David Nicholls
Senior Lecturer in Games Programming
level:UG;top_up:false;international:true;foundation:true;clearing:false;full_time:true;part_time:false;start_month:September;location:Waterside
Games Design BA (Hons)
Key Facts
-
UCAS Code
BA: I620
BA with Foundation: I622 -
Duration
Full Time: 3 years
Full Time Foundation: 4 years
-
BCC at A-Level or,
DMM at BTEC -
Full Time: £9,535
Integrated Foundation Year: £9,535
Updated 30/10/2025
Updated 30/10/2025
Get in touch
UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
Overview
Our BA Games Design degree has been created to give you the opportunity to develop the skills required to design and build games for multiple platforms. Unlike other game design university courses, our programme encourages you to explore what the market is looking for and build solutions which meet the market’s needs for the next big game. The objective of the programme is to give you the opportunity to gain the experiences needed to start your professional journey after graduation.
Highlights
- Get experience in the whole process of game design
- Learn from people with professional games design/development experience
- Previous students have had work published in leading magazines, appeared on TV, exhibited at major gaming events, and entered national/international Game Jam Competitions
- Guaranteed paid internship with the Northampton Employment Promise
- HP Laptop and software included with this Games Design course. Terms and Conditions apply.
Student using a virtual reality headset, as part of their class work during Animation or Games.
Class session, where academic is teaching class about animations with a visual demonstration.
Example of the computer suites for Game and Animation courses.
Entry Requirements
A typical offer for this BA Games Design degree could be:
- BCC at A-Level or,
- DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or,
- Pass (C and above) at T Level
You will be expected to have achieved GCSE Mathematics (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above. The University of Northampton welcomes international applicants and applications from students with a range of non-traditional educational or professional qualifications.
We welcome applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications.
The University of Northampton now offers on a range of our courses an alternative route to study. The integrated foundation year (IFY). Admission to this foundation course is normally:
- DEE at A Level or,
- MPP at BTEC or,
- Pass (D or E) at T Level
However, we would also like to hear from you if you have professional or industry experience instead, a range of other qualifications or self-developed subject knowledge that relates to the course you wish to study.
Those who do not have English as their first language will need to demonstrate that they meet the minimum English language requirements.
- IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
for study at undergraduate level
For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.
For information on how to apply to study with us as an International student, please see our How to apply for International Study page.
What You'll Learn
On our comprehensive Games Design BA (Hons) degree programme, you will be taught in a way that encourages creativity and gives you the opportunity to learn from those with industry experience.
Through a series of practical modules, you will be given the chance to explore the theory of game design through to the development of quality prototypes for mobile, PC, and console.
Through our games design course, students have had work published in leading magazines, appeared on TV, exhibited at major gaming events, and have entered national/international Game Jam Competitions.
Compulsory Modules
This module introduces students to group working practices within the context of a computer game development project. The module encourages the development of key interpersonal skills needed for collaborative work, such as communication, problem solving, respect and consideration of others, and identifying roles and responsibilities within a multidisciplinary group project.
This module introduces students to the key programming principles necessary to develop computer games through scripting. Students will apply these within the context of a game engine, exploring the development and application of algorithms, real-time assets, data management and interactivity within computer games.
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the principles and technical skills used to create 2D digital graphics for video games and other creative industries, and to explore the creative processes required to produce their own digital assets to professional standards.
In this module, students use level design principles within game engines to produce interactive game prototypesStudents learn the technical skills required to create effective white box designs for game levels, appreciating the importance of level design in the production pipeline.
This module introduces students to the technical 3D modelling skills and creative processes required to produce 3D models for game prototypes. Students develop their visual research and texturing skill set to produce bespoke assets which respond to market trends and audience requirements.
This module introduces students to the principles and technical skills required to create interactive and intuitive user-interfaces (UI) for computer games. Students will use industry-standard 2D software to produce UI graphics. This will involve using shape language, colour theory and composition in the context of visual design for screen-based formats.
Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 25/26. The modules relating to the academic year 26/27 will be available from June 2026.
At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.
If you join this full time Games Design degree, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.
Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your gaming design course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.
To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.
*UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).
The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a Games Design university course, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.
If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need to successfully progress to the full award.
The University of Northampton’s four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.
How will I be taught on the Games Design BA degree?
All of the teaching and learning materials that you will need will be available on NILE, our Virtual Learning Environment. Most of the software you will be using on this game development course is free to download (except for ZBrush and Substance).
Key topics that will be covered include:
- Narrative theory
- UX/UI
- Introduction to Programming
- 2D & 3D Skills
- Engine Development
- Design Management
- Professional Practice
Are there any specialist facilities and features on the Games Design course?
- Based at the University’s brand new state of the art campus, Waterside, BA Games Design students will be using some of the most up-to-date games development software like that of Substance, Unity6, UE5, Z Brush, 3DS Max, and the Adobe Creative Suite.
- The University of Northampton is an academic partner of Unreal Engine, this means we are an official training site for UE4.
What training do I need to become a games designer?
Skills development and building a strong portfolio of game designs are the main things you will need to become a professional games designer. Whilst it is not always mandatory for employers that you have a degree to become a game designer, employers require portfolios of work. Having a BA in games design will showcase your skills, passion and knowledge and allow you to develop a portfolio whilst exploring different specialisms.
Fees and Funding
2025/26 Tuition Fees
- UK – Full Time: £9,535
- UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,535
- International – Full Time: £15,700
- International – Integrated Foundation Year: £15,700
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 2025/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years. UON will adjust UK fees annually in line with Government Policy.
Currently the only extra cost for this course is:
- EGX convention: £20 (annually)
For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.
For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.
Fees quoted relate to study Games Design in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
- UK – Full Time: £9,250
- UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250
- International – Full Time: £15,200
- International – Integrated Foundation Year: £15,200
Staff
Daniel McCaul
Senior Lecturer in Games Art
Andrew Debus
Senior Lecturer in Games Design
Lewis Sanderson
Senior Lecturer in Computer Games Development
Joe Casey
Lecturer in Games Design
Careers and Employability
Games development is a sector that has a range of different roles. Through studying a Games Design BA you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to have a successful career within the game development and programming industry.
You could become a game designer, level designer, game programmer, animator, games artist, UX designer and more.
Getting a degree also opens up pathways to further study.
