Futureworks has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
Can you see yourself forging a successful career in games design, working on the latest blockbuster from Sony, Warner Brothers or TT Games? That’s what some of our previous graduates have achieved. But to reach those heights, you’ll need to be obsessed with games and the related technologies. You’ll need a passion for building worlds and be fascinated by the way we interact with games. You’ll also have at least one game idea that you’re convinced will change the world. This course will prepare you for a life in games design and along the way, you'll cover every aspect of this fascinating industry. We examine the principles and theory of game design, world building, structure and gameplay, while providing hands on technical skills that will take you through every stage of games design. This year, the main activities within the programme will take place within a classroom/studio/online setting. This will allow you and the staff to develop a mature and informative relationship concerning your study. Not only is this a supportive and welcoming environment but it mimics the professional arena where you will be expected to organise your working patterns based upon set goals. It is important to note that this is not a distance learning / online course. Online activity will be a part of the course in addition to onsite studios and labs as it is an important transferable skill you will need in industry. You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of games - from idea generation and game mechanics, to programming and the use of game engines, such as Unreal Engine.
Modules
HE Level 4 (Year 1): Introduction to Games Design (40 credits) Creative Thinking (40 credits) Design: Culture and Society 1 (20 credits) Introduction to 3D Modelling (20 credits) HE Level 5 (Year 2): 3D Modelling (40 credits) Game Development (40 credits) Design: Culture and Society 2 (20 credits) Games Specialism (20 credits) HE Level 6 (Year 3): Game Proposal (60 credits) Honours Project (60 credits)
Assessment method
We want to do everything we can to prepare you for working within the creative industries, and this is reflected in the way we teach and assess you. The course is mostly coursework based, which means your tutors will be able to give you constant, constructive feedback. Presentation techniques will give you valuable experience of how to present your thoughts and ideas successfully and enthusiastically, so you are better at selling your ideas to prospective employers. The written work is an important part of assessment and will improve your communication skills. A combination of lectures, tutorials, peer reviews, discussions and observations will ensure that you’re industry ready. External trips will present you with a wider range of topics and the opportunity to expand your portfolio, whilst guest speakers will help you to understand the world of games, how it works and how you can make your mark on it.
How to apply
31Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- WG24
- Institution code:
- F98
- Campus name:
- Futureworks (Manchester)
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
International applicants
We are able to accept applications from students requiring a Student visa. An administration fee of £1500 will be charged on application for applicants who require a Student Visa.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 104 - 120 points
A level - BCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
https://futureworks.ac.uk/study/school-of-art-and-design/ba-hons-games-design/admissions/
Additional entry requirements
Interview
Interviewer - Anna Whitehead (Programme Leader) If your application is successful, you will be invited to an interview where you will have the opportunity to talk about your work, influences and interests. Ideal applicants will have a keen interest in art, design, and video games. You are welcome to bring any relevant examples of work with you, if you have them.
Portfolio
You will need to provide a digital portfolio. This could be a link to a website or a PDF document with images of your work. Personal projects are also of interest. You might send through some art/modelling, gameplay gifs, or links to gameplay videos. Any supporting documents such as assignments, research, or modelling inspirations will also be helpful. It's not essential that you've studied games/software already, but if you have had the opportunity, then we'd love to see your work. If you haven't had an opportunity to study game design, then an example of your current school/college work will be ok.
English language requirements
GCSE level 4 & above or equivalent
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
| EU | £17000 | Year 1 |
| International | £17000 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
An administration fee of £1500 will be charged on application for applicants who require a Student Visa.
Provider information
Futureworks
Riverside
New Bailey Street
Manchester
M3 5FS