Game Design — BA (Hons) (Top Up Year)

Course information

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 students' design development and design principles. Professional modules will enable them to develop time management and organisational skills in game/level creation. Level 6 is focused on skills and portfolio creation to prepare students 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. Students will 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 students to 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, students will have the opportunity to integrate their 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 individuals with knowledge, understanding and skills for success in a range of 3D modelling and level design, as well as providing opportunities for learners 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)

Course validated by The Open University.

Qualifications

BA Honours Degree in Game Design

This course leads to...

This programme produces graduates skilled in a broad range of specialist areas and progression is through direct entry into the industry or through further study at post graduate level.

Entry Requirements

• GCSE English Language at grade C or above, or equivalent
• HND Game Design or equivalent
• Portfolio of work

We also welcome applications from those with relevant experience in lieu of the minimum entry requirements.

All applicants will be given the opportunity to attend an interview. Alternatively, if you are unable to attend or are overseas, we will view your work online.

Applicants should hold a total UCAS Tariff points score from relevant qualifications of at least 96 points.

Why study with us?

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.

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Further Information...

Need more information or can’t find the course you’re looking for? We can book you in to speak with our dedicated Advice & Guidance team about your options at The City of Liverpool College. With hundreds of courses and flexible learning, we’re sure to have something to meet your needs.


You can contact us online via applications@liv-coll.ac.uk or call us at any point on 0151 252 3000 with any queries you may have – we’re here to help.
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