YEAR 1 (FOUNDATION YEAR)
This year provides a foundation for students from diverse backgrounds, developing subject-specific and wider university skills. You’ll work with teaching teams and support networks to build confidence and independence.
MODULES
Study Skills for Success (Core): Build academic, digital, and organisational skills including time management, research, and referencing.
Collaborative Practice (Core): Work with students from other subjects to develop teamwork, communication, and research skills.
A Day in the Life (Core): Explore career paths and begin building a professional portfolio.
Game Studies (Optional): Examine the games industry and key design principles through creative tasks.
Game Design Fundamentals (Optional): Develop design and digital art skills using industry tools, focusing on UX and prototyping.
Game Design Project (Optional): Create a playable game prototype individually or in a team, covering the full development cycle.
YEAR 2 (LEVEL 4)
You’ll study key themes in game development, including design, 3D software, and C++, progressing to Unreal Engine to create environments and trailers.
MODULES
Game Design and Interaction: Create a 2D indie game vertical slice in a team, simulating production workflows.
Game Asset Production: Learn 3D modelling, texturing, and Unreal Engine integration through a modular environment project.
Programming Fundamentals: Introduction to C++ and core programming concepts for games.
Game Environments & Narrative Design: Build a narrative-driven 3D environment and produce a game trailer.
Games Technology: Explore technical game development concepts and real-world applications.
Game Industry and Agile Production: Learn production methods and Agile workflows alongside a live project.
YEAR 3 (LEVEL 5)
Focus on advanced programming and development in semester one, followed by a large student-led 3D game project in semester two.
MODULES
Games Programming: Develop C++ technical demos using object-oriented programming in Unreal Engine.
Mobile Game Development: Create optimised demos for mobile platforms using balanced scripting approaches.
Asset Production for Game Engines: Learn high-to-low poly workflows, optimisation, and texturing for portfolio assets.
Serious Game Design: Design games with real-world applications, exploring gamification and simulation.
Group Project: Produce a 3D game vertical slice in Unreal Engine as part of a collaborative team.
Indie Studio Management: Manage projects using Agile methods, simulating an indie studio environment.
YEAR 4 (LEVEL 6)
The final year develops advanced skills and career readiness, focusing on a major game project and industry preparation.
MODULES
Game Industry Specialist: Analyse industry roles and complete a simulated job interview.
Advanced Games Programming: Build and enhance game systems in C++ with polished portfolio outcomes.
Advanced Asset Production & Technical Art: Produce specialist 3D work aligned with industry roles.
Advanced Game Design & User Engagement: Conduct playtesting, gather data, and refine a live project.
Project: Deliver a large-scale collaborative game as an indie studio, with opportunities for funding and portfolio release.
The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.