BA (Honours) Games Design
Attendance
Part-time
Part-time typically six years, maximum eight years
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 PlayStationฎ labs with over 30 professional PlayStationฎ3 (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.
About this course
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 youll 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. Theyll 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.
Associated careers
Talented games designers are in demand to meet the need for new and exciting products as the industry relies on them to develop the next generation of games. Areas to work include 2D and 3D animation sound mobile, console and PC based platforms.
Our graduates have found jobs in design roles at top games companies including team leader at Electronic Arts Kinect game development at Sumo Digital QA tester at Rockstar North concept artist at Forsaken Studios functionality tester at SEGA Europe Ltd 3D artist at Framestore virtual community co-ordinator at Jagex build engineer at Lightning Fish.
Professional recognition
This course is recognised as meeting the British Kinematograph, Sound and Television Society's accreditation criteria of industrial relevance and professional practice.
Course content
Level one modules
games design history and theory game prototyping research for creative industries 3d modelling game art group game project
Level two modules
game play 3d animation game business, enterprise and entrepreneurship 3d game engines game group project optional module
Level three modules
3d character modelling 3d environment modelling major game project optional module
Assessment
Entry requirements
Normally GCSE English language and mathematics at grade C or above, plus one of the following
260 points including at least 160 points from two GCE/VCE A levels, or BTEC National qualifications, or one AVCE double award. AS levels and Key Skills may count towards these points.
Access an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, in an art or media-related programme, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate
If English is not your first language you must have an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
If your application is successful, you will be invited to attend a selection event with a portfolio of work to demonstrate your ability. Download our application guidance to ensure you understand the selection process and how to produce a strong application and portfolio.
We welcome applications from people of any age. We may be flexible in our normal offer if you can show a commitment to succeed and have the relevant skills and experience. This must show that you will benefit from and finish the course successfully.
Fees
Home and EU students
2013/14 academic year
Typically ฃ4,500 a year
How to apply
Complete the application form available at www.shu.ac.uk/study/form
Contact details
For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk