Curious about studying Computer Gameplay Design and Productionat University of Staffordshire? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Stoke-on-Trent Campus
Full Time
Sep 2026
3 Year
If you love the idea of developing exciting and experimental games, this degree may be for you. It's ideal if you're interested in a career as a games designer. This course was built with the role of a core games designer or gameplay designer in mind. You’ll focus on scripting in game engines to allow you to take ideas from concept to a playable prototype. Exploring some of the fundamental ideas underpinning modern games, you’ll develop fun, exciting and experimental concepts. Our academics come from a variety of backgrounds, including fine art, games design, interactive media technology, simulation and mathematical modelling, and they have worked in gaming at all levels. We have a state-of-the-art games design studio and we have excellent links to influential organisations in the industry. You’ll have the opportunity to network with these companies and build contacts for your future career. On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Computer Gameplay Design and Production
3D Models populate the games we love to play. Start your journey by learning key 3D Modelling creation skills and implement your assets into a fully working framework. You will build a series of assets and develop a reflective journal as you bring to life a games visuals.
This module introduces students to game animation through planning, application, and problem solving of animations that are finalised and taken into a game engine context.Using a game engine, students will learn how animations are set up and technically implemented into the core mechanics of the game.
This module introduces students to games design through the analysis, design and implementation of game levels and mechanics.Using a games engine, students will learn how to create game mechanics using scripting, and then implement these mechanics into levels of their own design.
This module develops further students understanding of game mechanic creation using a game engine. Students will learn how to plan, communicate and implement core game concepts, such as characters, enemies and game loops in order to create fun, playable prototypes of their own design.
Everybody loves a good story! This module will help you understand why by looking at how narrative is applied to modern and traditional gameplay experiences from Indie & AAA spaces. You will gain perspective on the history & trends of interactive fiction, allowing you to prepare for a future in game writing & narrative design. You will learn to showcase these talents by developing interactive narrative games using industry-standard development practices.
So, you want to be a game designer, but you dont know where to start out? This module will introduce you to the creative visualisation process that occurs during game design pre-production. This will provide you with a snapshot into the kind of work that goes into lots of game design sub-fields, from levels to narrative, UI to puzzles, and more! From here you will understand the general work that occurs in each area and be able to pursue the path of game design that appeals to you.
The history of game design is full of experimentation and innovation, and most game designers love to explore new territories. Recently, there has been a movement toward the design of games that are deliberately experimental, underpinned by a clear and interesting idea. This module will encourage you to attempt to do something new with games. It will help you push forward the frontiers of game design by revealing new mechanics, new patterns of play, and, in the case of a particularly successful game design experiment, reveal entirely new game genres. You will try new ideas, playtest new mechanics, and explore what can be done with games as an art-form.
Students will work in a junior role in a group comprised of students from across the suite of games development courses to mimic a games development studio. They will work with other juniors and level 6 students who take the role of seniors, to make a vertical slice of a game.
This module develops student knowledge of scripting techniques and the design of complex systems for games. Deconstructing existing mechanics in games, we will design our own gameplay systems before learning how to implement them into a game engine to create our own game framework.
The Games Development Project module gives students an opportunity to undertake an in-depth piece of research testing and analysis or a high-quality artefact, ready for their portfolio. You can focus your studies on your career aspirations. Whether it's stylised game characters, stalking AI monsters, procedural environments, immersive level design, or a concept for futuristic vehicles. The project allows you the opportunity to work with a supervisor and tailor the project to you. Your supervisor will be your guide and project manager. Supporting you in your journey to create a highly developed outcome with industry standard software whilst receiving lectures on portfolio development and employability.
Its time to get ready for the workplace, and for that youre going to need a portfolio of projects that showcase your skills. This module will provide you with opportunities to bolster that portfolio by creating highly polished short playable gameplay experiences. The development platform will be yours to decide, whether your skills reside within Unreal, Unity, or even on Tabletop, you will perform development cycles that are supplemented with agnostic game design theory that can be applied to any player experience.
Students will work in a senior role in a group comprised of students from across the suite of games development courses to mimic a games development studio. They will work with other seniors to effectively support and lead a team including level 5 students, to make a vertical slice of a game.
Accommodation - Swan Classic (Standard Ensuite room) - £175/week, including bills
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