Game Design - BA (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2025/26 Entry.
Dream of designing the next big game? Our BA (Hons) Game Design course offers the perfect platform to turn your vision into reality. You’ll learn the art of crafting engaging game narratives, mechanics, and world-building in a creative and supportive environment. We focus on providing a balance between artistic vision and technical proficiency to ensure you’re industry ready....
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City Centre
- Award BA (Hons)
- Start date September 2025
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Computing and Digital Technology
- Faculty Faculty of Computing, Engineering and The Built Environment
This course is:
Available with Professional Placement year
Open to International Students
Overview
Dream of designing the next big game? Our BA (Hons) Game Design course offers the perfect platform to turn your vision into reality. You’ll learn the art of crafting engaging game narratives, mechanics, and world-building in a creative and supportive environment. We focus on providing a balance between artistic vision and technical proficiency to ensure you’re industry ready.
You will have access to industry standard design software and tools. Engaging with professionals and participating in events like game design workshops will further enhance your skills. This course is your gateway to a career in game design, where imagination meets technical skill to create immersive gaming experiences.
The course is also supported by top-tier design studios, ensuring you learn with the most advanced tools in the industry. Our dedicated design lab features high-end computers equipped with leading software for game design and development, including Adobe Creative Suite, Maya, and ZBrush.
Interactive workshops and guest lectures from industry leaders offer unique insights into the game design process. These collaborations facilitate networking opportunities, enhancing your learning experience, and preparing you for a successful career in the gaming industry.
Introducing STEAMhouse
STEAMhouse is a centre for technology, innovation, creative thinking, prototyping and business development. Our brand new £70 million pound building is the new home for the School of Computing and Digital Technology.
What's covered in this course?
- Master fundamental and advanced technical design techniques, for a range of applications such as artificial intelligence, virtual production, and console game development.
- Explore game design theories, principles, and practices that focus on mechanics, storytelling, player experience, and the integration of technology and art.
- Develop artistic skills in game design through modules on modelling, animation, and worldbuilding.
- Engage with cutting-edge technologies in immersive and mixed reality to craft engaging gaming environments.
- Collaborate on team projects that simulate real-world game studio production, learning to manage and execute game design projects from concept to completion.
- Benefit from industry exposure through guest lectures, professional placements, and partnerships with leading game technology companies.
Professional Placement Year
This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.
If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.
Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.
If you want to get into the video game industry, specifically as a designer or producer, I literally cannot recommend another course. BCU has incredible opportunities and has the best lecturers I have ever had in my educational life. They’re not just teachers; I would go so far as to say that I would consider them all friends because they’re all such incredible people.
Noah Rigden
Why Choose Us?
- Access to developer kits - We are proud to be one of the first universities that can offer access to developer mode or dev kits from the three major video game platforms - PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo.
- We work in partnership with Unity and Unreal - This means that we have met strict standards of excellence and are authorised to offer training courses and Unity Certification Exams on behalf of Unity Technologies.
- State-of-the-art facilities - Our computing facilities include a dedicated computer games development lab which houses high specification game development PCs, VR and AR headsets, and gaming peripherals.
- BCU are winners of 'best educational initiative and talent development' at the TIGA Games Industry Awards 2023 and the Innovative Teaching Award at the TIGA Games Education Award 2023.
- Top 5 in the UK for Animation and Games Design (Guardian League Table 2024).
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation. Booking isn't open yet for this event, register your interest and we’ll email you as soon as booking goes live.
Next Open Day: 28 September 2024
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2025/26.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
Essential requirements
112 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points.
Please note: If you qualify for our BCU Accelerate scheme, you could receive an offer that is two grades below our normal entry requirements. Find out more about BCU Accelerate.
If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £9,250 in 2025/26
- Apply via UCAS
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £17,690 in 2025/26
Guidance for UK students
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
- Register with UCAS
- Login to UCAS and complete your details
- Select your course and write a personal statement
- Get a reference
- Pay your application fee and submit your application
Guidance for International students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Personal statement
UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
- Course choice - Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
- Career plans - If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
- Work experience - Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
- School or college experience - Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
- Non-accredited skills or achievement - eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Worried about Personal Statements?
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
Course in Depth
Year one
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
This foundational module introduces you to the essential programming languages and tools needed for game development. Over the course of the semester, you will learn through a series of practical assignments and projects that challenge you to apply coding principles to create basic game functionalities.
Focusing on the creation and manipulation of 3D game assets, this module equips you with skills in using industry-standard 3D modelling software. Through hands-on workshops and guided tutorials, you will learn the techniques of modelling, texturing, and lighting, essential for building visually appealing game environments and characters. The module promotes not only technical skills but also artistic insight, critical for professional game development.
This module explores the technical aspects of creating and managing game assets efficiently. You will engage with the processes involved in asset integration, from initial design to implementation in game engines. Emphasis is placed on workflow efficiency, version control, and collaboration within teams, reflecting the real-world practices of game development studios.
Understanding and implementing core game mechanics are crucial for any game developer. This module provides a deep dive into the rules and systems that drive game play. You will learn to design and program compelling game mechanics using scripting and visual scripting within popular game engines, ensuring engaging player experiences.
In this module, you'll learn the principles of animation that bring game characters and objects to life. Practical sessions cover a range of animation techniques from keyframing to motion capture application. The focus is on creating smooth and responsive animations that enhance the storytelling and aesthetic value of games.
This module introduces the theories and principles of game design. Through project-based learning, you will develop games that incorporate effective design strategies, learning to balance creativity with player engagement. Topics covered include level design, narrative development, and user interface design, all critical to producing well-rounded game experiences.
Year two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Dive into the principles of user interface (UI) design and user experience (UX) scripting, focusing on creating intuitive and player-centric interfaces for games. Learn to implement dynamic UI elements and scripts that enhance gameplay and player interaction.
Learn to swiftly translate game concepts into playable prototypes. This module emphasises iterative design, enabling students to refine gameplay mechanics and aesthetics quickly. Techniques covered include sketching, wireframing, and digital prototyping, essential for agile game development environments.
In this module, you'll experience the environment of a professional game studio. Working in teams, you will develop a game from concept to completion, mimicking the collaborative and iterative processes of real-world game development. This module emphasises project management skills, teamwork, and the integration of various game development disciplines.
Learn the art of crafting immersive game worlds. This module focuses on narrative techniques, environment design, and lore creation, providing you with the tools to build compelling and coherent game universes that captivate players.
Engage with cutting-edge VR and AR technologies. This module teaches you to design and develop immersive experiences using the latest hardware and software, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in game technology.
Building on teamwork skills, this module challenges you to work with peers from different specialisations within the game development field. You'll engage in projects that require collaborative planning and execution, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the industry. This module is designed to improve your communication skills, adaptability, and ability to work effectively in diverse teams.
Year 3
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
This module focuses on the integration of artificial intelligence in games. You will learn about AI techniques such as pathfinding, decision-making, and machine learning, and how they can be applied to create intelligent behaviours in game characters and environments. The coursework involves practical AI programming tasks that will challenge you to implement these concepts in real game scenarios.
This module delves into the innovative field of virtual production, a technique that blends animation, CGI, and live-action footage. You'll learn to utilise game engine technologies to create real-time, interactive scenes and characters that can be integrated into both games and film. This covers motion capture, real-time lighting and rendering, and virtual cinematography.
Focus on the art of narrative development in games. This module provides tools and techniques for effective storytelling, character development, and plot structuring. Students will craft engaging narratives that drive the player experience and are integral to the game's design. Explore the challenges of branching narratives and non-linear storytelling, crucial for designing games that offer rich, player-driven content
This module is dedicated to the specific challenges and opportunities of developing games for console platforms. You will learn about the technical requirements, development tools, and performance optimisation techniques specific to consoles. Projects will focus on leveraging console hardware features to enhance game functionality and player experience.
The Individual Honours Project is a capstone module that allows you to demonstrate the skills and knowledge you have acquired throughout the course. You will undertake a substantial independent project that involves researching, designing, and developing a novel project. This is an opportunity to showcase your creativity, technical ability, and understanding of professional game development practices.
Download course specification
Download nowIn the BA (Hons) Game Design course at Birmingham City University, students immerse themselves in a dynamic learning environment designed to build both their artistic visions and technical proficiencies. Here's how learning unfolds across different levels of the course:
Level 4
Students begin by acquiring a solid foundation in game programming, design theories, and the technical aspects of game development. Through lectures, practical workshops, and group projects, they learn to understand core concepts in game design, such as game mechanics and storytelling.
Students develop basic programming and artistic skills essential for creating engaging games and apply their knowledge in practical scenarios to design simple game prototypes.
Level 5
As students progress, they delve deeper into sophisticated design techniques and start working on more complex projects, simulating real-world game development environments. This phase includes advanced modules on interactive narrative development and user interface design.
There is an emphasis on teamwork and collaborative projects, enhancing ability to work effectively in group settings. Throughout, we ensure exposure to industry-standard tools and practices through interactive workshops and guest lectures.
Level 6
In their final year, students are prepared to enter the professional world, focusing on high-level design and technical skills. They undertake a significant individual project that demonstrates their learning and innovation capabilities.
You will be designing and developing complex game systems and environments using advanced technical design skills and engaging with cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual production. Throughout this journey of development, you will receive ongoing constructive feedback and participate in peer reviews to refine your projects and approach.
Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to engage actively in all learning activities, participate in discussions, and undertake self-directed research to complement their coursework.
This holistic approach ensures they not only master the technical skills required in the gaming industry but also develop critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities essential for future success.
Further studies
You could progress onto a range of postgraduate studies, including an MSc or PGCE. You could also potentially go straight to doctoral research study.
The MSc User Experience Design programme at STEAMhouse is a popular choice among graduating students.
Employability
In the BA (Hons) Game Design course at Birmingham City University, we prioritise equipping you with a robust set of skills tailored to enhance your future employability in the fast-evolving gaming industry. Here's how we prepare you to be a highly competent professional in game development: Develop Your Own Practice:
You will learn to refine your programming and design practices through advanced modules and real-world project experiences. This training enables you to critically analyse your work in relation to industry standards and future employment opportunities.
Link Theory to Practice
Our curriculum bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application, allowing you to develop a unique professional identity. You'll understand how various theories underpin the technical aspects of game development, enhancing your ability to innovate and solve complex problems.
Professional Standards in Presentation and Collaboration
You will gain experience in negotiating, planning, and presenting projects to a professional standard. The course emphasises the importance of working effectively both independently and as part of a team, preparing you for the collaborative nature of the gaming industry.
Develop a Broad Skill Set
The course covers a wide array of technical skills, from AI programming and network programming for multiplayer games to console game development and mobile game applications. This diverse skill set ensures you can adapt to various roles within the industry.
Professional Practice Guidance
To further enhance your career readiness, we provide guidance on CV writing, utilising social media for professional networking, and promoting your work effectively using various digital platforms. You will also learn to present your projects and ideas professionally, using advanced communication tools and presentation software.
Through this approach, you will emerge from the BA (Hons) Game Design course not only as a skilled game developer and technical designer but also as a well-rounded professional ready to thrive in the global gaming industry and associated sectors.
The BA (Hons) Game Design course at Birmingham City University boasts robust links with the gaming industry, both domestically and internationally. These connections not only enhance the learning experience but also offer valuable work experience opportunities for our students.
Through these industry partnerships, students gain practical insights and direct exposure to real-world scenarios, which significantly enrich their academic journey and professional growth.
Regional Partnerships
We collaborate closely with local game studios, heritage centres and tech companies, providing students with internships and project opportunities right at the heart of the UK's gaming hub. These relationships enable students to work on commercial titles and engage with cutting-edge game development processes.
National Links
Our national connections extend to major players in the industry, such as TIGA. These partnerships facilitate guest lectures, professional mentorships, and an industry informed curriculum, giving students a broader perspective of the gaming landscape across the UK.
International Collaborations: Internationally, we have established partnerships with game development companies, such as Unity’s Academic Alliance and Unreal’s Academic Partnership schemes. These links offer students the chance to participate in personal development programs, and skills webinars relevant to their career journeys. We also host Global competitions such as the Global Game Jam, enhancing portfolio opportunities.
These industry links are instrumental in ensuring that our curriculum remains current and aligned with industry standards, while also preparing graduates to transition seamlessly into professional roles in the gaming industry and beyond.
They reinforce a practical learning environment that emphasises real-world relevance and equips students with the skills necessary to excel in a competitive global market.
Placements
The BA (Hons) Game Design course at Birmingham City University includes an enriching placement year, offering a unique opportunity to gain invaluable industry experience.
This optional placement significantly enhances your employability and professional network. Students have worked with leading gaming companies such as Rare on Sea of Thieves, Double Eleven on Minecraft Dungeons, and Rebellion on Evil Genius 2, with more recent placements at Bulkhead Interactive.
These placements allow you to apply your academic knowledge in professional settings, develop practical skills, and learn from seasoned professionals.
This direct industry engagement is instrumental in deepening your understanding of game development and enhancing your career prospects, making our graduates highly desirable in the competitive gaming industry.
International
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Details of the entry requirements for our courses
- Some of the good reasons why you should study here
- How to improve your language skills before starting your studies
- Information relevant to applicants from your country
- Where to find financial support for your studies.
Facilities & Staff
At Birmingham City University, the BA (Hons) Game Design course boasts cutting-edge facilities designed to mimic a professional game development environment. Our labs are outfitted with high-performance PCs and industry-standard software like Unity and Unreal Engine, ensuring students can tackle game projects with the tools used in top studios.
Motion Capture (Mocap) Labs: A key feature is our mocap lab, which allows students to create realistic animations by capturing real-world movements, vital for developing dynamic game characters and environments.
Texture Creation and Photogrammetry Equipment: Students access high-quality cameras and scanning equipment for texture creation, essential for crafting detailed game visuals. Our photogrammetry tools enable precise 3D modelling of real-world objects, greatly enhancing game realism.
VR and AR Development Kits: We provide resources like Oculus Quest, HTC Vive, and Microsoft HoloLens, enabling students to develop and test pioneering VR and AR experiences.
Dedicated Game Studios: Our studio and project spaces enable a collaborative atmosphere where students can cultivate teamwork and creativity, crucial for successful game design and production.
Our staff
Nathan Dewell
Assistant Lecturer
Nathan Dewell is an Assistant Lecturer in Computer Games Technology at Birmingham City University, in the School of Computing and Digital Technology. He teaches Game Studio Production and Game Asset Pipeline. He is part of the research arm for Games and Graphics within the DMTLab at BCU.
More about NathanZuby Ahmed
Programme & Creative Director Video Game Design & Production
Zuby is a seasoned game developer and manager, with a career spanning over 20 years, 15 years of which have been focused within the Games Industry. Starting as a freelance writer for Edge, Zuby went onto work for Digital Image Design, Warthog Games, and EA Games.
More about ZubySion Lenton
Course Director
Sion Lenton is the Course Director for BA (Hons) Video Game Design for the Games Film and Animation School at Birmingham City University. In addition he also teaches Game Design & Production at Undergraduate and Postgraduate level. Prior to joining BCU, Sion taught Game Design at the National Film and Television School and Bucks New University.
More about SionDr Carlo Harvey
Associate Professor, Director of Future Games and Graphics
Dr Carlo Harvey is an Associate Professor in Computer Games Technology at Birmingham City University, in the School of Computing and Digital Technology. He teaches C++ for Games, Computer Graphics and Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning. He is the Director of Future Games and Graphics overseeing the research arm for Games and Graphics within...
More about Carlo