Why choose this course
- Team-based and solo industry-focused assignments
- Specialise in a chosen area such as game art, design or animation
- Produce a polished game or game-related product in your major project
- Portfolio development, interview techniques and a game jam
- Leads to roles such as quality assurance tester, games designer, games artist
Overview
The BA (Hons) Game Development (Top-Up) course provides students with the unique opportunity to earn a degree in this dynamic field after successfully completing a Level 5 qualification in a relevant area. This programme emphasises project-based learning, focusing on practical assignments and industry-standard workflows.
Read the full overview
Students will engage in a variety of industry-focused assignments, including both team-based and solo projects. The primary aim is to develop a compelling and diverse portfolio, ready for professional interviews upon graduation.
The course is designed to allow a wide range of specialisms in a chosen area of Game Development (e.g Game Art, Game Design, Game Animation), with modules designed to align practical project work with individual career aspirations.
Our classrooms and studios are equipped with industry-standard hardware and software to ensure you have all you need to complete your work to the highest standards.
We are also proud to be a Game Republic Academic Partner and an Unreal Academic Partner.
What you’ll study
4 modules
Modules
Major Project Proposal
This module focuses on developing a detailed proposal for your final major project. You will research, plan, and outline the scope, objectives, and methodologies to be used in your major project. Emphasis is placed on identifying potential challenges and formulating strategies to address them.Collaborative Project
In this module, you will work as part of a team to develop a game or game-related project. This collaborative effort will simulate real-world industry practices, emphasising teamwork, communication, and project management skills. You will learn to integrate different disciplines and roles within the game development process.Major Project
Building on your proposal, this module involves the execution and completion of your major project. You will apply your technical and creative skills to produce a polished game or game-related product, demonstrating your ability to manage a substantial project from conception to delivery. Critical self-evaluation and iterative development processes will be key components.Professional Practice
This module prepares you for a career in the game development industry. You will learn about industry standards, ethical considerations, and professional conduct. The module includes portfolio development, resume writing, and interview techniques, as well as participation in a game jam to gain practical experience and enhance your collaborative skills.
Occasional changes to modules and course content may take place. Students will be notified when applicable.
How you’ll learn
You’ll learn through lectures, seminars and workshops, with independent study in between.
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Practical and lab sessions
- Studio time
- One-to-one tutorials
- Group projects
- Independent study
Read more about how you’ll learn
Full-time students will receive between 12 hours and 16 hours of teaching time per week throughout this course, depending on the modules being taken. Additional one-to-one meetings with tutors will provide further support.
Students are expected to undertake significant independent study alongside scheduled contact hours. This includes reading, research, project development, and preparation for assessments. A typical full-time student should plan for approximately 24 hours of self-directed study per week to complement classroom learning.
Meet us at an open event.
What you need and where it leads
- Entry requirements
- This course Level 6
- Further study
Entry requirements
Don’t have the standard qualifications? You may still be able to apply.
Completion of level 5 in a relevant subject area and/or Portfolio Review
Completion of level 5 in a relevant subject area and/or Portfolio Review
Applications will also be considered by individuals demonstrating recent and relevant industrial experience.
Taken a different path?
We are committed to creating educational opportunities for people from a variety of backgrounds and situations. If students have been out of formal education for some time, and/or do not have the qualifications stated, we might still be able to consider their application and offer a range of support.
Careers it can lead to
- Graphic and Multimedia Designers £26,400 a year
- Programmers and Software Development Professionals £46,600 a year
- Artists £35,100 a year
- IT Quality and Testing Professionals £38,800 a year
See all 9 careers
- Design Occupations £32,400 a year
- Teaching Professionals £18.01 an hour
- Glass and Ceramics Makers, Decorators and Finishers £27,100 a year
- Quality Assurance Technicians £38,600 a year
With further study or experience
- Managers and Directors in the Creative Industries £50,800 a year
Job titles to look out for: Quality assurance tester, Games designer, Games development tutor, Games artist.
Read more about careers and progression
This course is particularly relevant to people already working in or looking to develop a career within the Creative media industries specifically around Games Development although skills taught across your time on the course can be transferred across a range of industries.
This course provides a range of skills relevant across a variety of different professions.
If you wish to continue studying beyond this course, it will provide you with a strong academic basis to do so. Course progression routes could include Masters level courses in games art, game design or animation or PGCE/PGCHE courses.
Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).
Our partnerships
Student Work
Fees and funding
£8,190
a year for UK students
Financial support
UK students can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of their course and a maintenance loan to cover living costs.
We also have a range of other financial support available.
Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE)
If your course starts on or after 1 January 2027, you may need to apply for student finance through the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE). It’s loan funding you could use across your working life, and applications are now open.
- Applications for the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) are now open
- Student finance if your course starts on or after 1 January 2027
- How much LLE you could get
Find out more on our Lifelong Learning Entitlement page.
Additional costs
Your Tuition fees cover most costs associated with your course (including registration, tuition, and assessment.)
There may be some extra costs that you might need to make, or choose to pay, for example:
- Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the HE library, but you may want to buy your own copies)
- Printing and photocopying
- Trips and enhancement opportunities
- Specialist Game Development software e.g. Zbrush
- Specialist laptop/PC for working at home (recommended although not required)
- Basic Drawing equipment (sketchbooks, stationary, etc)
If your course includes a work placement, you may be required to pay for a Basic or Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Questions about funding?
Your next step
Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.
What happens after you apply
1
You apply
UCAS gives you an applicant ID to track your application. Apply direct and we’ll reply by email.
2
You hear back
Responses usually arrive between November and May: an unconditional offer, a conditional offer, or an unsuccessful application.
3
You get ready to start
Before you enrol we’ll need photo ID and copies of your certificates. Apply for Student Finance early.