FdA Game Development

Full-time students can typically expect around 12 hours per week of scheduled class time, although this may vary depending on the number of modules studied. Most learning takes place face-to-face in classrooms, with some opportunities for blended learning; however, blended learning is not guaranteed.

Types of Contact Hours:

• Lectures: Deliver theoretical knowledge and introduce foundational concepts.
• Demonstrations: Showcase practical applications of emerging technologies in game development.
• Practical Exercises and Projects: Provide hands-on experience in game art, animation, design, and audio.
• Critiques and Feedback: Offer constructive evaluation of student work to support continuous improvement.

Self-Study Expectations

Students are expected to undertake significant independent study alongside scheduled contact hours, typically 20–24 hours per week, including reading, research, project development, and assessment preparation.

This course includes the following core modules that all students complete:

Level 4

In the first year of the programme, students will delve into the core concepts and principles of game development. They will have the opportunity to explore four specialisms – game design, game art, and game animation and sound for games– through introductory modules as well as learning about the industry as a whole and the history of the games sector.

Games Industries (20 Credits) (GDEV401): This subject provides an in-depth exploration of the games industry, including its structure, business models, marketing strategies, and emerging trends. Students will gain insights into the different roles and career pathways within the industry.

Contextual Game Studies (20 Credits) (GDEV402): This module explores the evolution of video games, from their early beginnings to the present day. Students will analyse significant milestones, influential games, and the cultural impacts of gaming.

Game Design Fundamentals (20 Credits) (GDEV403): This module provides an overview of game design principles, mechanics, and storytelling techniques. Students will learn how to conceptualize and develop game ideas and utilise cutting edge game engines to create playable prototypes.

3D Game Art Fundamentals (20 Credits) (GDEV404):  This module introduces students to the fundamental principles of game art, including 2D and 3D art creation, environment art, and asset integration. Students will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and software.

Game Animation Fundamentals (20 Credits) (GDEV405): This module covers the basics of 3D game animation, including the principles of 3D animation, rigging, character movement, and animating objects. Students will develop essential skills in creating dynamic and believable animations for games.

Audio Fundamentals (20 Credits) (GDEV406): The module is designed to reflect the importance of recording, editing, mixing and implementation within the game audio production process by equipping the student with both the theoretical knowledge and the core operational skills required to work successfully in a modern recording environment.

Occasional changes to modules and course content may take place. Students will be notified when applicable (pathway availability is dependent on student cohorts and not all pathways may be available).

Level 5

Throughout Level 5 students will build upon their creative, technical, and contextual knowledge and skills to begin applying these to more complex and professionally oriented outcomes.

Students will have the opportunity to study a specific pathway of modules focused on their chosen area of specialism or focus on a more diverse route and choose from a variety of modules to create a more rounded skillset. This allows students to tailor their skillset towards AAA, AA or Indie Development depending on their preferences.

Core Modules

• Emerging Technologies (GDEV501) (20 Credits)
• Collaborative Game Project (GDEV502) (40 Credits)

Game Design Pathway

• Level Design (GDEV503) (20 Credits)
• Rapid Prototyping (GDEV504) (20 Credits)
• Player-Centric Design (GDEV505) (20 Credits)

3D Game Art Pathway

• Advanced 3D Modelling (GDEV506) (20 Credits)
• Specialist Game Art (GDEV507) (20 Credits)
• Material Synthesis (GDEV508) (20 Credits)

Game Animation Pathway

• Pre-Production and Project Management (GDEV509) (20 Credits)
• Specialist Animation Project (GDEV510) (20 Credits)
• Game Animation (GDEV511) (20 Credits)

Game Audio Pathway

• Game Audio Implementation (GDEV512) (20 Credits)
• Audio Recording and Editing (GDEV513) (20 Credits)
• Sound Design and Effects (GDEV514) (20 Credits)

Occasional changes to modules and course content may take place. Students will be notified when applicable (pathway availability is dependent on student cohorts and not all pathways may be available).