Course summary
BA Games Design is a course created to give you the opportunity to develop the skills required to design and build games for multiple platforms. The program encourages you to explore what the market is looking for and build solutions which meet the market’s needs for the next big game. Based at the University’s brand new state of the art campus, Waterside, you will be using some of the most up-to-date games development software like that of Substance, Unity3D, UE4, Z Brush, 3DS Max, and the Adobe Creative Suite. The University of Northampton is an academic partner of Unreal Engine, this means we are an official training site for UE4. You will be taught in a way that encourages creativity and give you the opportunity to learn from those with industry experience. Through a series of practical modules, you will be given the chance to explore the theory of design through to the development of quality prototypes for mobile, PC, and console. Key topics which will be covered include: Narrative theory, UX/UI, Introduction to Programming, 2D & 3D Skills, Engine Development, Design Management, and Professional Practice. This course also forms part of a game development suite of courses which work together to give its students the experience of working with different skills sets within a games environment. Working together with students from BSc Games Programming and BA Games Art, you will gain the experience of working through the whole development cycle from idea generation to publishing. 95% of final year Computer games and animation students at The University of Northampton agreed they were satisfied with the course, while 100% of students agreed that staff have made the subject interesting.* By studying at the University of Northampton, you can be sure that:
- You will experience student life at the University’s £330 million Waterside Campus. Come along to an Open Day and find out more.
- Students enrolling on this course at Northampton will be provided with their own brand new laptop** to keep at no additional cost. All sports clubs and societies are free to join at Northampton and every essential course text book is available via the library, meaning you won’t have to purchase copies. For more information on this visit our website (northampton.ac.uk/benefits).
- At UON we guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time, first year students who apply and accept their room offer by June 2025 - and we won't ask for a deposit for September 2025***
- Our expert academics teach in small groups supported with one to one assistance. Our academics and students form a tight bond, providing individualised support and guidance whilst challenging students academically.
- Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd.
- We’re so confident in our careers and employability support that if you achieve at least a 2:2 degree and complete either our Employability Plus Gold programme or achieve a Changemaker Gold Certificate during your time studying with us, but still haven’t secured full-time employment 12 months after graduating, we will secure a three – six month paid internship for you or support you into postgraduate study.
Modules
Stage 1 • Scripting for Games (compulsory) • Level Design Principles (compulsory) • 3D Modelling for Game Prototypes (compulsory) • User Interface Design for Games (compulsory) • Group Game Project: Fundamentals (compulsory) • 2D Game Asset Production (compulsory) Stage 2 • Narrative for Games (compulsory) • Design and Development for Games (compulsory) • Human Computer Interaction for Games (compulsory) • Group Game Project Advanced (compulsory) • Games Production (compulsory) • Interaction Design for Games (compulsory) Optional Placement Year • Learning Through Work (WBL) (designated) Stage 3 • Art Director Portfolio, Final Major Project (compulsory) • Design Innovation (compulsory) • Professional Practice in Games (compulsory) • Group Project 3 (Games) (compulsory) Module information is quoted for 2024 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly.
Assessment method
Assessment is a mixture of studio based design projects (continual assessment), portfolio development, and written assignments.
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- I620
- Institution code:
- N38
- Campus name:
- Waterside Campus
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 112 points
A level - BCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
Access to HE Diploma - M: 30 credits
Scottish Higher - BBBB
AS
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) - DMM
Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF)
Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
Pearson BTEC Certificate (QCF)
Scottish Advanced Higher - BCC
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 25 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Extended Project
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H3
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - M2, M3, M3
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - DMM
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma
OCR Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma
OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
OCR Cambridge Technical Certificate
AQA Level 3 (Foundation) Technical Level (360 glh)
AQA Level 3 Technical Level (540 glh)
AQA Level 3 Technical Level (720 glh)
AQA Level 3 Technical Level (1080 glh) - DMM
T Level - Pass (C and above)
GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 (or C) or Functional Skills level 2 required
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
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
Provider information
University of Northampton
The University of Northampton
Waterside Campus
University Drive
Northampton
NN1 5PH