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BA (Hons) Game Development (Top-Up)

Top up a relevant qualification to a degree in game development, with project-based learning that builds a portfolio ready for professional interviews.

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Why choose this course

  1. Team-based and solo industry-focused assignments
  2. Specialise in a chosen area such as game art, design or animation
  3. Produce a polished game or game-related product in your major project
  4. Portfolio development, interview techniques and a game jam
  5. 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

  1. 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.

Next: Tuesday 5 January 2027, 4:30pm to 6:30pm

Book an open event

Where it can take you

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.

People who have completed this course have gone on to work in areas including:

  • Quality assurance tester
  • Games designer
  • Games development tutor
  • Games artist
Read more about careers and progression

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.

Found where you fit?

Our partnerships

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.

Ask a question

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.

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?

Also at our other colleges

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Your next step

Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.

Ready to apply?

Applying to more than one university? Apply through UCAS. Only applying to us? Apply direct.

Want to visit first?

Open Event – 5th January 2027Tuesday 5 January 2027, 4:30pm to 6:30pm

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.

Read our full guide to applying

Quick reference for careers advisers

Level

Level 6

Duration

1 year

Study mode

Full-time

Awarding body

University of Hull

UCAS code

W6TU

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