Leeds School of Arts ShowÂ
The End of Year Show celebrates the work of students from across the arts. We invite you to experience their visionary projects online.
Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BSc (Hons)
Games Design
Prepare for a career in games and computer entertainment, animation, interactive environments, 3D visualisation or creative advertising.
Course Overview
-
GW42 -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
16 Sep 2024
Develop the specialist skills and knowledge to enter the games, digital and creative entertainment industries.
As part of your course you’ll:
- Focus on three main areas: programming and software engineering; art, concept and asset production; and game design studies, practice and theory
- Take products from an initial idea through the design, visualisation and technical implementation stages
- Be encouraged to foster your individual creativity
- Produce games based on your ideas
- Work with other students and tutors who have a passion for games and gaming
Placement opportunities, networking events and guest lectures from industry experts such as Disney animator Aaron Blaise, Codemasters, Team17 Digital and Ben Dare from Ubisoft Toronto will enhance your awareness of the career opportunities open to you.
Final year students also have the opportunity to showcase their work in front of leading employers at the end of year degree show. You can see some of their work in the Leeds School of Arts Festival. Previous years have seen many of our students gain job offers through the showcase opportunities.
You can also view student work from this course and BA (Hons) Games Art on our Instagram page and follow us on X (formerly Twitter).
Why study Games Design at Leeds Beckett University...
- 100% of graduates in work or further study 15 months after graduation*
- 13th in the UK for Animation and Game Design**
- Gain valuable time in industry and practise developing content based on professional briefs through our placement scheme
- Showcase your work in front of leading employers at the end of year degree show, where past students have secured job offers
- Study within one of the largest university arts communities in the north, with 3000 students spread across over 40 courses
*Percentage of respondents from this course, HESA Graduate Outcomes 20-21
**2024 Guardian League Subject Tables
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
112
points required
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
Entry requirements
112
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 112 points required.
(Minimum 72 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies).
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
GCSEs
GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade 4 or above (Grade C for GCSEs taken before 2017) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points.T Levels
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points, including a C or above on the core.Scottish Awards
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade B or above.Irish Leaving Certificate
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 subjects at higher level of which at least 3 must be grade H3 or above.International baccalaureate
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Our commitment to help every student succeed
Leeds Beckett University is committed to ensuring that every student with the potential to succeed at our University is able to do so regardless of their background. For this reason we operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we take into account a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria will be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff (above).Our contextual admissions criteria are:
- Home postcode is in an area where few people go to University (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area. This can be checked on the Office for Students website).
- Declared disability on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants).
- Over the age of 21 on the 1st of September before the course starts.
- Declared as a care experienced on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants).
Mature Applicants
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our 'Recognition of Prior Learning' policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable. All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade C in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
International baccalaureate
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Teaching & Learning
The tabs below detail what and how you will study in each year of your course. The balance of assessments and overall workload will be informed by your core modules and the option modules you choose to study – the information provided is an indication of what you can expect and may be subject to change. The option modules listed are also an indication of what will be available to you. Their availability is subject to demand and you will be advised which option modules you can choose at the beginning of each year of study.
What you'll learn
Study the key principles and techniques used to create engaging game products. This module will help you to begin building your skills in the 'rules' of game design to be able to create functional games. You'll draw from your own unique past experiences and interests and use these as inspiration during the game design process.
This module will introduce you to 3D modelling, texturing and level design techniques associated with video game development. You'll be introduced to all aspects of asset creation, including environment and character design, as you develop the skillset to produce a fully developed video game.
Study the key programming concepts associated with designing and developing for games. This module will introduce you to the fundamentals of programming and software systems development within the framework of game design. You'll understand the importance of prototyping, evaluation and testing in relation to the development lifecycle of a game application. Additionally, you'll apply an integrated approach to software development in a middleware game engine.
Build on the skills developed during Game Development 1 as you discover intermediate programming concepts and asset / media pipelining required in integrated game product development. You'll learn programming methodologies and develop techniques to produce a game product or artefact to a set brief.
What you'll learn
Study advanced topics in game development. The topics will reflect the current market place and trends - examples could include hierarchical data structures and xml, artificial intelligence and game user interface design.
This module will introduce the key principles and tools for creating character, environment animation and VFX, post-processing, within games. You'll focus on several content creation workflows and produce animations that are applicable within real time, interactive game environments.
This module will provide a conceptual and critical overview of the social, cultural and technological impact of games. You'll analyse the various aspects of 'game' & 'play' embedded within game cultures and associated technologies and media. In addition, you'll evaluate key developments in the design of games and their role within popular culture.
Take an in-depth look at the key principles and tools for designing and producing game environments. You'll explore modern and emerging production techniques within a context of visual research through the creation of a fully realised video game environment.
Develop your skills and competence in visual communication. This module will teach you how to research, iterate and develop ideas in game art and design. You'll take part in a range of drawing, observation and compositional exercises, creating a body of visual research and investigation. Your work will result in a portfolio of work in an area of specialism. This could include 2D/3D character art, 2D/3D asset creation, game/level design, 2D/3D creature art, concept art, 2D/3D interiors and exteriors, environment art or vehicle design.
Work as part of a team to design, develop and present a solution to a real-life or case-study based problem. You'll adopt professional working practices at an individual and team level and develop your research, design, evaluation and presentation skills.
What you'll learn
This module will provide the opportunity to develop a product, ideally for an external client. You'll research, generate ideas, design, create, implement and evaluate your product, reflecting on your own performance throughout the process.
Evaluate your own work, and the work of the broader creative community. This module will enable you to undertake rigorous research around an area of the games art and design industry. Your research should be driven by an area of industry that interests you and your career aspirations. You'll critically reflect upon your own practice, that of your peers and the creative practice as a whole.
Investigate the challenges faced by the games industry. You'll study the development of new and exciting products in a world where markets, delivery methods, technology and design solutions are constantly evolving.
Option modules may include
Learn about the characteristics of game mechanics that promote learning, engagement and retention through positive design, as well as aspects of behavioural game design. You'll work to a client brief to produce the concept and prototype 'electronic proof of concept' for a commercial applied game project.
This module will introduce you to developing for specialist gaming platforms and image visualisation technologies. You'll learn and apply programming methodologies associated with advanced feature development within middleware game engines, visualisation and integrated/embedded systems.
Study the key principles and tools for creating high quality 3D assets suitable for applications such as marketing, portfolios, game engines and visualisations. You'll focus on different modelling, shading, rendering, and lighting techniques to create realistic 3D visuals for a professional portfolio of digital images.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘sandwich’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree, typically making your course four years in total.
Students who choose the sandwich route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.
Fees & Funding hellooo
£9,250
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1385.
£16,000
International 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2400.Fees & Funding
£9,250
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1385.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Optional Costs
- Course educational visits. Costs will vary
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£16,000
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2400.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Optional Costs
- Course educational visits. Costs will vary
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
13th
in the UK for Animation and Game Design
BA (Hons) Games Design Lecturer Che John talks about Games Design at Leeds Beckett University.
Leeds School of Arts ‘When I feel like I’m sinking’ is a poem to mark the opening of the Leeds School of Arts building at Leeds Beckett University. Recited by the poet and Leeds Beckett graduate, Zodwa Nyoni, this short film showcases the creative work produced by our Performing Arts, Music and Sound, Filmmaking, and Creative Technologies students and graduates.
Moving on up
Leeds Beckett climbs 40 places in the Complete University Guide 2024
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
100%
of BSc (Hons) Games Design graduates in work or further study 15 months after graduation*
Learning to design and develop video games offers exciting career opportunities in the entertainment and technology sectors and contributes to the UK's expanding digital economy workforce. Games development teaches key digital literacy, problem solving and production skills such as programming, analytical thinking, digital art and team working. Social and economic empowerment through the creative use of technologies lies at the centre of what inspires the course and my teaching.
Che John
Course Director
Career Prospects
You will graduate with a range of skills relevant to computing, digital studio production, creative agency markets and micro-business management. You could work in games and digital entertainment, 3D visualisation or in the creative marketing sector. Our graduates have found employment with some of the top games companies, including Rockstar Leeds, Sumo Digital and Team17 Digital, as well as international digital agencies such as Dubit.
- Games programmer
- Digital and concept artist / environment artist
- Games designer
- QA tester
I have been working as a game developer for 10 years and am proud to now be working at Ubisoft Toronto. Leeds Beckett was a fun university to study at and, more importantly, supported me in building the portfolio and prerequisite skills needed to secure my first Level Design job immediately after graduating. I have worked on the Grid, Dirt and F1 franchises as well as Star Citizen. My career has allowed to be see many parts of the world... I have worked in England, Germany & Canada and have been on work trips & training to Kenya, Portugal and the USA. Working in the games industry is an incredibly fun & rewarding career, I'm glad I chose Leeds Beckett as my university.
Ben Dare
BA (Hons) Games Design
Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that an education at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us for undergraduate study, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship or bursary to help with the cost of university. To find out if you are be eligible visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
We also offer a range of non-repayable scholarships for international students. To find out if you may be eligible visit our scholarships for international students page and select your home country from the drop-down list.
Our Graduate Promise
We have a dedicated team of people who will support you with all aspects of your career planning, from day one until 18 months after you graduate.
Getting you career ready is an integral part of your university life and this is embedded throughout your lectures and seminars. Outside of your course there is a wide range of support available to help you achieve your career goals, including:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Interview skills and assessment centres
- Connecting with employers and organisations
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Leeds School of Arts Leeds School of Arts encourages individuality, inspires creativity, and creates impact.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed.
BA (Hons) Games Design | Student view Student Sofia talks about her experience of studying at Leeds Beckett University.
Life in Leeds
Leeds is an exciting and vibrant student city, find out what it has to offer!
Still thinking about your uni choices? Discover Uni has official information to help you decide. They provide statistics for courses taken from national surveys and data collected from universities about their students.
