technical skills such as use of code and games engines. You will define and understand the design paradigms of successful titles across the levels of study, leading to the deep understanding required to enable experimentation of style and approach, and eventually the confident creation of brand-new experiences.

We will introduce you to the software and techniques used across the games industry, such as real-time games engines, media creation tools such as 2D, 3D, and animation software, and integrated development environments. You will learn how to design experiences which are engaging and well-articulated, and then bring them to life through the application of a range of mediums: from tabletop and card games, to traditional digital games and cutting-edge forms of human-computer interaction.

As the course continues, you will work on collaborative and individual projects that mirror professional studio pipelines. You will investigate areas such as UX and UI, player behaviour, adaptive and dynamic design paradigms, and more advanced applications such as local and networked multiplayer design, and next-generation human-computer interaction; developing your confidence as a designer, and building your fluency as a technical specialist.

In your final year, you will undertake a major project where you create a substantial piece of work that reflects your design and development specialism and career ambitions. This project will enable you to build a sharply honed professional portfolio that demonstrates your skills in games design and development, and showcases your individual voice to future employers and members of the UK games industry.

You will graduate with strong academic, creative, design, technical, and professional skills and a developed portfolio that prepares you for careers in game design and development, and the wider digital creative industries.

Course subject to approval

Approval is the formal process by which the University ensures that the proposed design, content and delivery of a course will provide a high quality learning experience for all students.

Please note, we regularly review our course content to offer relevant, impactful and career-shaping learning. Therefore, the following modules are indicative and subject to change.

Compulsory modules

Games Narrative Design

This module introduces the foundations of storytelling in games. Students explore how narrative, interaction, and player choice combine to create meaningful experiences. You will learn the language and theory behind game storytelling while developing your own ideas and documenting them through structured design processes such as a Game Design Document (GDD).

Interactive Environments and Level Design

In this module you will explore how digital environments are built for games. You will learn the technical concepts behind computer graphics and gain practical experience using industry-standard tools and engines. The focus is on understanding how environments, layout, and visual design work together to shape player navigation and interaction.

Games Programming Fundamentals

In this module, you will explore the foundational topics involved in everyday programming and use of code in interactive entertainment projects. This module is built to offer a stepped introduction to code for beginners, while supporting more experienced programmers to expand their knowledge based on industry standards and common programming paradigms.

Game Design and Concept

This module introduces creative ideation and design thinking for games. You will explore research, visual development, and concept generation, learning how to develop original ideas beyond initial concepts. Through structured design processes, you will build confidence in planning and communicating creative ideas.

Keystone Project

3D Assets

This module introduces the creation of game-ready 3D assets. You will learn modelling, UV unwrapping, texturing, and optimisation techniques used in real-time engines. The module focuses on efficient workflows and the technical requirements of games production, allowing you to develop assets that can be implemented within a real-time environment.

Designing for Interaction

This module explores user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design within games and interactive media. You will learn how to design menus, HUDs, and interactive systems that support accessibility and player engagement. Through practical projects, you will prototype and test interactive interfaces using industry tools and workflows.

Player Behaviour

This module explores the relationship between players and the game. You will learn the common theories behind designing well-considered experiences; from exploring how behaviour is shaped through our physical experience of the world around us, to the foundational contextual theories which form the basis for genre-based expectations. These theories are then directly applied to an in-game example, such as the study of integrated pedagogy showcased through a tutorial design.

Game Development Paradigms

This module provides a broad and ambitious overview of common design paradigms for modern gaming experiences. Through study of popular games, students go through a process of deconstruction resulting in technical overviews and rapid prototypes across a variety of genres. This module is core to our "supercharger" Level 5, and graduates often attribute it to much of their understanding of games development.

Research Project for Games Design and Development

This module introduces research methods used within games and creative practice. You will learn how to develop research questions, conduct literature reviews, and gather and analyse information using appropriate methods. The module supports critical thinking and prepares you for independent work in the final year.

Intelligent and Adaptive Design

Today's digital world demands an ever-growing list of expectations when it comes to simulated intelligence, adaptivity, personalisation, and more. This module explores these topics, looking to define what intelligence means in a computing system, how to create dynamic moments within our player experiences, and how to engage with next-level programming paradigms to create smarter and more engaging games.

Experimental Games

Building upon the framework of previous modules, Experimental Games allows you to break the rules. Through confidence in your abilities as designers, programmers, and artists, this module further solidifies the understanding of what a game is, and what it has not yet been.

Planning, Pitching, and Production

This module focuses on professional project planning and creative development. Students learn how to develop project proposals, pitch ideas, and plan production workflows for creative projects. Emphasis is placed on project management, communication, and presenting ideas clearly to both creative teams and potential stakeholders.

Connected Play

Gaming brings people together, and this module challenges students to design for multiple players at once. Multiplayer games provide a unique challenge, but remain a highly popular format for games in many genres. This module provides the theoretical underpinning for how to design for local and networked multiplayer games, and how to utilise technologies and technical skills to make them possible.

Creative Practice in Games

This module encourages you to explore your professional identity within the games and wider creative industries. Through experimentation and reflection, you will develop original visual concepts and refine your artistic voice. The module supports portfolio development while encouraging critical engagement with contemporary visual styles and artistic approaches in games.

Next-Generation Interactive Design

Games come in all shapes and sizes, and many games topics extend far beyond what we would now call "traditional games". This module explores what the modern gaming industry calls for: experiences which go beyond the screen. Through study of applied games and gamification, through to use of contemporary software and technologies, you will gain a deeper understanding of how games design is shaping the modern world.

Major Project for Games Design and Development

The Major Project is the culmination of the course and allows you to develop a substantial piece of work that reflects your chosen specialism within game design and development. You will undertake a full production cycle from concept and research through to final artefact, demonstrating advanced creative, technical, and project management skills. The final project forms the centrepiece of your professional portfolio.

What our students say

2nd London university for student satisfaction - National Student Survey 26*

I learned things I didn't even know I wanted to know on the Game Design course. I also had the opportunity to develop them further, which ultimately gave me the right skillset to be now working in the games industry!

Angela M Ceroula, BSc (Hons) Game Design and Animation and Freelance Games Programmer

Explore student work

Games, Design and Animation student showreel (2026)

This video showcases a range of high-quality work produced by UWL's Games, Design and Animation students.

Play the video

Summer Game Jam 2026

Every year, students from across the University of West London come together for our Summer Game Jam in partnership with SEGA Europe. Competing in teams, they are given seven days to transform a real-world industry brief into original playable video games. Under this year's theme of 'Reefs: Where Life Builds Structure', students explored environmental storytelling and underwater world-building, inspired by the global Green Game Jam initiative by Playing for the Planet.

Games, Design and Animation student showreel (2025)

Previous slide Next slide

Entry requirements

Requirements:

International

104 UCAS points required

from level 3 qualifications

These can include:

A Levels at grade B, C and C, or above

BTEC Extended Diploma with Distinction, Merit, Merit

Access to HE Diploma

T Levels

You also need GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Games Design and Development with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course

Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

Level 5 (year 2) entry

To directly enter the second year of this course, you will need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 120 undergraduate credits at Level 4 or a CertHE in a related subject area.

Level 6 (year 3) entry

To directly enter the third year of this course, you need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 240 undergraduate credits (at Levels 4 and 5), a DipHE, foundation degree or HND in a related subject area.

6.0 IELTS or above

You need to meet our English language requirement – a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the four individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept.

You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents.

We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.

Find out more about our English Language courses.

Fees & funding

Funding:

per year†

Additional costs

There are additional costs for this course that are not included in the tuition fees. See the links below to get a better idea of what to expect:

optional study trips

Please note:

Fees for the 2027/28 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.

Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs over 2 academic years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year, except if otherwise stated.

If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

We offer generous bursaries and scholarships to make sure your aspirations are your only limit.

View full details, including conditions and eligibility.

International students - funding your studies

We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships.

Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

Financial support for international students

Games design and development facilities

Explore the range of facilities available to games design and development students, from our Digital Futures Lab and the latest VR equipment through to motion capture, photography studios and more.

Digital Futures Lab

The Digital Futures Lab is equipped with high-specification dual-screen PCs plus GPUs to support game design and development, esports, AI, and creative content creation. Additionally, the latest VR headsets offer both a fully immersive virtual experience and mixed reality.

Media Resource Centre

Our Media Resource Centre is available to all LSFMD students for free. We hold a variety of cameras, lights, sound equipment and recording devices. You can also loan equipment demonstrated in class.

Your future career

Games design and development graduates can go on to work in a range of roles within the games and adjacent entertainment and computing industries. You may also pursue opportunities in related fields where knowledge of design paradigms, project management, production skills, computing pipelines, and understanding of human-computer interaction is valued.

Many graduates of our games design courses apply their skills in areas such as software and application development, multimedia production, and production roles across a variety of industries. We also pride ourselves on embedding entrepreneurship and leadership into our course curriculum, opening up opportunities for graduates for new enterprise creation, including those who go on to win UK Games Funding.

You may decide to specialise in a related area or explore a new subject. Please see our postgraduate courses for a range of options.

Taught by lecturers with industry experience

Strong links with SEGA, ustwo games, Payload Studios and MSI

Career-focused modules

Guest lectures and seminars with industry experts

A welcoming and active games and esports student community

Annual major events such as the Winter and Summer Game Jams with sponsorship from top games organisations

Field trip and industry event opportunities

Build your portfolio

Job roles

game design

level design

character art

interaction design

play testing

visual effects

animation

motion graphics

creative development

graphic design

web design

concept art.

Industry connections

We have a close relationship with industry as fostered by our course team and expansive alumni network. We remain committed to empowering our student community, and we will seek feedback from students and industry to ensure that your experience in UWL is sector-leading, and will provide you with skills for life."

Ryan Callard, course lecturer

Alumni insights

Muuawiyah "Marv" Yasir-ahmed, games design alumni

Ryan Callard Course Leader

Ryan began teaching through music education workshops during his studies at the University of West London in 2013. He went on to teach music, music technology, media, and musical instruments across schools, sixth forms, and private tuition before moving into higher education in 2020, where he now teaches Games, Esports, and interactive media.

View more

View full profile

Sally Sheppard

Jay Shin

How to apply:

Play the "How to apply for university | The University of West London" video

Head to the UCAS website where you can apply using:

our institution code - W05

the UCAS course code (below)

Want to ask us a question first? We would love to hear from you.

Call us free on 0800 036 8888

Email us at courses@uwl.ac.uk

We're here to help

Any questions about a course or studying at UWL?

We're here to help - call us on

(Monday - Friday, 10am - 4pm GMT)

Or email us anytime:

courses@uwl.ac.uk

Apply for this course:

Institution code W05 Institution code

UCAS code currentVariantData.field_p_cv_ucas_code UCAS code

Apply on UCAS.com

You will need our institution code and the UCAS code (above)

You can apply to us in two ways:

on the UCAS website you will need our institution code (W05) and the UCAS course code (see top of page)

directly on our website – follow the ‘Apply now’ link

Want to ask us a question first? Our dedicated international students’ team would love to hear from you.

Ask the International Recruitment Team a question

Learn more about international student applications

Find out more about why you should study in London at the Career University

Apply now

Gaming - art, design, development and esports

We have a range of game courses, including games design and development, games art and animation, esports, computer games technology and visual effects courses. Benefit from professional facilities, experienced tutors and industry connections.

Gaming - art, design, development and esports courses

BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology

BA (Hons) Games Art and Animation

BA (Hons) Esports

BA (Hons) Graphic Design (Visual Communication and Illustration)

BA (Hons) Photography

BA (Hons) Visual Effects and Animation

Search for courses

Student life at UWL

Play the "Why choose the University of West London" video

Find out more

Discover seven reasons to study with us and how studying at UWL will support your future career.

Find out about student accommodation and the support for students.

Explore our campus and sites and book onto a campus tour or open day.

Chat to our students

Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

†Fees - the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the course. Fees are subject to change. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught international fees are subject to an annual increase.

Teaching - your course will primarily be delivered in-person, however it may include delivery of some activities online, either in real-time or recorded.

Testimonials - quotes are provided by current or former UWL students. These are mostly from the course but quotes from a UWL student on another course may be used if, for example, the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming, however staff and course content may have since changed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route and a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.

Rankings

*The National Student Survey 2026 result is based on the average of all answers by the taught student populations.

**Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and after, 1992.

***PRES - rank out of 53 institutions.

Calling from outside the UK

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Accessibility

Privacy policy

Modern slavery statement

© 2026 University of West London - St Mary's Road, Ealing, London, W5 5RF

Chat with our students

Chat now

院校未公布 DSE 對應等級，請向院校確認。

請查看下方完整入學要求原文，或向院校確認。