Curious about studying Computer Games Design with Animation (with a Foundation Year)at 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
4 Year
Learn how to create animated characters and immersive environments to give players exciting gaming experiences.Our BSc (Hons) Computer Games Design with Animation degree combines technical and artistic skills, making you highly sought after within the industry. We’ll cover the three main types of games animation – motion capture, hand-keyed animation and technical animation – and will give you the chance to specialise.You’ll devise 3D character models, get them to move around using body mechanics, and equip them with props, vehicles and weapons. Whether creating a desert, street, castle or spaceship as a backdrop, you’ll also master game environments.And to ensure your real-time animation models actually work in a games engine, you will study games design and aspects of programming too.As the largest games department in the UK, we have lots of industry contacts, including Flix Interactive, Sumo Digital, Cloud Imperium Games and animation experts Carse and Waterman. It means you’ll graduate work-ready, with connections and an impressive portfolio.You’ll be following in the footsteps of our award-winning games students, including those who’ve landed jobs with top studios.The course has been developed to meet the needs of the booming games industry. But the animation skills you learn will also be relevant to other fields, such as film and virtual production.Our staff bring a wealth of expertise as games professionals and academics. It means you’ll receive practical advice and guidance that’s both relevant and up-to-date.You’ll have access to industry-standard facilities as well. These include our high-tech Vicon motion capture studio and a specialist games centre featuring the Unreal games engine. We also have a VR and mixed reality lab, with green screens and wall projections.Other facilities include hundreds of PCs and games development possibilities with Sony, Vive, Oculus and more.On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Computer Games Design with Animation
Foundation Year modules
This module introduces students to 3D modelling for games. Using industry-standard 3D modelling software, students will learn the foundational approaches and techniques required to create game-ready 3D assets. Module code: GAME30506
Foundation Year modules
This module introduces students to the process of game design and creation. Students will learn how to design great gameplay experiences in the form of levels and game mechanics. This is achieved by exploring existing game design theory, deconstructing existing games, and producing clear, professional game design documentation. Module code: GAME30510
Foundation Year modules
This module introduces students to games development using games engines. By utilising existing game frameworks, students will learn the foundations of level creation and scripting in Unreal Engine. Module code: GAME30511
Foundation Year modules
The games industry is a melting pot of different creative and technical roles. In this module, you will begin your journey as a games developer in training, understanding the roles and career opportunities within the games industry and beyond. You will also be exposed to the reality of the industry, exploring the ethical, economic, and societal impact of games. We will also support you in the creation of a career action plan, helping you to develop as an independent learner. Module code: GAME30513
Foundation Year modules
Video games are interdisciplinary pieces of interactive art that require a range of specialist skills. The majority of the games that you have played will have been developed by a team of individuals. Games Developers rarely work alone. This module will challenge you to capitalise on your skills and individual creativity while working with a mixed disciplinary team of games developers. Beyond developing a video games artefact, you will be exposed to the tools, practices, and transferable skills required to work effectively as part of a group. Module code: GAME30512
This module provides students with a grounding of 3D Modelling and texturing. Students will learn about the fundamentals modelling and texturing process used in the production of Game Art assets and Concept design workflows. The module allows students to produce a variety of models in different artistic stylisations and photo realistic game props. The focus of the module is on good modelling techniques and on producing visual accuracy in proportions, forms and smoothing. Module code: GDEV40011
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. Module code: GDEV40012
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. Module code: GDEV40014
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. Module code: GDEV40018
This module lets you improve on a chosen route to create your first independent project. You'll be looking at production methodology and project planning as well as putting together a project of your choice. Module code: GDEV40023
This module introduces students to hand key-framed animation that can be used in a number of different contexts such as game animation and cinematics. Students will move through the complete animation pipeline to develop animations that convey various core principals and demonstrate knowledge in how to recreate physically accurate animations suitable for games.
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. Module code: GDEV50001
This module introduces main body-mechanic theory for a variety of organic character rigs, and will pose challenges for recreating physically accurate animation in an animation package that can be brought into a game engine for context.
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.
Game Development is requiring ever more technical art skill in the fields of Modelling and Animation. In Procedural Development and VFX Students will work with industry standard software to investigate and solve development challenges. By end of this module, you will have created exceptional portfolio pieces within the field.
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