Computer Games Design, BA (Hons), at University of Portsmouth

Computer Games Design, BA (Hons), University of Portsmouth

the United Kingdom

Study options for this course

The award	How you will study	Study duration	Course start	Domestic course fees	International course fees
BA (Hons)	Full-time, Sandwich	3 - 4 years	September	find out	find out

About Computer Games Design, BA (Hons) - at University of Portsmouth

Overview

The games and tech industries continue to dominate the globe, and they're always seeking game designers and developers. Become their next rising star on our BA (Hons) Computer Games Design degree course.

With help from our teaching team of games industry experts, you'll dive into the theory of game design and development. You can specialise as a programmer or artist, designing, developing, and testing games for different audiences using our advanced game development facilities. For an extra boost to your professional experience, you can complete an optional work placement.

Discover what it takes to become an industry-ready games designer at Portsmouth, two-time winner of the TIGA Best Educational Institution Award (2021, 2014).

Course highlights

Explore how games are constructed by learning a variety of theories—including systems, gameplay, psychology, user experience, and narrative
Work with next-gen technologies in our impressive facilities, including the UK's first ever Centre for Creative Immersive and Extended Reality (CCIXR)
Enhance your teamworking skills by collaborating with other Games students on game projects – including our annual University GameJam
Learn from an expert teaching team with strong links to local, national and international games companies—including Rare, Codemasters, Jagex, Creative Assembly, Rebellion, and Climax
Gain valuable professional experience by completing an optional work placement—with a company or self-employed
Broaden your cultural experience by studying abroad in Europe
Impress your future employers by showcasing your work at our annual Graduate Showcase

Careers and opportunities

With an estimated global value of $184.4 billion (£147.4 billion) as of 2022 (Newzoo, 2023) the computer games industry is a force to be reckoned with. In the UK, it contributed £2.9 billion to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2020/21, and the number of workers in the field grew to 20,975 (TIGA, 2022).

As the game industry and its workforce continue to expand – especially across sectors adopting its technologies and systems – multi-skilled and specialist graduates are more in demand than ever before.

Areas you can work in with a Computer Games Design degree

Game design positions in industry tend to be segmented into various responsibilities, including:

gameplay
narrative
level
concept design

Your theoretical, programming, and art skills from completing this course will allow you to pursue a career in any of those fields – with a graduate level design role as a starting point.

Jobs you can do with a Computer Games Design degree

You can work in various design roles, such as:

Level Designer
Narrative Designer
Gameplay Designer
Games testing (Quality Assurance)
Game Audio

As you further your career, you can advance to senior management positions like Creative Director.

Continuing your studies

If you wish to continue your education, our course provides a natural path to a Master's degree. You can study Game Design at an MSc or MA level, or you can study MA Art or MSc Computing courses based on your specialisation.

Placement year (optional)

After your second or third year, you can complete an optional work placement to gain professional experience and enhance your skills. It's also a great incentive for employers once you graduate.

You can work for a company, organisation or agency, or you can go self-employed and start your own business with fellow students or by yourself.

Whatever you decide – or even if you just want some employability advice – our exclusive Creative Careers team can support you every step of the way.

Notes about fees for this course

https://www.port.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/undergraduate-fees-and-student-finance

Entry requirements

112-120 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent. A relevant qualification or experience in art/design/creative computing or graphic arts is required. Applicants without relevant qualifications will be asked to provide a portfolio to support their application.

English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

Courses you may be interested in at other institutions

Below are some suggested courses at other providers that you may also be interested in:

International Pastry Management Bachelor Degree

Institut Lyfe

av��ƽ̨

Computer Games Design, BA (Hons), University of Portsmouth

Study options for this course

About Computer Games Design, BA (Hons) - at University of Portsmouth

Notes about fees for this course

Entry requirements

Courses you may be interested in at other institutions

Don't meet the entry requirements?

Foundation and Pathway Courses at other institutions

Other courses at University of Portsmouth

Related Information