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

Ready to apply? No need to wait for UCAS – you can apply directly to Futureworks now!

Our Games Design degree will prepare you for a life in the games industry. You’ll gain an understanding of games design from the creative process to game engines, such as Unreal Engine. We examine the principles and theories of games design, systems, mechanics, narrative, and gameplay, while equipping you with the knowledge and understanding of professional workflows and software.

Considering students as ‘professionals in training’, this 3 year course will form the foundation of your workplace practice.

The first year provides foundational skill and knowledge in games theory and development. This includes an academic approach to games and the concept of play; also a broad study of 3D modelling, game and level design, audio, narrative and gameplay loops.

The second year will consolidate and develop your skills with advanced 3D modelling and games design modules. You will have the opportunity to understake some research in an area of games design of your choice and with our games specialism module, you will be able to experiment and develop an understanding of your specialism.

By the final year, you will be ready to embark on your self-directed final year project which will focus on your chosen career specialism.  You will also devise and create a working game demo. Supported by tutors in a ‘producer’ role, you will put into practice your previous two years of learning, as well as continue to stretch your ability and understanding as your projects progress. You will also undertake a research-based module which will allow you to reflect on games industry trends to come up with a hypothesis on the future of games. Finally, rounding off the year, you will be taught the skills to prepare you to apply for jobs in the games industry.

Final projects are tailored to not only be the best possible degree submissions, but also the backbone of portfolios, so that, by the time of graduation, you are ready for the workplace or post-graduate study.

This course is validated by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)

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.

Your primary location of study will be at our Riverside Campus, which is located on New Bailey Street in Manchester.

Everyone who teaches on this degree is active in the industry. Whether that’s games design, character design, gameplay programmer or independent developer; when your tutors aren’t busy teaching you, they’re busy honing their craft. As a result, we are always working and teaching the most current industry workflows. We practice what we teach. We also have an extensive network of industry contacts that we can draw on for guest lectures and workshops, industry-set briefs, and as guests for our degree shows.

To be considered for this course, you will require 104-120 UCAS points. This could be gained via a number of qualifications, for example:

• BCC or above at A2 Level
• DMM or above at Extended Diploma Level
• M or above at UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma Level
• A proven interest in this area

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.

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.