Game Development

Feed your passion for games development and develop your own individual design identity while exploring your own abilities in your chosen creative field with one of our Foundation Degree courses.

We’ve invested in state-of the-art digital suites, workshops, and studios where you can develop your skills and explore your creativity. Many of our programme areas have dedicated studio spaces located throughout the building; both individual and collaborative open spaces to reflect professional working environments.

Off campus we are proud to be involved in the towns thriving local and dynamic art scene. From multi-arts festival to curated individual exhibitions every opportunity is given to provide new students like yourself with rich experiences that will enhance creativity.

Our specialist tutors, many of whom still work in the industry, combine their personal and professional experiences and expert industry links to offer you the support and guidance you need to flourish in your chosen creative path and build a portfolio of work to be proud of.

The programme is structured around industry focused assignments and has a mixture of both team-based projects and solo projects with the end goal of creating an exciting and rich portfolio to enable students to show off their skills in professional interviews upon graduation.

Students on this course will have the opportunity to pursue a specialized pathway through a range of optional modules in Game Design, Game Art, Games Animation, or Sound for Games at Level 5 Alternatively, they can choose to diversify their skillset by studying a range of modules from various pathways. We aim to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this diverse industry. Our curriculum is designed to be adaptable, offering students the flexibility to tailor their education to align with their aspirations, whether it be in a AAA or AA studio, or the indie and freelance sectors.

The course also offers the opportunity to collaborate with other students across the various pathways on the course meaning that students can work together with students from other disciplines to simulate an industry focused pipeline and create full game projects for their portfolio.

All our workspaces come equipped with top of the range industry standard equipment, allowing students to work with and use cutting edge equipment throughout their studies, ranging from high spec computers, motion capture suits, VR headset and bespoke sound studios.

If you wish to continue studying beyond this course, it will provide you with a strong academic basis to do so. Course progression routes could include BA Hons in Games Design, Games Art, Game Animation, or Sound at Level 6

You can also stay at University Campus Doncaster to study our Level 6 BA(Hons) Top-Up programme.

This course includes the following core modules that all students complete:

**Level 4 **
In the first year of the programme, students will delve into the core concepts and principles of game development. They will have the opportunity to explore four specialisms – game design, game art, and game animation and sound for games– through introductory modules as well as learning about the industry as a whole and the history of the games sector.

• Game Design Fundamentals
  This module provides an overview of game design principles, mechanics, and storytelling techniques. Students will learn how to conceptualize and develop game ideas and utilise cutting edge game engines to create playable prototypes.

-3D Game Art Fundamentals
This module introduces students to the fundamental principles of game art, including 2D and 3D art creation, environment art, and asset integration. Students will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and software.

• Game Animation Fundamentals
  This module covers the basics of 3D game animation, including the principles of 3D animation, rigging, character movement, and animating objects. Students will develop essential skills in creating dynamic and believable animations for games.

• Audio Fundamentals
  The module is designed to reflect the importance of recording, editing, mixing and implementation within the game audio production process by equipping the student with both the theoretical knowledge and the core operational skills required to work successfully in a modern recording environment.

• Critical Game Studies
  This module explores the evolution of video games, from their early beginnings to the present day. Students will analyse significant milestones, influential games, and the cultural impacts of gaming.

• The Games Industry
  This subject provides an in-depth exploration of the games industry, including its structure, business models, marketing strategies, and emerging trends. Students will gain insights into the different roles and career pathways within the industry.

Level 5
Throughout Level 5 students will build upon their creative, technical, and contextual knowledge and skills to begin applying these to more complex and professionally oriented outcomes.

Students will have the opportunity to study a specific pathway of modules focused on their chosen area of specialism or focus on a more diverse route and choose from a variety of modules create a more rounded skillset. This allows students to tailor their skillset towards AAA, AA or Indie Development depending on their preferences.

Core Modules

• Emerging Technologies
• Collaborative Game Project

Game Design Pathway

• Level Design
• Rapid Prototyping
• Player-centric Design

Game Animation Pathway

• Pre-Production and Project Management
• Specialist Animation Project
• Game Animation

Game Art Pathway

• Advanced 3D Modelling
• Specialist Game Art
• Material Synthesis

** Sound for Games Pathway**

• Game Audio Implementation
• Audio Recording and Editing
• Sound Design and Effects

Occasional changes to modules and course content may take place. Students will be notified when applicable (pathway availability is dependent on student cohorts and not all pathways may be available).

The primary way of delivering this course is on campus. To maximise the student experience, some sessions may take place on other campuses.

On campus teaching includes a combination of lectures, group seminars and workshops.

Students will receive between 12 and 16 hours of teaching time per week throughout this course, depending on the modules being taken. Additional one-to-one meetings with tutors will provide further support.