Digital Games Development

A Digital Games Development degree at Brighton equips you to design, build and launch games – from 2D arcade titles to 3D first-person shooters, real-time strategy and multiplayer experiences. You’ll focus on game AI, level design and player-centred gameplay, gaining hands‑on experience with industry-standard software and techniques.

At Brighton you’ll be part of a supportive community that helps you grow, whatever your background. The course is full of opportunities to build real‑world experience through team projects, hackathons, employer‑set briefs and an optional year‑long placement. Our inclusive approach to learning means we help you play to your strengths and learn in ways that suit you best.

Graduates pursue careers in game studios, tech start-ups, interactive media and entertainment or go on to postgraduate study in games technology and design.

Top reasons to choose this course

• Gain a degree with professional accreditation from BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT, aligning your learning with industry benchmarks and supporting professional recognition.

• Study in Brighton’s game hub – benefit from a creative coastal city bustling with game meet-ups, studios, exhibitions and festivals.

• Build a standout portfolio – develop playable game prototypes each year, leading up to a final-year project you can showcase to employers at our degree show.

• Focus on gameplay and AI – specialise in designing game levels, programming game AI and enhancing player experiences.

• Hands-on studio experience – learn by using industry tools like Unity, Unreal, Maya, Blender and Adobe Creative Cloud and access to dedicated game development labs.

• Learn specialist technical skills for games – master C++ programming, game engine development, AI for games, multiplayer systems and web-based game development.

• Train in professional-standard facilities – access specialist game labs, VR and usability spaces and high-performance computing environments to support advanced game development.

• Research-led teaching – work with academics engaged in studies on interactive media, procedural generation, accessibility and user experience.

Why Brighton is a great place to study Digital Games Development
Brighton & Hove has a vibrant tech scene, from creative digital and UX studios to data, cloud and cybersecurity firms, offering meet-ups, internships and graduate roles. Studying here connects your projects to an active community and a city known for its innovation and start‑up culture.

Course Modules

Year 1
You’ll build a strong foundation in computing and games development, learning C++ programming, object-oriented game design and web development. You’ll gain practical skills in game prototyping, 3D modelling and animation, and create your first playable projects. Alongside technical skills, you’ll develop professional awareness of the digital and games industries and start building your portfolio.

Core modules
Introduction to Game Design and Development
Introduction to Games Programming
Object-oriented Game Development
Introduction to Web Development
Working in the Digital and Games Industries
Introduction to 3D Modelling and Animation

Year 2
You’ll build on your first-year foundation by learning AI programming for games, game development frameworks and web-based game creation. You’ll also develop skills in narrative design and advanced 3D modelling and animation, while applying your knowledge to a real-world project through an integrated group assignment.

Core modules
Artificial Intelligence for Games
Narrative Game Design
Integrated Group Project
Game Development Frameworks
Intermediate 3D Modelling and Animation
Web-based Game Development

Optional Placement Year
You can choose a salaried professional placement after year two, gaining hands-on experience with game studios, interactive media companies or tech firms. This year allows you to apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects such as game development, AI programming, multiplayer systems or VR applications.

You’ll develop practical skills in game engine design, project management and collaborative development workflows, while building valuable industry contacts. The placement enhances your employability and confidence, giving you a competitive edge for careers in games and interactive entertainment.

Final year
In your final year, you’ll consolidate your learning through a major individual project, creating a game or interactive system that demonstrates advanced technical and creative skills. Core modules will develop your expertise in multiplayer game development, programming paradigms and client-server computing, while options enable you to specialise in areas such as virtual reality, usability evaluation, advanced 3D modelling and animation or emerging technologies. This year prepares you for professional roles in game development or progression to postgraduate study.

Core modules
The Computing Project
Advanced 3D Modelling and Animation
Multiplayer Game Development

Options*
Usability Evaluation
Virtual Reality Systems
Marketing for Software Products
Cyber Security and Intellectual Property Law
New Horizons in Computing

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.