Game Design — BA (Hons) (Top Up Year)

This is a one-year top-up from the HND Game Development, utilising a range of specialist modules. Contextual and critical studies will inform and underpin the your design development and design principles. Professional modules will enable you to develop time management and organisational skills in game/level creation. Level 6 is focused on skills and portfolio creation to prepare you for either employment or self-employment.

The early stages of the programme will embed advanced 3D modelling, level design, particle effects, in-game interaction and analytical skills into the delivery strategy, with theoretical exploration underpinning all technical elements, preparing students for the self-directed final project.

As it is anticipated that a large proportion of graduating students will obtain work in the freelance or self-employment areas, there is a strong emphasis on supporting business and professional skills through the entrepreneur society. You'll gain first-hand experience of what it takes to design successful game content and graduate with a portfolio demonstrating technical skill and creative talent.

The aim of this award is to produce graduates who have the specific skills to work in the games industry as Computer Games designers (orientating around 3D Modellers and Level Designers). The skills gained will allow youto work in an environment ranging from creating 3D models to creating industry-standard game/level designs and documentation.

Skills and Knowledge Developed: The programme covers games design, level design, platforms and technologies, content production, testing, usability and playability, and games production. It provides a broad study of games, with an emphasis on innovation, design and creativity rather than the programming and technical aspects. The focus is employment and marketplace-driven projects, with regular critique sessions with your peers and members of the games team. In addition, our staff include industry experts who know exactly what is required for a career in games design.

A key feature of the programme is work experience and work-related learning, to ensure our students are adequately prepared for employment. Although work experience is integral to the course, a dedicated work placement module has not been allocated, as it is impractical to suggest that all students will be able to secure work placements at the same time, and for the same number of hours during the year. Alternatively, you'll have the opportunity to integrate your work experience with any of the modules during the first, second and third year, and for this reason the assignment briefs connected to each module will be open to interpretation and are not prescriptive. This will also enable the student to pursue a more creative outcome of their choice, whilst not being limited by prescriptive parameters of an assignment brief.

The course will equip you with knowledge, understanding and skills for success in a range of 3D modelling and level design, as well as providing opportunities for you to develop a range of skills, techniques and attributes essential for successful performance in working life - whether working with AAA titles or through small indie development teams within Liverpool.

The programme handbook for this course is available to applicants online:

BA Games Design Top Up Programme Handbook (19-20)

Qualifications

Throughout the year, there is opportunity for learners to attain a level of professional practice, with strong links to the games industries and the ability to release their own assets through Steam and Unreal Engine marketplace. The Game Design degree programme will facilitate industry- related briefs and real scenarios that provide an opportunity for students to acquire professional work ethics, time planning skills and working within a creative environment. Learning is supported through a series of contextual modules as well as trips - including London, Paris Games Week and the Eurogamer Expo.

Our facilities include dedicated games rooms including i7 PCs installed with current games development environments, state-of-the-art 3D graphics cards, Unreal Engine 4, Autodesk Maya, ensuring you have access to the tools needed to create a high quality portfolio of work ready to impress potential employers.

Student Benefits

Academy Bakery

The Academy Bakery is located on the Duke Street campus, producing a range of first class baked goods daily. These include artisan breads, patisserie and biscuits, as well as special occasion/novelty cakes by award-winning master-bakers. Students are offered a range of discounts throughout the year.

The Academy Bakery

Academy Hair and Beauty Salons

Duke Street is also home to The Academy Hair and Beauty salons. They offer generous student discounts on a wide range of hair and beauty treatments, at a fraction of high-street prices. These include styling, cutting, perming, highlights, facials, manicures, electrolysis and traditional and homeopathic massage.

The Academy Salons

Academy Restaurant

Duke Street campus is also home to the College’s Academy Restaurant. Often referred to by it’s customers as Liverpool’s hidden gem, the restaurant serves top class cuisine, at highly competitive prices. Food is expertly prepared by professional chef/tutors and young chefs in training and offers students a range of discounts at different times of the year.

The Academy Restaurant

Microsoft Office 365 - Free

When you become a student of the College you’ll receive full access to Microsoft Office 365. This allows you to install the software on your own computer and other devices at home, completely free of charge.

Onsite Sports Facilities/Fitness Suite

The college has excellent sports and fitness facilities at its Roscoe Street campus. Students pay a one-off membership fee for all year round usage of weekly supervised gym sessions, as well as access to a number of sporting clubs and events.