Undergraduate course
BSc (Hons)
Game Production and Design
Dive into technical design, game mechanics and production. Learn from industry experts, work in dedicated games labs and build real games from concept to launch – alongside a community of future game creators.
Our typical offer
104 UCAS points
Make your own games from day one
Learn coding skills in C++ and Visual Scripting – and bring your game ideas to life with hands-on, creative projects.
Build games as a team, like the professionals
Collaborate with artists and designers in a studio-style environment, developing the teamwork and communication skills the industry demands.
Shape the future of gaming
Customise your degree with modules like UI, VFX and mocap – and get future-ready with tech-driven, industry-led training built for tomorrow’s careers.
About
If you love coding and designing interactive gameplay, this is where it all comes together. You'll master programming, prototyping and game mechanics – bringing your ideas to life through C++ and scripting. Graduates go on to work at top companies like EA Games, Rocksteady and Criterion Games.
Mr Joel Hodges
Lecturer in Game Arts & Design
10 January 2026, 09:00–15:00
Come along to our Creative Futures taster day
Experience a day of creative workshops, inspiring talks, campus tours, portfolio advice, exhibits, games, and pop-up shops with °µÍø½âÃÜ students, alumni, and staff.
Whether you want to kickstart your future in the creative industries, or just enjoy embracing all things creative, we can’t wait to welcome you.
This course is for you if...
you’re into both the creative and technical sides of making games
you want to turn game ideas into real, playable experiences – from concept to launch
you love working with others and want to be part of a team that innovates
you’re aiming for a career in game design, production or tech – and want to learn by doing, not by sitting exams
Details
Year 1
Learn to design, build and code games from concept to prototype. Explore game engines, C++ programming, gameplay systems and narrative design – while collaborating in studio-style projects. Optional modules in UI or Sound Design let you tailor your path. Prepare early for industry with dedicated placement support.
Core modules
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.
GAME4005
Design Practice
Explore board game design through playful experimentation, collaboration, and ethical thinking. You'll develop mechanics, themes, and narrative tone to shape inclusive player experiences. Workshops support prototyping, visual research, and video production, helping you build creative confidence through reflective practice.
GAME4006
Interactive Experience
Explore how storytelling and gameplay work together to shape player experience. Learn how worldbuilding and narrative choices guide interaction and build immersion. Use wireframing tools to prototype interactive stories, and experiment with how design, mechanics, and narrative combine to create meaningful, player-driven experiences.
GPD4004
Introduction to Game Engines
Discover how game engines evolved from arcade origins to today’s powerful platforms. Learn to navigate engine interfaces, understand render pipelines, and analyse core structures for efficient development. Explore solo and team workflows, and gain practical insight into how to plan, structure, and deliver game projects using industry-standard tools and practices.
GPD4005
Game Programming
Learn core programming skills using C++ and Visual Scripting to bring interactive experiences to life in game engines. Build a short playable project through hands-on workshops, and discover how smart coding choices shape great design. Develop a strong foundation for technical design roles by combining creativity with practical programming insight.
GPD4006
Game Mechanics Design
Build your programming skills to develop modular game systems that support designer interaction. Learn how to expose variables, use interfaces, messaging tools, and events to connect systems. Track your progress with project tools, collaborate effectively, and refine your code through testing and feedback, developing clean, efficient solutions for real-world game development.
Optional modules
GAME4007
UI Design
Discover the art of UX and UI design for games by analysing real-world examples and experimenting with fonts, colours, and logos. You'll explore how design shapes identity and accessibility, then apply your skills to build a complete game menu system that balances style, usability, and player experience through iterative design.
GAME4008
Sound Design
Explore the principles of sound design for games by creating and manipulating effects, music, and dialogue to enhance player experience. You'll use industry-standard tools to build dynamic soundscapes and learn how audio integrates into gameplay to shape mood, immersion, and interaction.
Year 2
Advance your technical and creative skills with a focus on gameplay systems, multiplayer mechanics and professional practice. Build a standout portfolio, collaborate across disciplines and take on real-world design challenges aligned with global issues. Optional modules let you specialise in areas like VFX, animation, motion capture or 3D scanning – tailoring your experience to your career goals.
Core modules
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
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.
Optional modules
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.
Year 3
Bring everything together in your final year with a major self-directed project, a professional portfolio and a critical research piece. You’ll work independently and in teams to create industry-ready games and experiences, while exploring cutting-edge areas like alternative controllers, interactive installations or experience design. Optional modules let you pitch and develop original games, design innovative hardware or create immersive digital exhibitions – preparing you for creative careers or further study.
Which games degree is right for you?
Choosing the right course is the first step toward your future in the dynamic world of gaming.
Whether you're passionate about creating stunning visuals, crafting immersive gameplay experiences or building the next generation of game engines, there's a degree for you.
Perfect for creative minds who want to design the visual world of games. Focus on 3D modelling, 2D art, animation and level design. Get hands-on with industry-standard tools and bring art to life.
Ideal for those who love to code and design interactive gameplay. Master programming, prototyping and game mechanics design. Bring your ideas to life through programming in C++ and scripting.
For the tech-minded who want to dive deep into computer science with a game-focused twist. Develop game engines, artificial intelligence and programming tools. Build a solid foundation in software engineering principles.
The recognises institutions committed to providing high-quality educational experiences through knowledgeable faculty and proven curricula.
Our Senior Technician Andrew Banks has also been awarded a Silver Status as an Unreal Authorised Trainer.
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.
Experience
Real-world, relevant and expert-led
Endless possibilities
Exciting events run through the year in the games area, with our regular Doodle Club to relax and practise illustration skills and a Game Jam to kick off each semester to test your skills. Or unwind with our Games Club to play through and review your favourite games.
Learn from the experts
Taught by industry experts with a focus on preparing you for a career in the games industry. We teach everything from the ground up in a practical, project-based way, developing and pushing your art and coding skills regardless of your prior knowledge.
Gaming expos and festivals
Amazing national and international field trips to gaming expos and festivals. Previously we've met with professionals from top games studios at EGX Rezzed in London and explored immersive gameplay in Amsterdam.
The University gives us access to everything we could need to create games. We have full-blown drawing platform suites, we have a visual dome so we can do 3D Dome experiences, motion caption software, recordings booths, everything we need to build every single section of game design interactive experiences XR and VR.
Glen, BA (Hons) Game Arts and Design graduate
The lecturers are all incredible; they have such clear enthusiasm for the course and are so friendly, and there’s never any worry about having to approach them about any issues/worries being faced on the course.
The facilities are really nice and accessible; since we use a lot of specialist software that can’t be accessed on standard computers, we have access to some really incredible computer labs.
Esther, BA (Hons) Game Arts and Design graduate
When it comes to networking during our course, they've brought in a lot of people from different areas of the industry. You can get involved with research and you can get involved with other projects outside of the University.
Glen, BA (Hons) Game Arts and Design graduate
Learn from experts in their field
Learn from expert coders, artists, designers and creative technologists working at the cutting edge of games, VR, robotics, sound and interactive media. Our hands-on, project-based approach builds your coding and creative skills from the ground up – no experience needed. We’ll equip you for a fast-changing digital world, where creativity and critical thinking is always in demand.
Mr Joel Hodges
Lecturer in Game Arts & Design
Dr Rafael Arrivabene
Lecturer in Game and Experience Design
Dr Lauren Hayhurst
Lecturer in Narrative Design
Life in °µÍø½âÃÜ
°µÍø½âÃÜ's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Jenna
Current student
Current student
Life in the city
Discover what °µÍø½âÃÜ and its unique geographical location have to offer
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene
Careers
Our graduates work at top companies like Facebook, Pixar and EA – or thrive as indie developers and start-up founders. With 2,000+ game studios in the UK, you can build a career close to home in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.
Your BSc (Hons) Game Production and Design degree opens doors to roles like game artist, coder, designer or producer – and builds skills valued across tech and creative sectors. Optional paid placements with studios like Criterion Games give you real-world experience and industry connections.
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
I knew it would be really rewarding to experience working as a designer for a team of over a hundred people and to learn from industry veterans, and that a placement would boost my understanding of the game development industry. Looking back on it now, I can safely say it did!
Graduate Leah on her industry placement with EA Games
The placement made me better at productivity and time keeping – at my placement and my current job we had to time our work so that it could be charged correctly; it’s something that I know some people in the industry struggle with, but thanks to my placement I can do it without any stress.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for new full-time students starting in
Full-time study
£9,790 per year
£9,790 per year
Module fees for repeated or part-time study
£815 per 10 credits
£815 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
The Government has announced that tuition fees from Academic Year 28/29 onwards will be subject to automatic annual inflationary increases, which we believe will be at a similar rate to the recent annual increases to fees, and may continue to be inflation based. The University may increase annual tuition fees in line with the Student Contract and the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government from time to time.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies and we advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year.
Full-time study
£18,150 per year
£18,150 per year
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
UK Government announcement on tuition fees
The UK Government has announced that a levy on tuition fee income in the region of 6% of an international student’s tuition fees may be introduced. If implemented, the University reserves the right to increase your tuition fees accordingly. The Government has made it clear that it has not officially decided on its stance and it is possible that the eventual levy amount or arrangements may differ from the initial proposal. Therefore, the University reserves the right to adjust tuition fees in accordance with the Government’s final position on this levy.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies. Therefore, please note that the tuition fee shown on this page may change as a result of the introduction of a levy. We advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
Additional costs
This course is delivered by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business. Studying a course in this faculty may incur additional costs relating to placement or equipment requirements.
Fund your studies
As an undergraduate at °µÍø½âÃÜ, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
Entry requirements
Our typical offer
104 UCAS points
104 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
A levels
104 points from a minimum of 2 A levels.
BTEC National Extended Diploma
DMM in any subject.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma (preferably Art & Design, Humanities or Combined) with at least 33 credits at Merit and/or distinction.
T level
Merit in Digital: Digital Production, Design and Development or Digital Support Services.
International Baccalaureate
26 points overall.
Portfolio
Applicants are required to submit a portfolio, with an optional informal interview, for entry onto this course. If you have any questions, please contact our Admissions Team; drop us an email at applications@plymouth.ac.uk or alternatively give us a call on +44 1752 585858.
Other qualifications
Other combinations and non-A level qualifications also considered.
Extended entry requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
I623
I623
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
°µÍø½âÃÜ
°µÍø½âÃÜ
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
Our typical offer
104 UCAS points
104 UCAS points
BSearch entry requirements for your country
5
English language requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
UCAS course code
I623
I623
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
°µÍø½âÃÜ
°µÍø½âÃÜ
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day
Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the °µÍø½âÃÜ.
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