Games Design BA (Hons)

This course is your chance to immerse yourself in games design and learn the skills needed to stand out in this competitive industry. When you join us, you will work in individual and team-based exercises to develop your skills across core game design techniques such as:

• Working with real time engines
• Writing game stories and narratives
• Developing interactive user experiences
• Considering the limitations of platforms and scoping projects
• Creating concept documents
• Working with Greybox and level design preproduction

Alongside your practical work you will study the theory and history of games design. You will debate some of the controversies that exist in the field. This will help you to identify the areas which interest you the most. You can develop this research in your final year research project.

Our team of designers and technical specialists are here to support you. Your tutors will really get to know you, your practice and your ambitions.

You will also gain experiences that make you stand out. We give you opportunities to:

• Work with students from other courses to enrich your learning, such as Animation or Games Development
• Learn from visiting professionals
• Visit international cities to find new inspiration
• Exhibit your work at our annual degree show, the perfect way to build a professional network

Year 1

Our academic year is split into 2 semesters.  

In your first year, you will study: 

• 1 compulsory module across semester 1 and 2
• 1 compulsory module in semester 1 
• 1 compulsory module in semester 2

You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.

Modules

Year 2

In your second year, you will study:

• 1 compulsory module across semester 1 and 2
• 1 compulsory module in semester 1
• 2 compulsory modules in semester 2

You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.

Modules

Year 3

In your third year, you will study:

• 2 compulsory modules across semester 1 and 2
• 1 compulsory module in semester 2

You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.

Modules

Teaching and learning

We deliver your modules through:

• Lectures
• Demonstrations
• Seminars
• Individual and group tutorials
• Practical workshops

Each module has 2 to 5 hours of contact time a week. We schedule our taught sessions between 9.00am and 8.00pm, Monday to Friday.

You will need to conduct independent study outside of this time. This might include design work, reading, writing tasks and research. You can also arrange academic tutorials with your module tutors throughout the year to receive feedback on your work and discuss the course content.

Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.

Assessment

There are no exams on this course. Assessment types vary from module to module. Some of your assessments might include:

• Portfolios of animation work
• Research reports
• Essays
• Exhibitions
• Individual and group critiques
• Dissertations and reflective reports

For each assessment you will have the chance to talk to a tutor about your work before submission. Each assessment will be marked and returned with feedback so you can improve your work.

Your future with a degree in Games Design

On this course you will develop the specialist knowledge and creative skill you need to work in the games industry. You will also gain communication, presentation and programming skills that are in high demand in a range of careers.

This degree could be the first step toward your career as a:

• Games designer
• Software tester
• Narrative designer
• VR Designer

Discover more career options on Prospects careers advice pages.

You could also progress onto a postgraduate degree and take your learning even further.

PGCE at York St John University

Further your education and work towards a rewarding career in teaching by studying for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) after you graduate. For over 180 years, we have worked with enthusiastic individuals who want to shape the future of young people across both primary and secondary school settings. You'll spend a lot of time in schools, developing your practice by teaching. You will graduate with Qualified Teacher Status and become part of the well respected alumni of York St John educators.

Discover more about PGCE

Whatever your ambitions, we can help you get there.

Our careers service, LaunchPad provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:

• Employer events
• LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
• Workshops on application writing and interview skills
• Work experience and volunteering opportunities
• Personalised career advice

This support doesn't end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain experience and confidence to succeed.

Qualifications

Calculate your UCAS Tariff points

International students

If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.

Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.

If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.

International entry requirements

Portfolio Day

If your application is successful, you will be invited to a portfolio day. On the day, you will show your work with our tutors and share with them your passion for the subject.

Mature Learners Entry Scheme

If you have been out of education for 3 years or more and have a grade C GCSE in English Language or equivalent, you are eligible for our entry scheme for mature learners. It's a scheme that recognises non-traditional entry qualifications and experience for entry onto this course. Information on how to apply can be found on our dedicated page.

Mature entry offer scheme

Terms and conditions

Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.

To study for an undergraduate degree with us, you will need to pay tuition fees for your course. How much you pay depends on whether you live inside the UK, or internationally (outside the UK). Tuition fees may be subject to inflation in future years.

UK 2024 entry

The tuition fee for 2024 entry onto this course is:

• £9,250 per year for full time study
• £6,935 per year for the first 4 years if you study part time

These prices apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students

You can find out more about funding your degree by visiting our funding opportunities page:

Funding Opportunities

Placement year funding

If you choose to take a placement year, and your course offers it, you can apply for the Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loan for your placement year. How much you are awarded is based on the type of placement being undertaken and whether it is a paid or unpaid placement. The tuition fee for your placement year will be reduced.

Tuition fees

International 2024 entry

The tuition fee for 2024 entry to this course is £11,500 per year for full time study.

This price applies to all students living outside the UK.

Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a Student Visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.

Find out more about funding your degree:

International fees and funding

Accommodation and living costs

For detailed information on accommodation and living costs, visit our Accommodation pages.

Financial help and support

Our Funding Advice team are here to help you with your finances throughout your degree. They offer a personal service that can help you with funding your studies and budgeting for living expenses. 

For advice on everything from applying for scholarships to finding additional financial support email fundingadvice@yorksj.ac.uk.