BA Games Design
About this course
BA (Hons) Games Design, a games design degree centred on technical development, user experience, and practical prototyping. Core topics include Programming, Research Methods, Ethics & Professional Practice, Human Behaviour, and Design & Creative Practice. Students have the option to undertake an industry placement year between the second and final year. The first year establishes fundamental concepts through Introduction to Games Design, Programming and Technical Design for Games, Designing the User Experience (UX) of Games, and Game Concept to Playable Prototype. The second year advances team collaboration and technical skills via Agile Game Development, Understanding Player Experience, Game Spaces and Replayability, and Introduction to Professional Practice. The final year involves independent execution through Major Project Practical, Informed Practice, and Professional Practice and the Games Industry.
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
The course team welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds from all over the world. The course attracts students who apply direct from A-level (or equivalent) or from Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, or other art or design courses, as well as mature students who may have previously worked in industry. 104 UCAS tariff points which can be made up of one or a combination of the following accepted full level 3 qualifications: A Levels at grade C or above (preferred subjects include: English; History; Media; Business; Art and Design, or other subjects within Social Sciences). Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4). Distinction, Merit, Merit at BTEC Extended Diploma (preferred subjects: Art and Design, IT & Computing). Merit at UAL Extended Diploma. Access to Higher Education Diploma (preferred subject: Science, Digital and Creative Media, Computing). OR equivalent EU/International qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma at 24 points minimum And 3 GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C).
What students say
Based on about 40 final-year students who answered
- Teaching on my course: 91%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 94%
- Academic support: 94%
- Organisation and management: 92%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 95%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 50 students who started
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 25 graduates, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 10%
- East Midlands: 10%
- London: 70%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 45 students who started
- A levels: 80%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 15%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Bronze overall, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Introduction to Games Design
- Programming and Technical Design for Games
- Designing the User Experience (UX) of Games
- Game Concept to Playable Prototype
- Agile Game Development
- Understanding Player Experience
- Game Spaces and Replayability
- Introduction to Professional Practice
- Major Project Practical
- Informed Practice
- Professional Practice and the Games Industry
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Games Design at University of the Arts London earn?
The median salary is £26,500 after 3 years, £29,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £24,500 and £34,500. The £29,500 median after five years is £2,000 more than the UK median for Computer games and animation.
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Games Design at University of the Arts London?
91% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Games Design at University of the Arts London?
The typical offer is 24 points in the IB. The average entrant had 126 UCAS points.
Does BA Games Design at University of the Arts London include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BA Games Design at University of the Arts London?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.