Skip to content
Undergraduate

Computer Games Design BSc (Hons)

University of Gloucestershire

What is Computer Games Design BSc (Hons)?

Develop the real-world skills needed to create computer games for console, desktop and mobile platforms. You’ll work on real business briefs and learn from industry-experienced lecturers who have worked for Rebellion, Headstrong Games, 2K Games and Sony.

Our animation & games design courses are ranked 6th in the UK for student satisfaction and teaching satisfaction by the Guardian University Guide 2023.

You’ll design and develop games while pursuing an area that interests you, such as 3D modelling, level design, UX or animation. You’ll gain valuable experience working individually and in teams with games programmers and artists on small as well as large-scale game projects, including indie games for iOS and Android.

You’ll learn in our new computing suites that are equipped with the latest hardware such as Sony and Nintendo development kits, Oculus Rift, HTC VIVE, PlayStation VR, HoloLens, Motion Capture suite, Game consoles, 3D printers and robots. All our PCs run industry-standard software including Adobe CC, Autodesk 3DS Max, Z-Brush, Substance Painter, Unreal and Unity.

Learn through practical experience with supporting lectures and workshops. Explore graphics, animation, concept art, 3D modelling, interactive design, player psychology and multiplayer. Design game mechanics, narratives, levels and characters. Engage with the thriving games sector through live briefs, games conferences, end of year show and various field trips in the UK and abroad.

You can apply to study this course on campus at the University of Gloucestershire, or at the Swindon Institute of Technology (ioT).

This course is available to study with an integrated foundation year – an extra, introductory year at the beginning of the full degree. If you don’t meet the stated entry requirements or you’re returning to education, it could be a great option that enables you to study this course.

As well as an introduction to your subject, it will help you to develop valuable study skills, and communication, teamwork and problem-solving techniques, giving you the confidence and skills set you need to progress.

If you’re applying to study as an international student, an integrated foundation year can also support you to improve your English language skills alongside your studies.

To apply for this course with an integrated foundation year, select the ‘With foundation year’ study type from the options at the top of this page before clicking ‘Apply’.

Get Computer Games Design BSc (Hons) course updates and hear more about studying with us.

Keep me updated

Entry requirements

    • 104 UCAS tariff points, BCC at A levels, DMM at BTEC or a Merit in your T-Level.

      If you are unsure whether we could make you an offer or you have any questions, just get in touch with our admissions team who will be able to advise you.

    • English Language or Literature and Maths Grade 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent) are normally required.

    • This course is available with an additional integrated foundation year. This four year option has lower entry requirements – see below – than the other study type/s available.

      Typical offers
      48 UCAS tariff points, DD at A levels, PPP at BTEC or a Pass in your T Level.

      GCSEs
      Grade C/4 in English Language/Literature and Mathematics, or equivalent (e.g. Level 2 Functional Skills).

      To apply for the integrated foundation year degree, select the ‘With foundation year’ option from the study types listed at the top of this page before clicking ‘Apply’.

      See course overview for more information about the interated foundation year option.

    • We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 and over) and do not necessarily require the same academic qualifications as school leaving applicants, although some entry requirements may still apply for Professionally Accredited Courses. We accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas and make offers on an individual basis.

Course modules

Loading...

Fees and costs

See the further details of fees and potential extra costs when studying a course at the University of Gloucestershire. Fees are charged per module so depend on how many modules you take in each year.
Start date Location UCAS code Fee (UK)
per year
Fee (international)
per year
Sep 2024 Park, Cheltenham I62C £9,250 £16,600
Sep 2025 Park, Cheltenham I62C TBC TBC

Ready to apply?

Possible careers

Graduates from this course can go on to work as:

  • Games Designer
  • Level Designer
  • Games Artist
  • Games Tester
  • Indie Developer
  • Mobile Designer.

Industry links

As a COMPTIA Authorised Academy and a TIGA-accredited course, this degree has strong industry links across the world. This includes Microsoft, IBM, The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS), Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), the University of Southern California, Headstrong Games, Codemasters, Rancon, Eurogamer, Comicon and Digital Bristol.

Learn with a COMPTIA-authorised Academy

Be a step ahead with an industry-recognised TIGA affiliated degree. You’ll acquire industry-standard skills and credentials, accessing high quality resources and professional expertise. You can also choose to specialise in an area that suits your career aspirations.

Share your work with industry professionals

Sponsored by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the British Computer Society (BCS), is our exciting final year exhibition that’s been running for 10 years. You’ll showcase your technical, aesthetic and project management skills with games, multimedia and computing projects. The exhibition attracts a wide audience of professionals from big IT businesses.

Visit international games events and enter global competitions

Visit Eurogamer, EGX Rezzed, Comicon and Digital Bristol. All are great learning and networking opportunities. Enter the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s (IET) Present Around The World competition – our students have reached the international finals. You can also enter our local Games Jam events. These are held twice a year and broadcast live on the web.

Trophy Icon

Ranked 6th in the UK for student and teaching satisfaction

Our animation & games design courses are ranked 6th in the UK for student satisfaction and teaching satisfaction by the Guardian University Guide 2023.

Placements

  • Duration – 12 months, full-time (minimum 35 hours a week)
  • Location – popular destinations include the UK, USA, China and Europe
  • Visa – you may need a visa if you’re on placement abroad
  • Finance – your tuition fee is reduced for your placement year – and you can still apply for a maintenance loan and get money advice
  • Placement support – we’ll help you find a great placement and get the most out of the experience

"I've always had a passion for video games"

“The University of Gloucestershire was recommended to me by a friend who had already graduated from the Computer Games Design course. I went with their recommendation and never looked back. Now I have left university I work as a software developer for Squint Opera, a creative studio and production house – I also did a placement with them in my final year. We develop a wide range of applications for clients and have offices all over the world. I was able to get this job because my placement opened the door for me and the skills I learnt on the course meant I could demonstrate how I would benefit their business.”

Richard Webb, graduate

Keep Me Updated

Fill in the form below and we'll be in touch with Computer Games Design BSc (Hons) updates, upcoming events and everything you need to know about university life.