Games Design

BA (Hons) Undergraduate Degree

UCAS Code WG24

Start Date 14/09/2026

Duration 3 Years full time

UCAS Points 104-120

Places available for September 2026 | Apply Now!

Course Overview

Study a BA (Hons) Games Design degree in Manchester and gain the creative. technical and professional skills needed to work in the games industry. Learn game mechanics, level design, narrative design, Unreal Engine, prototyping and 3D modelling while creating playable game experiences and building a professional portfolio.

Futureworks Games Design teaching staff are all active in the games industry, with experience developing award-winning games with AAA games development companies. Games Design students can access these real-world connections to start building their professional network.

This award is validated by The Open University.

Modules

What will I study?

Game Mechanics
Game History and Theory
3D Modelling
Creative Workflows
Narrative Design
Games Specialism
Game Prototype

Historical Contextual Studies (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.

Narrative Design (20 credits)

You will examine narratives in games, with a view to understanding key narrative structures and principles. These include storytelling traditions from around the world and throughout history.

Introduction to Games Design (20 credits)

You will be introduced to some core theories behind games and gameplay. Looking at tabletop games, you will analyse play experience through the study of mechanics, calibration, balance, narrative, currency, and key analytical frameworks.

Digital Games Design (20 credits)

You will also be introduced to Unreal Engine touching on Blueprints and basic game construction, exploring the creation of simple mechanics and systems.

3D Modelling Fundamentals (40 credits)

This module introduces core 3D modelling concepts. Alongside fundamental technical practice in 3D modelling, you will be introduced to PBR materials and learn the importance of observation and analysis.

Applied Games Design (40 credits)

Gives you the opportunity to iterate 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.

Advanced 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.

Research Project (20 credits)

You will have the opportunity to do a deep dive into an area of games design of your choice. Using research, interviews, reading and other references, you will work towards a written academic submission and an appropriate industry document.

Games Specialism (20 credits)

A module which gives you 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 your final year for your future career path or postgraduate study.

Major Project (40 credits)

You will 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.

Game Prototype (40 credits)

A yearlong project requiring you to create a playable demo of a game. This to be supported with industry standard documentation along with reflections on your creative and technical progress.

Games Future Research (20 credits)

You will reflect on industry trends with a view to offering a hypothesis on the future of games and the games industry from a technological, sociological or cultural perspective.

Professional Development (20 credits)

You will prepare for entering the games industry. You will be equipped with skills and knowledge in CVs, portfolios, interview techniques, networking and preparing an online presence.

Mode of Delivery

Full-time, in-person, on-campus

In-Person Lessons

Typically between 12 and 14 hours a week

Self-study time

Typically between 35 and 40 hours a week

“Futureworks has provided me with both a professional and evaluative environment led by some of the most knowledgeable tutors I’ve come across, who all had roots in the industry. With their advice and support, not only was I able to grow, but with the training I was equipped with, managed to find a job right after graduating.”

Haris Iqbal
Games Designer (Combat) at Deep Silver Dambuster Studios
BA (Hons) Games Design

Careers

Where can this degree take me?

Games Design graduates leave with a springboard into the games industry. They can go into roles such as:

Game Designer
Level Designer
Gameplay Designer
Narrative Designer
Systems Designer
Game Producer
3D artist

Futureworks Games Design graduates have gone on to work for games developers including; Supermassive Games, Sumo Digital, Rockstar, Rebellion Games, Ubisoft, d3t, Codemasters, Lucid Games and Cloud Imperium Games!

Gallery

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Entry Requirements

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 please call us  on 0161 214 4602 or email admissions@futureworks.ac.uk

Successful applications will receive an offer directly from Futureworks (and via your UCAS application if you applied through UCAS).

More information on our admissions process can be found in the Student Recruitment and Admissions Policy in the Policy Hub