BA (Hons) Games Design

Practice in Context 2

Develop your understanding of the theoretical approaches that underpin the creative practice of games design. Through research and evaluation you will examine topics like the psychology of games, games branding and social identity, theories of style and the impact of Internet Culture.

Practice 3 – Narrative + Storytelling in Games Design

Explore a wide range of storytelling strategies and narrative structures in order to apply that understanding to a variety of briefs yourself. This module will examine how storytelling in games intersects with contemporary culture and other creative media – as well as looking at topics specific to the games industry for example; play and player experience, extended and immersive realities, multi-player game development and interactive narrative games

Practice 4 – Content Creation for Games Design

Further develop your own games design practice through a series of workshops and projects, building creative, technical and design skills. This module introduces more specialist software and the production of elements like level design and demo videos, UI and UX, motion capture and games engine techniques such as lighting, VFX and cinematography. You will work individually to create authorial, original games designs and, if appropriate work as part of a design team.  

Professional Practice 1 – Games Design

Develop professional skills through independently negotiating, organising and completing a period of professional work experience. This module also features a series of visiting speakers, ranging from artist to professionals from creative organisations and education, will provide insight and advice into areas such as; how to approach studios or individual creative organisations, working with clients, commercial games and opportunities outside the games industry.

Practice in Context 3

Working closely with an individual supervisor you will undertake a research project into a self-selected topic designed to help you make sense of their own specialist area of studio practice in terms of culture, context and critical theory. 

Practice 5 – Preparation for the Extended Major Project

Using an established creative process to produce suitable design development work, you will demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of an area of specialisation within your practice to produce and present work for the purpose of building a graduate portfolio. This may include developing more advanced practice in specific areas of games design or in elements like games studio pre-production, UI or UX design or R+D (research and development).

Practice 6 – Extended Major Project

Undertake a larger-scale design project within a student team to produce a vertical slice of a game, and conceptual branding and marketing for it. This module is designed to be an opportunity for you to further build your own professional portfolio, and create external links with employers. You will also have the opportunity to further develop and showcase your technical and creative skills in areas like advanced motion graphics and VFX.