Course summary
Do you want to create your own games? Could you run your own games company? NFTS Games aims to give you everything you need to make high-quality games across a range of styles, formats and platforms. Learn the practical skills and expand your creative knowledge to design, devise and build games, from inception to delivery, in our collaborative and innovative environment. We have a ‘games innovation’ ethos, giving you the opportunity to create complete games in a unique environment, collaborating with students from across the School – from composers and sound designers to marketing and distribution students – learning not only how to create games, but how to release them and promote them across indie games and Triple-A. You’ll get access to high-spec gaming systems and related tools, working on both solo and group projects, with plenty of opportunities to experiment, innovate and excel. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop industry contacts through events and visits from professionals and experts. Course Facilities As an NFTS student, you will have 24/7 access to the NFTS Games Design and Development Lab. This consists of two large dedicated studios containing a suite of Alienware Aurora development workstations – one per student. Each machine is based around Intel i7 processors with Nvidia Geforce GTX 1080 graphics cards. They are all kitted out with the latest software and specialist game development tools.
Modules
The video games industry is continually innovating and evolving, and new platforms and technologies have created fantastic opportunities for technical invention and artistic innovation. This course provides the practical skills and creative knowledge to design, devise and build games, from inception to delivery. We strive to develop the creative leadership necessary to become a leading innovator and practitioner within the industry. Students work alongside film, television and animation practitioners, developing creative and technical skills in games design, code, art, animation, production, audio and interface. The NFTS is a uniquely creative environment, enabling students to benefit from numerous collaborative opportunities across our production studios. In the first year students undertake a series of set projects – both group and solo – during which they also learn core games development disciplines of design, art, animation, coding and production. The modules and workshops cover 3D modelling/animation, game programming (C#/Unity), game design, character creation, producing and project management. In the second year students focus on their Final Major Project, working with students from other disciplines.
Assessment method
Students develop a cumulative portfolio of work throughout the course. First year output will include the following projects at minimum: ‘Hello World’ (an extensive playable 3D environment made a as a group project); ‘App Factory’ (a mobile/tablet game); ‘Synthespian’ (a player controlled interactive character performing to a set text); ‘Moments of Consequence’ (a short interactive drama). Students work in teams with other school specialisms depending on the specifics of the project. Second year output is exhibited at major shows and expos in various stages during the year, as well as at the Games Graduation Expo which takes place alongside the NFTS Graduation Film, Television and Animation screenings in February.
Entry requirements
Games design and development students at the NFTS come from a wide range of backgrounds and prior experiences, and have all demonstrated an excitement, aptitude, creativity and willingness to learn new skills. We actively seek a diverse and interesting group of people who have something new to bring into the games development fold. Successful applicants have come to us with previous qualifications from across the arts, sciences and humanities; and from all walks of life. Recent students have included a neuroscientist, a kickboxing instructor and a copy-writer! Games development experience is most welcome, but by no means essential. While many applicants will have a degree from a British or overseas university, we will consider applicants who do not have a degree if they have an impressive portfolio, a creative track record or an alternative qualification. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
2025 Fees will be confirmed Spring/Summer 2024
Students with EU settled / pre-settled status will be eligible for home fees subject to residency checks.
Sponsorship information
NFTS Scholarships available for UK Students.
Provider information
National Film and Television School
Beaconsfield Studios
Station Road
Beaconsfield
HP9 1LG