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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 -
Headingley Campus Beckett Park -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
20 Sep 2021
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 and codemasters Team17 Digital and Dan Gray from UsTwoGames will enhance your awareness of the career opportunities open to you.
We are also members of industry network, Game Republic, where past students have won awards from industry judges in the Student Showcase Competition.
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.
Why study Games Design at Leeds Beckett University...
- 92.9% of students from BSc (Hons) Games Design in work or further study 15 months after graduating*
- Placement scheme gives you the opportunity to gain valuable time in industry, allowing you to enhance your skill in developing content based on professional briefs
- Take advantage of the University's Game Republic membership - regular guest lectures and video podcasts from industry experts
- Showcase your work in front of leading employers at the end of year degree show. Previous years have seen many of our students gain job offers through the showcase opportunities
- Study within Leeds School of Arts - one of the largest university arts communities in the north, with 3000 students spread across over 40 courses
*Graduate Outcomes 2020
BA (Hons) Games Design | Student view Student Sofia talks about her expeirence of studying at Leeds Beckett University.
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.
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 C or above (Grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy/Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma:
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points.Scottish Awards:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade B at Higher Level.Irish Leaving Certificate:
Minimum of 5 subjects at Grade C1 or above at Higher Level of which at least 3 must be at B2.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.
Portfolio Required
At interview you are assessed on your portfolio (creative 2D/3D digital art, traditional image making and sketchbooks) as well as knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject area.
International baccalaureate
25 Points
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.
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 are required to meet our standard English language and Maths requirement of GCSE grade C or equivalent, for example we accept some Functional Skills Tests.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
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.
Portfolio Required
At interview you are assessed on your portfolio (creative 2D/3D digital art, traditional image making and sketchbooks) as well as knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject area.
International baccalaureate
25 Points
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.
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.We were awarded silver status in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework, reflecting our commitment to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.
As well as learning from expert tutors, you’ll be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support. Our subject-specific librarians will also direct you to the specialist learning and study-skills resources that will underpin your studies.
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.
Overall workload
336
Hours teaching and learning
864
Hours independent study
Assessment proportions
Year one is assessed by practical assessments predominantly, with some coursework.What you'll learn
An introduction to the key principles and tools for designing and prototyping games, through hands-on, practical exercises you will learn about modern game production techniques.
Study the fundamental programming concepts associated with designing and developing for games.
Learn the key principles and tools for creating 2D and 3D assets suitable for use within a games environment, including creation of 2D textures and game objects, different modelling techniques to create objects within polygon limits, and the effective application of materials and textures to these objects.
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.
Develop your skills and competence in drawing and sketching. You will take part in a range of drawing, observation and compositional exercises and explore the colour theory to enable you to create suitable colour schemes for your concept designs.
Study the key principles and tools for designing and producing game assets for use in a game engine. You will look at techniques for developing character assets in a high resolution format, re-topology, rigging and weighting.
Overall workload
222
Hours teaching and learning
978
Hours independent study
Assessment proportions
Year two is assessed by coursework predominantly, with some practical assessments.What you'll learn
A conceptual and critical overview of the social, cultural and technological impact of games, you will evaluate key developments in the design of games and their role within popular culture.
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.
An introduction to the key principles and tools for creating 3D character animations suitable for use within a games environment, you will focus on several different animation techniques to create character animations that are applicable within a real time, interactive or game environment.
Through hands-on, practical exercises, learn the key principles and tools for designing and producing game environments. You will develop skills in layout and design, 3D content generation and the effective use of mapping and texturing techniques.
Continue to build your skills in drawing, sketching and observational drawing, as you develop a full visual portfolio.
Work as part of a team to design, develop and present a solution to a real-life or case-study based problem. You will adopt professional working practices at an individual and team level and develop your research, design, evaluation and presentation skills.
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.
Overall workload
157
Hours teaching and learning
1043
Hours independent study
Assessment proportions
Year three is assessed by a broadly even mix of coursework and practical assessments.What you'll learn
Enhance your skills in the creation of high quality 3D assets suitable for a range of applications, including marketing, game engines and visualisations. You will focus on different modelling, shading, rendering and lighting techniques to create realistic 3D architecture/environments, or 3D vehicles.
Investigate the challenges faced by the games industry in developing new and exciting products in a world where markets, delivery methods, technology and design solutions are constantly evolving and being updated.
An opportunity to develop a product, ideally for an external client. You will research, generate ideas, design, create, implement and evaluate your product, reflecting on your own performance throughout the process.
Option modules may include
Design a range of characters as you explore the tools and techniques available for both high and low resolution characters. You will develop your knowledge of advanced modelling, texturing, and rigging and skinning techniques.
Through hands-on, practical exercises, learn the key skills needed to design and prototype mobile games.
An introduction to developing for specialist gaming platforms and image visualisation technologies, you will learn and apply programming methodologies associated with advanced feature development within middleware game engines, visualisation and integrated/embedded systems.
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 will work to a client brief to produce the concept and prototype 'electronic proof of concept' for a commercial applied game project.
Fees & Funding
£9,250
Home / EU 2021
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2021/22 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.
£13,000
International 2021
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2021/22 is £13000. 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 £1950.Fees & Funding
£9,250
For students entering in 2021
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2021/22 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.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships, follow the links below:
£13,000
For students entering in 2021
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2021/22 is £13000. 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 £1950.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.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships, follow the links below:
BA (Hons) Games Design Lecturer Che John talks about Games Design at Leeds Beckett
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.
92.9%
of students from BSc (Hons) Games Design in work or further study 15 months after graduating.
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 the opportunity to experience an education here at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us to study for your undergraduate degree, you may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary.
Bursaries are usually awarded depending on household income, whilst scholarships are available for a number of areas, and are based on sporting or academic excellence. For more information visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
Beckett Careers Team
Our Beckett Careers Team will support you with all aspects of your career planning, throughout university and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a part-time job or want to gain experience alongside your studies, need help preparing an application or exploring graduate job options, we can provide expert support every step of the way!
Throughout your university journey and up to five years after you graduate you'll have access to a broad range of support and tools to help you with:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Preparing for an interview
- Applying for a graduate vacancies or placements
- 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.
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Experience Leeds Beckett
Explore our specialist teaching facilities and premium accommodation that you’ll be proud to call your second home.
