Games Design - BA (Hons)

University of Northampton

Every game starts with an idea. Whether it's a compelling story, an innovative mechanic or a new way for players to interact with a virtual world, game designers shape the experiences that keep players engaged. If you're passionate about creativity, storytelling and interactive entertainment, this course will help you develop the skills to turn ideas into playable games. Games Design BA (Hons) explores the full game development process, giving you the opportunity to design and build games for multiple platforms. You'll learn how successful games are planned, prototyped and refined, while developing an understanding of what players want and how designers respond to an evolving industry. Through practical projects, you'll explore key areas including narrative design, user experience and interface design (UX/UI), game engines, 2D and 3D design skills, design management and professional practice. Along the way, you'll learn how to transform creative concepts into engaging game experiences for mobile, PC and console platforms. A key strength of the course is its collaborative approach to development. Working alongside students from Games Art and Games Programming, you'll gain experience of the complete production cycle, from idea generation through to publishing. This mirrors the way multidisciplinary teams operate within the games industry and helps you build valuable teamwork and project management skills You'll work with industry-standard software and technologies including Unity, Unreal Engine, Substance, ZBrush, 3DS Max and Adobe Creative Suite. As an academic partner of Unreal Engine, the University provides opportunities to develop experience using one of the most widely used tools in modern game development. The course also encourages you to engage with opportunities beyond the classroom. Previous students have exhibited work at major gaming events, appeared on television, had work published in leading magazines and participated in national and international Game Jam competitions. By graduation, you'll have developed a portfolio of work, experience of collaborative game development and a strong understanding of how engaging games are designed, developed and delivered to players.

At the University of Northampton, you’ll benefit from a supportive, career-focused experience designed to help you succeed.

Study in small groups led by expert academics, with dedicated one-to-one support. Our close-knit community ensures you receive individual guidance while being challenged to achieve your best.

Whatever your goals, we’ll help you get there. You’ll develop valuable skills, discover your strengths, and gain real-world experience - so you’re ready to stand out when applying for jobs or further study.

We guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time first-year students who apply and accept their offer by June 2027\*.

You’ll receive a brand-new laptop at no additional cost\*\*, and all essential textbooks are available through our library - helping you save money throughout your studies.

Study at our student-led purpose-built Waterside Campus, designed to provide an inspiring and dynamic environment for learning and student life. Visit us at an Open Day to see it for yourself.

We’re confident you’ll graduate ready to launch your career. If you’re not in employment within six months, you’ll receive dedicated support from a Careers Development Consultant. If you’re still seeking opportunities after that, we’ll offer you a paid internship. ✱ Eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/ for more information\ ✱✱ Eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information