BA Game Design
About this course
BA (Hons) in Game Design, a computing degree centred on the creation and prototyping of interactive games and digital experiences. Core topics include Programming, Systems Design, Research Methods, Ethics & Professional Practice, Entrepreneurship, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, and Design & Creative Practice. Students may optionally undertake a placement year or a year abroad, as well as an optional foundation year. The first year covers the foundations through 3D Modelling, Programming, Game Engines, Game Design Fundamentals, Art and Design Fundamentals, and Level Design. The second year progresses into collaborative studio workflows through Game Lab 1, Game Lab 2, Technical Game Design 1, Game Narratives and Worldbuilding, Social and Sustainable Enterprise, and Creativity and Innovation. The final year involves advanced production via Game Development, Technical Game Design 2, and an Individual Project. Optional modules include Emerging Technologies and UI/UX Design, allowing students to further tailor their studies.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
UCAS tariff: 112 A level: BBC T Level: Merit BTEC: DMM GCSE: GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6 English language: IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
What students say
Based on about 102 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 82%
- Learning opportunities: 83%
- Assessment and feedback: 82%
- Academic support: 86%
- Organisation and management: 74%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 73%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 155 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 66%
- Left higher education: 33%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 1%
What graduates do next
Based on about 32 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 66%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 4%
- Unemployed: 9%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 25%
- Sales occupations: 15%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Web and Multimedia Design Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 65%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 35%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 175 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 8%
- East Midlands: 48%
- West Midlands: 16%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 3%
- South East: 6%
- South West: 6%
- Wales: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 165 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 87%
- Access course: 2%
- A degree: 2%
- Other HE qualification: 9%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Professional Practice
- ​​3D Modelling​
- Programming
- ​​Game Engines​
- ​​Game Design Fundamentals​
- ​​Art and Design Fundamentals​
- ​​Level Design​
- ​​Game Lab 1​
- ​​Game Lab 2​
- ​​Technical Game Design 1​
- ​​Game Narratives and Worldbuilding​
- Social and Sustainable Enterprise
- Creativity and Innovation
- ​​Game Development​
- Individual Project
- ​​Technical Game Design 2​
- ​​Emerging Technologies​
- ​​UI/UX Design​
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Game Design at University of Derby earn?
The median salary is £28,000 after 15 months, £24,500 after 3 years, £32,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,000 and £43,500. The £32,000 median after five years is £1,000 less than the UK median for Computing (other).
What do graduates of BA Game Design at University of Derby do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Game Design at University of Derby?
82% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Game Design at University of Derby?
The typical offer is BBC at A level. The average entrant had 105 UCAS points.
Does BA Game Design at University of Derby include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Game Design at University of Derby?
66% of students continued into their second year, and 33% left higher education.