Background and Rationale
A unique and exciting programme offering the opportunity to explore games design creatively from a range of perspectives. Emphasis is on designing and making original and innovative games together with developing an in-depth and critical knowledge of games design topics. The course covers a wide range of game types including electronic, traditional, fantasy, strategy, educational, activity based, role-play and board games.
This programme is not taking applications for 2008. To discuss other opportunities, you are very welcome to email Magnus Moar, the programme leader.
See a page of student activities
Start date: September
Duration: Three years full time
Intake: 20 per annum
Programme leader: Magnus Moar
See also: This programme is not taking applications for 2007.
Content and Structure
The curriculum is designed to enable students to design and make a variety of game types. Although existing games are explored, students are encouraged to investigate and develop new approaches, interfaces and games technologies. The aim of the technical teaching is to provide students with the tools for realising their designs, and covers programming in Lingo, ActionScript and Java, the use of modding tools and 3D modelling. Beyond practical game design, there are opportunities for research into games-related topics proposed by individual students and groups. Additionally, the curriculum has an enterprise component, where students activities may include such publicly accessible outcomes as clubs, associations, journals, websites and small businesses.
- Year one
- Semester one: Design Skills, Introduction to Games Design Methodology, Introduction to Games Concepts and Theory
- Semester two: Applied Games Design, Introduction to Gameplay, Introduction to games technologies
- Year two
- Semester one: Creative Practice 1, Narrative and Interactivity, Research methods
- Semester two: Enterprise Development, Creative Practice 2, Research Proposition: Project
- Year three
- Semester one: Enterprise Management 1, Games Design Proposition: Major Creative Project, Research Proposition: Major Study
- Semester two: Enterprise Management 2, Games Design Proposition: Major Creative Project
Intake
- We are interested in enthusiastic students from a variety of academic backgrounds. If you are unsure whether your previous studies are suitable, contact us.
- We have places for up to 30 students per year
- UCAS Tariff: 200 points (at least 140 points from two six-unit awards) or an Art and Design Foundation course with five GCSEs at grade C or above
- We also encourage applications from mature students (over 21) who do not meet the above formal qualifications but who are actively engaged in games design or related areas
