Game and Level Design BA Honours

In year one, you will play and critically analyse games together in class using both digital and table top games. You will then use the critical language they develop to communicate their own designs through writing, diagramming, prototyping, and playtesting.

In year two, you will develop prototyping and design communication skills through a variety of industry-facing briefs and projects individually and in small groups, including collaborating with students on other degrees.

This module is designed to:

• Develop critical skills by examining a range of topics associated with games culture
• Teach you how to assess the construction of games produced for non-entertainment contexts
• Enable you to devise gameplay and mechanics for non-entertainment contexts.

This module will introduce you to:  

• Principles of environmental storytelling and architectural level layout and design to your own design  
• Narrative structures to critically frame the design of game worlds and individual levels   
• Making game prototypes using both environmental and other storytelling techniques. 

Your final year is where you can develop and specialise your skills even further and showcase your mastery with a significant project. You will produce a complete level environment using your advanced level design knowledge. You will develop your portfolio using updated project work from over your three years of study and undertake an industry-focused project, which may be the result of an internship, a live industry brief or a negotiated topic.

This module will provide you with: ·

• Understanding of storytelling in new mediums related to games, including XR.
• The ability to articulate the challenges of creating coherent virtual architectural spaces for to suit mechanics and gameplay &
• An appreciation and experience developing coherent spatial and environmental worldbuilding using environment, text, voiceover and sound
• Understanding of emergent and non-linear narrative and challenges in spatialized games particularly XR.

• Understand the processes needed to run a professional project and to demonstrate industry ready skills
• Critically evaluate project work within the context of theory, history and existing practice in the field to and effectively communicate outcomes
• Communicate ideas, challenges and solutions in the field of study to demonstrate independent, responsible practices
• Apply academic reading and analysis to areas of Games Design research to inform project work
• Use appropriate social research methods with an understanding of the ethical requirements of undertaking user research.

• Develop an awareness of professional games development workplace environments and the current recruitment process
• Manage your professional development portfolio to help with career planning
• Demonstrate a body of work in games design and development
• Work independently to make decisions in dynamic professional contexts.

Our teaching methods emphasize hands-on learning, collaborative work, and real-world applications, giving you the best preparation for your career in the gaming industry.

• Experienced Faculty: Learn from an expert team with a wealth of professional experience across the gaming industry.
• Project-Based Learning: Engage in project-based workshops and seminars where you’ll develop ideas, create prototypes, and work collaboratively with peers.
• Interactive Storytelling: Focus on interactive storytelling and design, with opportunities to create both digital and physical game prototypes.
• Collaborative Experience: Collaborate with students from related fields such as 3D animation, art and design, and computing, gaining real-world teamwork experience.
• Playtesting & Feedback: Develop your work through playtesting and refine your designs through critical discussions with tutors and peers.
• Industry-Relevant Skills: Gain insights into professional workflows and learn the language of game design through project work and seminars.

These diverse teaching methods will help you build the technical, creative, and problem-solving skills essential for making your mark in the fast-evolving world of gaming.

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and exams.

Teaching vs independent learning

Here is an indication of how you will split your time:

Year 1

During your first year, your weekly timetable will typically consist of:

• 6 hours workshops and 6 hours seminars across 2 days.

Year 2

Year 3

Our excellent teaching and support teams will help you develop your skills, from research and practical skills to critical thinking. Our Sheppard Library is open from 7am to 11pm Monday to Sunday during term time. And we offer free 24-hour laptop loans with full desktop software, free printing and Wi-Fi to use on or off campus.

You will be assessed through practical production work including sample scripts and playable prototypes, videos of both playthroughs and design breakdowns, game planning reports, reflective reports, as well as critical essays. 

To help you achieve the best results, we will provide regular feedback.