Do you love games and have a curiosity for the creative and technical decisions that bring them to life? At Futureworks, our games design degree will prepare you for this exciting and fast-moving industry. Our graduates are now working with games developers such as Supermassive Games, Sumo Digital, Rockstar, Rebellion Games, Ubisoft, d3t, Codemasters, Lucid Games, Team17, Cloud Imperium Games to name a few.
- Game Mechanics
- Creative Thinking
- Scripting
- Game History and Theory
- 3D Modelling
- Game Development
Year 1
Creativity and Context for Games (20 credits)
An academic approach to the study of games design, looking at theories of play and the history of games in the context of human history from early civilisations to the present day.
Creative Thinking (40 credits)
An opportunity to learn about the broader elements of the creative process, touching on narrative, sound design, and world building. Students will be able to explore their understanding of a range of elements of games design.
Introduction to Games Design (40 credits)
This module introduces students to some core theories behind games and gameplay. Looking at tabletop games, students will analyse play experience through the study of mechanics, calibration, balance, narrative, currency, and key analytical frameworks. They will also be introduced to Unreal Engine touching on Blueprints and basic game construction, exploring the creation of simple mechanics and systems.
Introduction to 3D Modelling (20 credits)
This module introduces core 3D modelling concepts. Alongside fundamental technical practice in 3D modelling, the students will be introduced to PBR materials and learn the importance of observation and analysis.
Year 2
Heading into the Games Industry (20 credits)
Designed to give students an understanding of how the games industry is structured, the range of job finding activities available to them, and making themselves appealing candidates through CV, portfolio, networking, self-promotion, and interpersonal skills development.
Games Development (40 credits)
Gives students the opportunity to iterate their knowledge gained so far with a view to understanding the technical and creative building blocks of game development including level design. Made up of a number of short ‘rapid prototyping’ projects designed to highlight technical and creative skills; along with an introduction to industry standard documents.
3D Modelling (40 credits)
This module will develop more advanced 3D modelling processes incorporating modular modelling, trim sheets, high to low polygon retopology workflows as well as more advanced PBR material creation.
Games Specialism (20 credits)
A module which gives students the opportunity to test two areas of interest and undertake two projects with the view to learning new skills and identifying a possible area of specialism in their final year for their future career path or postgraduate study.
Year 3
Honours Project (60 credits)
Students negotiate a substantial final year practical project, underpinned by research, focussed on career direction or postgraduate study. New learning is a key aspect of the module, along with research and iteration.
Games Proposal (60 credits)
A year long project requiring students to create a playable demo of a game. This to be supported with industry standard documentation along with reflections on their creative and technical progress.
Ready to apply? No need to wait for UCAS – you can apply directly to Futureworks now!
Why Choose The Games Design Degree at Futureworks?
All our teaching staff are very active in the games industry. They have experience developing award-winning games with AAA games development companies. What this means for you is that we have great connections in the real world – connections that you can use to start building your professional network, before you’ve graduated.
It also means that you can be confident that the skills and techniques you learn are relevant to today’s industry.
With outstanding guest lectures and workshops, and the opportunity to work on live project briefs, this degree will ensure that you gain the experience to give your games career a flying start.
One aspect of this course that is particularly loved by past students are the small class sizes. This allows our tutors to provide lots of personalised one-to-one mentoring, allowing you to develop the skills that will be important in your preferred specialisms.
Being part of the Futureworks family means you also get to work with film and audio students, and collaborate on a range of interesting and innovative projects.
This course is validated by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
Your Games Design Career Opportunities
This Games Design degree provides a fantastic springboard into the games industry for future Games Designers, Level Designers, Prop and Asset Modellers, or even into Production Management roles. We’re proud to say that past students are currently working throughout the industry, from major game companies to small independents – or even start your own company like one group of Futureworks students did (Torque Studios) to enter a national competition. They won the competition, picking up a £25,000 prize which helped fund their first game which was nominated in the BAFTA games awards.
Location & Teaching
Your primary location of study will be at our Riverside Campus, which is located on New Bailey Street in Manchester. As part of your course, some of your lessons may take place at our Futureworks Studios facility located in MediaCityUK, a few miles from the city centre.
Futureworks recognises that the skills, competencies and contribution of its staff are vital to the delivery of high quality Higher Education. All programmes are managed by a dedicated Programme Leader and team of experienced tutors, and our excellent links with industry employers mean you’ll have access to exciting guest lectures and fantastic opportunities to gain experience on real-world projects.
Applying to this Course
To be considered for this course, you will require 104-120 UCAS points.
You can apply for this course by applying directly to Futureworks. Alternatively, you can apply via the UCAS system. The UCAS codes for this course are as follows:-
UCAS Code: WG24
Institution Code: F98
If you have any questions about applying for a degree course please call us on 0161 214 4602, email [email protected] or look at our Admissions page.
Successful applicants will be invited to an interview where you will have the opportunity to talk about your work, influences and interests. A guide will be sent with your interview details to help you prepare for your interview. Ideal applicants will have a keen interest in art, design, and video games. You are welcome to bring any relevant examples of work with you, if you have them. The portfolio is required for this course and applications will not be considered without the provision of a portfolio.
You will need to provide a digital portfolio. This could be a link to a website or a PDF document with images of your work. Personal projects are also of interest. You might send through some art/modelling, gameplay gifs, or links to gameplay videos. Any supporting documents such as assignments, research, or modelling inspirations will also be helpful. It’s not essential that you’ve studied games/software already, but if you have had the opportunity, then we’d love to see your work. If you haven’t had an opportunity to study game design, then an example of your current school/college work will be ok.
All of our courses start in September and are full time, 3 year courses. More information on relevant dates can be found on the Term Dates page.
International Students
Futureworks is able to accept any applications from applicants who require a Student Visa (formerly called Tier 4 Visa) to study in the UK. Entry criteria for International students will vary. Please see International Students for full details.
“My experience at Futureworks was fantastic. The school and staff helped me to develop my creativity and went above and beyond to improve my skills as a game designer, while teaching me essential knowledge I would need for a role in the industry.”
BA (Hons) Games Design Student
“Over my 3 years at Futureworks, I met some amazing friends and made some awesome connections. The course was great for expanding my creativity and idea-generating skills, which I then learnt how to integrate into 3D environment art and games design.”
BA (Hons) Games Design Student
Validated By
