BA (Honours) Games Design
Part-time
Location • City Campus
Subject area • Media arts
Related subjects • Computing • Media, PR and journalism
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At a glance
Train for a career in the exciting and expanding area of professional game design. You learn how to develop compelling games from concept to prototype and use the latest 3D software to create stunning game art. The course offers you a range of optional modules to allow you to focus on areas of game design to match your career aims and interests.
Key points
• Use PlayStation® labs with over 30 professional PlayStation®3 (PS3) development kits and Steel Minions, our on-campus games studio.
• Gain insights from games companies such as Sumo Digital, to develop a professional portfolio for prospective employers.
• Educational partner of Games Republic, an industry-led games network within the UK games industry.
What is game design?
Games design combines the traditional arts of graphic design, character animation and story development with skills like 3D modelling, simulation and interactivity.
This course is ideal for artistically talented people who want to go into games, graphics or multimedia. You develop new game ideas and create prototypes, learning to use a variety of creative practices to produce exciting products. There is a strong art theme including game art, 3D game art, concept art and animation.
You also learn to use the latest 3D software on industry-standard platforms including 3D modelling packages, game engines and graphics tools to create worlds for the 3D characters and assets you create.
As well as these key areas you can choose from a range of modules designed to prepare you for one or more of the specialist areas of game design and development, such as • character art • game development • environment modelling • game engines • platform games • 3d shooters • animation • app games.
We provide a foundation in software and hardware across a range of platforms. You learn about game play and logic, enabling you to develop interesting and interactive media that excites and engages people. You can further specialise through your projects and which offer creative freedom. Our theoretical modules complement the practical studies.
During the course you’ll develop a portfolio of work to showcase your talents to potential employers. We also help you to develop key transferable skills such as • visual communication • problem-solving • career management.
Guest speakers help to deliver specialist sessions focusing on the latest industry developments. They’ll also offer insights into the industry and invaluable career advice.
We are an educational partner of Game Republic, which is an industry-led games network that supports and promotes the UK games industry. Game Republic is itself affiliated with TIGA which is the trade association representing the UK games industry.
Key areas of study
Key areas include • principles and practices of games design • design processes • digital animation • prototype development • advanced 3D graphics and animation • games design • game worlds • 2d game art • advanced 3D modelling • 3d character design • game development.
Part-time – typically six years, maximum eight years
Complete the application form available at www.shu.ac.uk/study/form
2013/14 academic year
Typically £4,500 a year
The course fee may be subject to annual inflationary increase. For further information on fees and funding see www.shu.ac.uk/funding
This course is recognised as meeting the British Kinematograph, Sound and Television Society's accreditation criteria of industrial relevance and professional practice.
