Games Design & Development

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https://www.ulster.ac.uk/courses/202728/games-design-and-development-45610

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## A Level Offer / Irish Leaving Certificate Offer

A Level and Irish Leaving Certificate Offers

A Level Offer | Irish Leaving Offer

AAA | 144 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.

AAB | 136 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.

ABB | 128 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.

BBB | 120 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.

BBC | 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.

BCC | 104 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.

CCC | 96 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.

CCD | 88 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.

Please note that for some courses, there are additional competency standards that need to be met. Full details will be included on the entry section of the course page.

Applicants from ROI – Additional information to help calculate the tariff you need to achieve

Leaving Cert Higher

For students from the Republic of Ireland.

Leaving Cert Higher UCAS Points

Grade | UCAS Points

H1 | 32

H2 | 30

H3 | 24

H4 | 18

H5 | 12

Leaving Cert Ordinary

Leaving Cert Ordinary UCAS Points

O1 | 12

O2 | 10

Start Year:

# Games Design and Development BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate Full-time UCAS Code: WW71 2027/28

Where creative vision meets technical expertise: Turning game enthusiasts into industry professionals.

Student Satisfaction

National Student Survey (2026)

## If you're from the UK or Ireland

Apply via UCAS if you meet all of the following:

* You live in the UK or Ireland

* You are applying for full-time undergraduate study

* You are not applying as an international student

Apply via UCAS

## If you're an International Applicant

Use the international application route if you are from outside the UK or Ireland.

Apply via International Portal

UCAS Code

Qualification Type(s)

Bachelor of Science with Honours

Location

Derry~Londonderry

Start Date

September 2027

Study Mode

Full-time

Overview

Standard Entry Conditions

Careers and Opportunities

Fees and Funding

Sustainability

Disclaimer

## Overview

From global sensations like Fortnite and Elden Ring to indie breakthroughs such as Hollow Knight and Stardew Valley, across various platforms including console, PC, Mobile, and VR, game entertainment represents the world's largest media sector. Game Designers and Developers are crucial contributors to the interactive entertainment industry's continued global expansion and innovation.

Our BSc in Game Design and Development equips graduates with the comprehensive toolkit needed to launch successful careers in this dynamic field. The programme delivers specialist knowledge and hands-on experience in conceptualising, developing and implementing engaging gameplay experiences using industry-standard tools, programming languages and contemporary development methodologies.

Students benefit from a collaborative environment that mirrors professional studio practices while developing technical proficiency and strategic insights into IP development, marketing strategies, and production pipelines. This balanced approach prepares graduates for roles in both established studios and entrepreneurial pathways in independent game development, positioning them at the forefront of this rapidly evolving creative industry.

### QS 5 Star Excellence

Discover Ulster University’s QS 5 Star ratings, a global mark of excellence recognising outstanding achievement across multiple categories.

### Rated 5 Stars: Excellent overall

QS Stars

Learn more about QS Stars

### We’d love to hear from you!

We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.

Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:

* Course specific information

* Fees and Finance

* Admissions

For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.

For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.

We look forward to hearing from you.

## About this course

### Rated 5 Stars: Excellent for Teaching

Our BSc in Games Design and Development delivers specialist knowledge and practical experience in designing, developing, and programming interactive experiences using industry-standard tools, languages, and methodologies. Based at our Northwest campus at Magee, this programme uniquely combines game design theory with highly sought-after development skills.

Students benefit from our highly skilled and experienced teaching team, who bring current industry insights directly into the classroom. The curriculum places significant emphasis on building a professional product-based game portfolio—an essential asset for securing industry positions. Throughout your studies, you'll develop both technical proficiency and essential soft transferable skills valued across the creative technology sector.

The teaching staff keeps the course current with up-to-date game design theory, while focusing on commercial tools expertise that employers demand. The Northwest region's thriving gaming sector provides an ideal backdrop for your studies, offering a supportive environment in which to explore your potential through collaborative opportunities.

Students will critically and technically study the craft of game design and development, positioning their work within contemporary commercial and cultural contexts. The programme also provides technical insights into studio practices, IP development, and marketing strategies—invaluable knowledge for those pursuing careers in established studios or independent game development.

Throughout this degree, students will gain comprehensive knowledge of the full game development pipeline. From initial concept to final release, you'll master each essential stage, including game design documentation, 2D and 3D graphics creation, audio implementation, gameplay programming, level design, user interface development, quality assurance, and testing methodologies.

This holistic approach ensures graduates possess both specialised expertise in their preferred areas and a broad understanding of how each element integrates within the complete development process—precisely the versatile skill set that today's studios and publishers actively seek when recruiting new talent.

### Associate awards

Diploma in Professional Practice DPP

Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS

Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI

### Attendance

The course is available in Full-time or part-time modes.

This is a studio-based programme. Seminars, lectures, and workshops are all timetabled. At other times you will be able to work in dedicated studios, experience the collaboration, and dialogue that are essential in ideation and in an effective games design and development pipelines.

The programme is based on a modular structure. You are encouraged to take an optional placement year between years two and three. Over the duration of the course, you will develop your knowledge of the creative, technical, theoretical, and historical contexts which have led the evolution of a dynamic and innovative games sector.

### Start dates

* September 2027

### Teaching, Learning and Assessment

An appropriate blend of established and effective teaching delivery methods will be employed to enhance your learning experience and to achieve the learning outcomes of the course. Typically, large group teaching will include lectures, studio practice, demonstrations and small group teaching in the form of seminars, teamwork /projects, critiques (feedback).

The Aims and Learning Outcomes of the BSc Hons Games Design and Development course will be achieved through a variety of teaching and learning methods, including:

Tutorials – 1-1 and team will help to develop communication skills and verbally process problems and tasks in hand. These are essential to support student learning and pastoral care.

Lectures – will impart essential information in traditional format. Case studies and the introduction of learning exercises within the lecture format will consolidate learning and introduce an opportunity for discussion and engagement. Guest lecturers from industry and academia will be invited throughout the programme to develop student engagement and understanding of the subject area.

Workshop and Studio Practice – will encourage the importance of problem solving, testing and refining, whilst also have the opportunity to learn new skills, ideas and approaches from experts in order to become experts within games design and development.

Practicals and Demonstrations – will introduce a process, technique, or technologies to students by either a member of academic staff or a technician. These are a method employed to make you aware of the characteristics of transferable skills and technologies.

Critiques – will encourage effective communication, reflection, sharing of opinions, evaluation of information, skills and ideas and provide opportunities for peer learning.

Seminars – will encourage debate, reflexive thinking, and effective communication skills. They can facilitate deep learning: analysis, synthesis, evaluation of complex issues and construction of argument.

Teamwork projects – Collaborative learning provides the platform on which independent learning is nurtured. Giving you the opportunity to gain confidence, become aware of your strengths, and develop your own ideas. Tutorials, workshops and seminars will provide academic staff and students opportunities to discuss team progress, dynamics and evaluate member activity.

These will be particularly useful in Level 4 and Level 5 as they mirror current industrial studio practice, preventing isolation and assisting retention.

Blended learning – will offer the opportunity to consolidate and support face-to-face learning, communicate, and share information with the wider cohort developing essential digital skills. The course team will supplement and enhance module content including providing additional delivery of practical workshops, creating links to sources of further information, encourage online discussion groups the development of web-based portfolios.

Diagnostic, formative and summative feedback – Diagnostic feedback is valuable in the initial stages of learning; it allows you to reflect throughout your learning rather than viewing it retrospectively. Ongoing formative feedback is given in tutorials, critiques, and studio seminars in verbal form on a regular basis and is crucial to student progress. Formative feedback is also offered when part of the coursework is submitted for assessment during the semester.

Summative feedback is presented after assessment in written and verbal forms and offers a chance for you to reflect on progress and achievement and to receive suggestions for future direction. The course team consider feedback crucial to both student and staff progress in that it:

* Identifies and clarifies good performance

* Encourages positive motivational beliefs and self-esteem

* Give assessment choice (where appropriate)

* Encourages 'time and effort' on task

* Encourages interaction and dialogue (peer and teacher-learner)

* Provide opportunities to act on feedback

* Develop self-assessment and reflection

* Informs and shapes teaching

The course ethos is based on the University, Faculty and School’s Teaching and Learning strategy. The course team aim to enhance the quality of the student learning experience by:

This module equips final-year students with insights into the latest game research and development. It covers research methodologies, experiment design, data analysis, and academic writing, alongside hands-on experience with gaming management tools. Through a range of classes, students will explore practical applications of research in real gaming scenarios. The module culminates in a research project, with students producing a research paper or technical report.

#### Game Development - Business and Entrepreneurship

The "Game Business and Entrepreneurship" module prepares students for working within large commercial companies, small start-ups, or setting up their own game development business. The course covers business aspects of the game industry, including market analysis, business models, and revenue streams, as well as fostering entrepreneurial skills and mindset. Students will develop project management, team building, and communication skills to effectively manage game development projects.

They will also learn to create comprehensive business plans and pitch presentations for game projects. By the end of the module, students will be well-equipped to navigate the game industry and pursue a variety of career paths, including working at established companies, contributing to start-ups, or launching their own ventures.

#### Project: Game Development

This module provides students with the opportunity to create their own game product, within a supportive student group, over the course of two semesters. Throughout the module, students will receive guidance and feedback from their lecturers to help them plan, develop, and document their projects. The module focuses on developing essential skills such as project management, teamwork, critical thinking, and game development skills.

By the end of the module, students will have created a comprehensive and original game project, ready to showcase to potential employers and collaborators in the game development industry.

### Optional Modules

Optional modules are reviewed on a Programme each year and we may change the options available to you, to reflect our staff expertise, changes in Programme requirements or to reflect feedback that we have received from other Students, employers or other interested parties.

If your Programme contains optional modules, you will be provided with a list of these in good time so that you can choose the options right for you each year. Sometimes, we may not be able to run a particular optional module because not enough Students sign up for it or because a member of staff is not available to teach a module.

Where this may be the case, we will let you know when you are provided with your option choices, and you will be able to choose an alternative if one of your selected modules does not run.

International applicants

UK and Republic of Ireland applicants

## Standard Entry Conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements .

The entry conditions below apply to applicants presenting qualifications from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland or Great Britain.

### A Level Grades

### A Level Subject Requirements

Applicants may satisfy the requirement for one of the A Level grades (or equivalent) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications recognised by the University.

### Applied General Award Profile

### Accepted BTEC/OCR Qualifications

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2012 Suite)

Award profile of DDD

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2016 Suite)

Award profile of DDM

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma(2012 Suite)

Award profile of DD plus A Level Grade B

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2016 Suite)

Award profile of DM plus A Level Grade B

QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Introductory Diploma (2012 Suite)

Award profile of Merit plus A Level Grades BB

RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate (2016 Suite)

Grade profiles (equating to the final A level grade stated in the standard 3A level offer profile - Grade C) may be substituted by a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.

### Irish Leaving Certificate

112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level)

### Irish Leaving Certificate - Additional Requirements

To include English at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.

### UCAS Tariff Calculator

Use this calculator to add up your predicted or achieved Leaving Certificate grades to see your total UCAS Tariff points.

This calculator is for guidance only.  Always check the official entry requirements for your chosen course.

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### Access Course – NI/ROI

Overall profile of 63% (120-credit Access Course)

### GCSE

For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first-degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language.

Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.

## International Entry Requirements

We accept many international qualifications. For each course, we clearly explain the entry requirements and the level of English you need.

View international entry requirements

### A Level Equivalent

Grades CCC or higher and may include course specific subjects aligned to the degree.

Entry requirements will vary depending on your country of residence.

Check the specific entry requirements for your country here:

Check my country's entry requirements

In addition to academic entry requirements, there are also English Language requirements for each course:

### English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5 or an accepted alternative test .

### Verification of qualifications using Qualification Check

Applications to Ulster University are carefully reviewed and applicant supporting documentation, including qualifications are verified.

If we are unable to make the verification ourselves, we will require applicants to submit a verification check using Qualification Check.

If this applies to you, we will contact you to request for a Qualification Check.

If you have any questions related to entry requirements, please get in touch

internationaladmissions@ulster.ac.uk

## Careers and Opportunities

### Rated 5 Stars: Excellent for Employability

With this degree you could become:

* Game Designer

* Games Developer

* VR Developer

* Technical Artist

* Games Programmer

* Level Designer

* QA Tester

The interactive entertainment industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in global media, with the UK established among the world's leading game development regions. The British games ecosystem encompasses thousands of professionals across studios nationwide, from major publishers to innovative independents. The UK hosts renowned developers including Rockstar Games, Hello Games, and Media Molecule—creators of internationally acclaimed titles that continue to define gaming worldwide.

Northern Ireland's game development landscape has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with an expanding community of both established and emerging studios contributing to the region's digital economy through innovative titles and technologies.

Our Games Design and Development programme prepares graduates for diverse careers including Games Designer, Level Designer, Developer, Programmer, QA Engineer, XR Developer, Systems Designer, UI/UX Designer, and 3D Artist. These skills extend beyond gaming into film production, architectural visualisation, simulation training, and interactive digital marketing.

Students will also acquire entrepreneurial knowledge and business development skills essential for founding and operating independent game studios, with guidance on accessing industry funding partners and investment opportunities. This comprehensive preparation ensures graduates can navigate both established studio environments and entrepreneurial ventures with confidence.

### Work placement / study abroad

Students are strongly encouraged to undertake an optional work placement and/or take advantage of the excellent study abroad programme leading to the award of a Diploma in Professional Practice or Diploma in International Academic Studies. The DPP is generally European-based, and studio orientated. The DIAS allows for further study at an institution in either Europe or in the USA, under the Erasmus scheme, the Study USA scheme, or the Year abroad scheme.

You will obtain the appropriate award in addition to your degree's classification on successful completion of your Final Year. The awards available are:

## Fees and Funding

### 2027/28 Fees

Undergraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2027/28 fees will be announced in due course.

See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2026/27 entry.

### Scholarships, awards and prizes

* International Undergraduate Scholarship

* Open to all new international (non-EU) entrants on the first year of a full-time undergraduate course delivered on one of our Northern Ireland campuses, commencing September 2018.

£2,000 scholarship applied as discount to your annual tuition fee.

* Information on other scholarships available to international students

* Other awards and prizes:

Transfuser

Tranzfuser is the popular talent development programme brought to you by UK Games Talent and Finance CIC, working with a host of regional contributors and funded by UK Government. Students on the course will have an opportunity to access and apply for this competition with many teams forming successful game studios as a result.

### Find the right scholarship for you

See if you can access financial or other forms of support, including mentorship to excel in your studies.

View available scholarships.

### Additional mandatory costs

Students purchase materials for their own coursework.

Field trips may incur additional costs.

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.

There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.

See the tuition fees for most up to date costs.

There are additional fees for examination resits and library fines. Where a graduation ceremony is part of your course, please be aware that additional fees will apply.

See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.

## Sustainability

### Rated 5 Stars: Excellent for Environmental Impact

Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.

At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.

We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Our work in this area is already being recognised globally.  Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5^{th} Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17:  Partnership for the Goals.

Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.

* Sustainability at Ulster University

## Contact

### For more information visit

* Visit Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

* Visit School of Arts and Humanities

## Terms and Conditions

1. We prepare our prospectus and online information about our courses with care and every effort is made to ensure that the information is accurate. The printed version of the prospectus is, however, published at least a year before the courses begin. Information included in the prospectus may, therefore, change. This includes, but is not limited to changes to the terms, content, delivery, location, method of assessments or lengths of the courses described.

Not all circumstances are foreseeable, but changes will normally be made for one of the following reasons:

* to meet external, professional, or accredited body requirements;

* to provide for exceptional circumstances due to reasons beyond our reasonable control;

* to improve or enhance your experience, or to adopt changes recommended in student feedback, with the aim of improving the student experience and/or student outcomes; and/or

* to ensure appropriate academic standards are met, for example in response to external examiners’ feedback.

2. If there are insufficient enrolments to make a course viable, it may be necessary for the University to withdraw a course. If you have received an offer for a course that we subsequently have to close, we will contact you as soon as possible to discuss alternative courses. If you do not wish to study any alternative courses at the University, you may withdraw your application by informing us by email to admissions@ulster.ac.uk.

4. We will include a durable PDF when we send you an offer letter which will highlight any changes made to our prospectus or online information about our courses. You should read this carefully and ensure you fully understand what you are agreeing to before accepting a place on one of our courses.

5. The University will always try to deliver the course as described in the durable PDF you receive with your offer letter.

6. At any point after an offer has been made, students will be notified of any course changes in writing (usually by email) as soon as reasonably practicable and we will take all reasonable steps to minimise their impact where possible. The University will, where possible and reasonably practicable, seek the express consent of the student in regard to any changes concerning material or pre-contract information.

7. The University website will be updated to reflect the changed course information as soon as reasonably practicable.

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