Level 3 Study Programme: Games Design

To join this programme you will need 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 (or equivalent) including maths and/or English.

• First Year: Introduction to Games Design: This project introduces students to Games Design through research, analysis and design of a range of games and genres to interpret information for idea generation and development. Using industry standard methods, skills and techniques, the students will learn how to develop ideas and create Game Design Documents to communicate their ideas for production.
• First Year: Introduction to Visual Scripting: Students will learn how to create game mechanics and levels using Visual Scripting and Level Design skills in Unreal Engine. This project will further students’ understanding of game design concepts by providing them with an opportunity to learn how to plan, communicate and implement core concepts such as game loops, to create fun, engaging, and interactive playable prototypes.
• First Year: Professional Practice: Students will explore the exciting world of game design and its diverse roles, responsibilities, and career opportunities. This project introduces professional working practices and essential skills needed for success within the industry. You will identify various progression paths, learn key industry skills, and gain hands-on experience by interviewing for a role through an interactive VR scenario that will prepare you for career opportunities in games design.
• First Year: Interactive Experience: This project provides students with an opportunity to create their first independent project that explores the skills and knowledge acquired through previous projects. This is delivered via a “live brief” that provides the students with a theme, which they will have to interpret and develop creative solutions for, to produce an interactive experience. This project will also cover production methodologies and project planning to manage and ensure the success of your production.
• Second Year: Progression: Get ready to prepare for your future in games design! This unit guides you through a variety of workshops and field trips to identify and prepare for Higher Education or employment opportunities that align with your ambitions. You’ll explore the pros and cons of different progression routes, a range of marketing and business aspects, as well as develop essential communication skills to make applications to your identified progression routes. This project also provides an excellent opportunity to refine and develop an online portfolio to be used for interviews and applications.
• Second Year: Adventure: Learn how to create a game for an audience. Through this project, you will be learning advanced level and game design skills and concepts to make a “vertical slice” of a game. You will be provided with a client brief that specifies an established audience for you to develop for. This project provides an excellent opportunity for students to develop an outstanding piece of work for their portfolio, demonstrating key concepts, skills, and knowledge of game design for progression applications and interviews.
• Second Year: Specialist Study: TBC – Case Studies / Essay demonstrating understanding of a specific discipline within games design to study in further depth that may be related to their career ambitions.

Get ready to bring your game ideas to life! Over two years, you’ll dive deep into the exciting world of game design, mastering the skills used by industry pros to create the next big hit.

In the first year of this study programme, you’ll cover a range of topics including how to:

• Research and analyse games, trends and media to fuel your own unique ideas
• Develop Game Design Documents to plan and present your ideas just like in the industry.
• Step into 3D Game Engines like Unreal and Unity to start building your own interactive worlds and mechanics.

The second year of the study programme will cover topics such as:

• Designing and developing a fully immersive and engaging adventure game experience that connects with an audience.
• Producing a killer portfolio to showcase your best work, whether you're heading to university, straight into the industry or launching your own indie project.
• You’ll gain insider knowledge through masterclasses, guest talks and trips, giving you the chance to meet and network with game designers and potential employers.

There is potential for the qualification to prepare learners for appropriate direct entry to University or employment in a vocationally relevant profession/industry sector.

Successful completion will provide access to a wide range of university courses or employment.

Career Opportunities include: Game Designe, Gameplay Designer, Technical Designer, Level Designer, System Designer, Narrative Designer, UX Designer and Associate Producer.

The University of the Arts London (UAL) Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology; Game Development, is assessed through a series of projects that are designed to broaden students skills, experience and expertise. In your first year, the first 7 units are delivered with a Pass or Fail outcome. A final project (The FMP) decides the students overall grade for the year which is graded at: Pass, Merit or Distinction.

The second year (Extended Diploma) is made up of 5 units, with the first 4 units delivered with a Pass or Fail outcome and the final unit making up the FMP for year 2, with the overall grade being either a Pass, Merit or Distinction. Student work is externally assessed and scrutinised by External Verifiers from the University of the Arts London to ensure that academic standards are adhered maintained.