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FAPY100
Stage 1 Placement Preparation 0 credits

This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking a company placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

GAME4001
Design Practice

This module welcomes students to the world of game design through a balance of playful activities and thought-provoking debates. The module explores design practices such as observation, ideation, prototyping and testing, in relation to industry culture and wider social contexts. The module introduces students to practical and creative processes that encourage experimentation and prepare for HE workflows. Through conceptual understanding of artistic practice combined with technical production skills in a range of areas, such as 2D and 3D design, facilitated by industry standard design software and processes.

GAME4002
Interactive Experiences

In this module, students will explore core theories around worldbuilding, narrative design and immersion theory for game design. Students will get hands on experience with popular video games to explore, critique and discuss how narratives and the worlds that are crafted create an immersive experience. Students will also critique how the nature of interaction in games is controlled by designers and developers to control the audience into feeling agency in games, and where frameworks are developed to explore ludo-narrative gameplay. Students will work with wireframing tools and processes to demonstrate their understanding of how narrative structures are developed and designed in games.

GPD4001
Introduction to Game Engines

In this module students will explore the rich history of game engines, from early arcade development to modern multiplatform engines. Students will explore the interfaces in modern engines, understanding the common languages of what’s required in working efficiently, along with analysing the structures of the engines and their render pipelines. Students will also explore how engines work with solo and collaborative development and how to best structure projects for efficient work.

GPD4002
Game Programming

In this module, students will learn core programming principles and structures learning with C++ and Visual Scripting to interface with game engines. Students will learn these skills through practical workshops and tasks that see the creation of a short interactive experience, reviewing and critically assessing how game programming techniques influence good design practices. The skills learnt in this module will act as a launchpad for development skills, allowing students to progress as technical designers.

GPD4003
Game Mechanics Design

Building from core programming skills, in this module students will explore how to develop common game mechanics and systems that are modular, efficient and enable designers to engage with the game engine to tweak and test features. This module will explore the structure of game mechanics design, with exposing variables and features that allow other systems communicate efficiently, using interfaces, messaging tools and events. In order to track development practice, students will learn how to manage and report on development using project management tools and review processes to successfully iterate and refine codebases.

GAME4003
UI Design

In this module, students will explore the concepts behind User Experience Design (UX) and User Interface Design (UI). Students will be given a range of material to explore and critique to understand the application of different design methods, principles and considerations for creating UI for games. Students will iterate on designs, exploring the use of fonts, logos, colours and considerations for different games markets. Students will create a menu system for a hypothetical game that includes the title screen, a pause menu, and a settings menu. This menu system will explore branding and identity, functionality, affordances and feedback, and the wider consideration of accessibility in design.

GAME4004
Sound Design

This module explores the fundamental principles and techniques of sound design specifically for video games. It covers the creation, implementation, and manipulation of audio assets, including sound effects, music, and dialogue, to enhance player experience. Students will learn to utilize industry-standard software and hardware, focusing on real-time audio integration and interactive soundscapes.

GAME5001
Critical Design

Develop your ability to reflect critically on design strategies and explore wider theory that informs game development. You'll apply these insights to your own creative practice and document your learning through a digital journal, supported by media-rich content that captures your evolving design thinking.

GAME5002
Professional Portfolio

Propose and develop a personal project in your chosen area of game design, supported by a dedicated tutor. You'll shape your online portfolio to showcase your work professionally, while learning tools and techniques for time management, regular reviews, and iterative development to keep your creative process on track.

GAME5005
Studio Practice - Challenge Module

Collaborate across digital disciplines to learn professional communication and development processes while creating an immersive experience. Work in teams to design and develop small interactive projects that demonstrate your creative practice, technical skills and professional collaboration.

GPD5001
Mechanics and Systems

Take your game development skills to the next level by building networked systems with modular, replicated mechanics. You'll explore how servers and clients communicate, manage data flow securely, and use editor tools to support designers and artists. Learn how to structure multiplayer-ready projects and work confidently with complex systems in real-world scenarios.

GAME5003
Rigging and Animation

Learn the principles of object and character animation, exploring weight, stretch and diverse styles. You'll experiment with techniques to suit your creative goals and produce a range of animations, while developing the ability to critically analyse animation style, form, and its role in gameplay.

GAME5004
VFX for Games

Explore visual effects pipelines for games, from particles to shaders. Learn how effects work with sound, lighting and mechanics to boost player engagement. Through practical briefs, you'll build a portfolio showcasing efficient workflows and strong visual design skills for real-time experiences.

GAME5006
Scanning and Photogrammetry

Create accurate digital models from real-world data using photogrammetry and 3D scanning. Learn how to capture, process and analyse spatial information to create accurate 3D models. Get hands-on with professional software and hardware, and explore how these techniques are used in archaeology, architecture, engineering, gaming and virtual reality.

GAME5007
Motion Capture

Learn how to run a professional Motion Capture shoot from start to finish. Explore stage setup, team roles and data workflows, then clean and deliver high-quality motion data. Build a portfolio that showcases your skills across the full pipeline, from shoot etiquette to final output, and gain insight into the creative and technical demands of real-world mocap production.

ADA600
Common Dissertation: Critical Practices 20 credits

The module engages students in situating practice through research, contextualisation and critical reflection, in relation to their final stage study and post University aspirations. Programmes can offer: a traditional dissertation; preparation for an extended dissertation; situating existing practice; or the construction of a new body of work as practice-based research.

GAME6001
Game Design

Pitch your game idea, form a team, and build a playable demo in a studio-style environment. Set goals, manage deadlines, and take on real roles in game development. Create a press kit and trailer to promote your project to potential investors, while showcasing your design, teamwork and production skills in a professional portfolio.

GAME6002
Interaction Design

Design and build interactive devices that let audiences engage with digital experiences in new ways. Experiment with custom hardware and game controllers, explore accessibility and fabrication tools, and create a working device that connects to a crafted digital world. Learn how creative tech can transform play, storytelling and user interaction.

GAME6003
Experience Design

Curate and craft interactive installations that go beyond traditional games. Prototype experiences using physical computing and explore creative display techniques like dome projection and projection mapping. Learn to design for engagement and accessibility while experimenting with artistic formats that transform how audiences interact with digital media.

GAME6004
Major Project

Design, develop and refine a self-directed creative project in your chosen specialism. Push boundaries through critical discussion and creative experimentation with support from a supervisor. Showcase your work as part of the degree show, building a major portfolio piece that reflects your skills, vision and professional readiness.

GAME6005
Portfolio and Professional Practice

Develop a professional portfolio for creative industry applications, supported by feedback from industry professionals. Create promotional materials to showcase your work from across your degree at a final exhibition, gaining experience in curating, organising and displaying your work, while learning key event management skills with partners and stakeholders.