Skip to content

Book an Open Day

Chat to a Student

BA (Hons) Games Design

Duration

3 years

Institution code

L28

UCAS Code

W281

A photograph of an opened book and some playing cards on a blue tablecloth adorned with a star and circular pattern design. The title of the opened book page is Control Systems, some of the cards are facing down while others are upturned.
A photograph of an opened book and some playing cards on a blue tablecloth adorned with a star and circular pattern design. The title of the opened book page is Control Systems, some of the cards are facing down while others are upturned.

Geo Vega Rivera

A hand drawing of a map layout with orange contour lines and a blue structure diagram showing a plan of where the houses are positioned. There are markings of a barn, field, path and fungus. Other icons include a fish and caterpillar.
A hand drawing of a map layout with orange contour lines and a blue structure diagram showing a plan of where the houses are positioned. There are markings of a barn, field, path and fungus. Other icons include a fish and caterpillar.
A photograph of a computer room with students working behind the different computers, some of the students are wearing headphones.
A photograph of a computer room with students working behind the different computers, some of the students are wearing headphones.
A photograph of two students behind a Wacom screen. The first student is wearing glasses and has their hand rested on the mouse, the second student is sitting next to them and is looking at the screen.
A photograph of two students behind a Wacom screen. The first student is wearing glasses and has their hand rested on the mouse, the second student is sitting next to them and is looking at the screen.
A photograph of a student wearing headphones and viewing a digital drawing on a Wacom tablet. Their hands are placed over their chin as if they are contemplating something.
A photograph of a student wearing headphones and viewing a digital drawing on a Wacom tablet. Their hands are placed over their chin as if they are contemplating something.
A photograph of a student sitting behind a computer, they are looking at the screen and next to them another student is sitting writing.. Their hand is positioned on the mouse and they have a notepad in front of them. They are wearing wireless headphones.
A photograph of a student sitting behind a computer, they are looking at the screen and next to them another student is sitting writing.. Their hand is positioned on the mouse and they have a notepad in front of them. They are wearing wireless headphones.
A photograph of a student looking at a computer screen with a table in front of them. They are holding a pen in one hand while simultaneously resting it on the mouse.
A photograph of a student looking at a computer screen with a table in front of them. They are holding a pen in one hand while simultaneously resting it on the mouse.
A photograph showing a student wearing headphones whilst working on a computer. The computer screen shows a jacket design on a computer software programme. Behind the screen a glimpse of another student can be seen in the background.
A photograph showing a student wearing headphones whilst working on a computer. The computer screen shows a jacket design on a computer software programme. Behind the screen a glimpse of another student can be seen in the background.
A photograph with a closeup lens featuring three students sat behind computer screens in a vertical row. The first student works is drawing something on the computer using a stylus. The other two students are not in focus in the photograph but are wearing headphones.
A photograph with a closeup lens featuring three students sat behind computer screens in a vertical row. The first student works is drawing something on the computer using a stylus. The other two students are not in focus in the photograph but are wearing headphones.
A photograph of the back of two students working on the computer screens. One is wearing an orange hat. Both screens feature a computer design software programme.
A photograph of the back of two students working on the computer screens. One is wearing an orange hat. Both screens feature a computer design software programme.

The Course

Our BA (Hons) Games Design encompasses the creative and technical aspects of designing interactive and immersive game experiences. It focuses on crafting engaging gameplay elements, creating levels and challenges, and developing compelling narratives.

Games designers collaborate with concept artists, games artists, writers, and musicians to bring their vision to life. They consider player psychology, user experience, and game mechanics, refining their designs based on feedback. Games design utilises specialised software and tools to prototype and visualise game concepts. This course provides a platform to combine creativity and technical expertise and to collaborate with a vibrant community of diverse creatives.

As a specialist arts university, we offer an exceptional education in games design, supported by unmatched resources and expertise. Access state-of-the-art software, advanced hardware, and dedicated studio spaces equipped with industry-standard tools. Benefit from the guidance of experienced industry professionals who provide valuable feedback, ensuring you’re at the forefront of games design practices.

Our Industry Speaker Programme features gaming industry professionals, providing real-world insights and fostering valuable connections for your future career.

We actively encourage you to engage in professional practice opportunities, collaborating with Games Art students and participating in external game development initiatives. Develop networking skills and establish professional contacts within the gaming industry with our support. Studying alongside talented concept artists, games artists, animators, writers, and musicians creates opportunities for exciting collaborations and innovative projects.

Click here to watch a sample lecture from the Course Leader, Alec Chalmers, to get a feel for the course.

BA (Hons) Games Design Instagram

Apply Now

How to apply for our undergraduate courses

The Structure

You’ll delve into the fundamentals of games design, building crucial skills in game mechanics, level design, and storytelling. Through immersive projects and interactive workshops, you will develop a strong grasp of games development principles and master the art of crafting captivating gameplay experiences. Collaborating with fellow artists and designers, you will have the chance to explore game prototypes in both digital and non-digital game development.

Course Facilities

The studios for BA (Hons) Games Design students are outfitted with industry-standard equipment including high-specification PCs capable of running all industry-standard software games used in development such as Unreal Engine/Unity, Maya/Blender and other game authoring software. There is a dedicated booth with hi-spec PCs and VR headsets to explore virtual reality workflows for game art and design purposes. As part of the practice, there will be an archive of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPG) and board games to assist in studying the mechanics of game design.

Students will also have access to a wide range of resources with a drop-in facility so work can be undertaken, provided resource inductions have been completed. This will include digital print, 3D scanning and 3D print resources. They will also have access to bookable sound recording space for any audio development work.

Computer suites house networks of Apple Mac computers featuring regularly updated, industry-standard software for a wide range of creative applications that support all our courses and a purpose-built specialist library that includes special collections of artists’ books, games theory and art books, monthly publications such as game industry/3D magazines, as well as the University archive. Self-service facilities are available throughout, supported by a dedicated and experienced team of library staff.

Video showcase

See more videos on YouTube

Order a prospectus

Order a prospectus here

Career Opportunities

Upon completion of this course, numerous opportunities await as games designers, level designers, narrative designers, gameplay designers, or user experience designers in the games development industry. Your employment prospects extend to related fields like interactive media, board games, serious games, gamification, or experiential design. Graduates may also continue to postgraduate study.

Course News

09 Jan 2024

Student accepted onto games industry bootcamp

Read this article

11 Oct 2023

Leeds Arts University partners with Game Republic

Read this article

11 Oct 2023

Leeds Arts University sponsor Thought Bubble 2023

Read this article

See all University News Articles

Academic Staff

1

/1

Alec Chalmers

BA (Hons) Games Design - Course Leader

Read Alec's Story

Connecting you to creative industries

Industry Opportunities

Image of Industry Opportunities

Explore Industry Opportunities

Creative Networks

Image of Creative Networks

Explore Creative Networks

Industry Speakers

Image of Industry Speakers

Explore Industry Speakers

Applying

How to apply for our undergraduate courses

Undergraduate entry requirements

Undergraduate fees and finance

Information for International Students

Undergraduate Teaching and Learning at Leeds Arts University

Course Specification for BA (Hons) Games Design

Key Information for BA (Hons) Games Design

If you like
BA (Hons) Games Design
why not try...

Join our mailing list