Computer Games Design and Development
Create and produce games from day one. Enjoy hands-on experiences at gaming events, submit your work to national competitions such as Tranzfuser, and connect with industry experts.
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UCAS Code
Start Date
September 2027
Location
Pontypridd
Campus Code
A
UCAS Code
Start Date
September 2026
Location
Pontypridd
Campus Code
A
Course Overview
Launch your game design career with a BSc (Hons) in Computer Games Design. Build your creative and technical skills to design, develop and take your own games to market.
Why study this course?
What you'll study
Start by exploring the essentials and creating games immediately. In your first six weeks, you'll craft your debut game and build at least three by year’s end.
With practical modules on Level Design, Game Mechanics and World Building, you’ll blend creativity with technical skills from the start.
Create digital prototypes and explore game structures, mechanics and narratives. Experiment with rules and aesthetics while developing, pitching and producing games through projects.
Develop and produce a game in groups, focusing on mechanics and iterative design. Use research, experimentation and feedback. Boost skills through studio work and an immersive project.
Explore game design theory with hands-on engine work. Create levels by focusing on planning, playtesting and iterative design. Develop and showcase through independent and joint learning.
Explore theory and practice in Game Studies. Research, debate and analyse games to understand development and culture. Develop critical skills for academic and practical insights.
Develop skills in evaluating and solving design problems with a focus on player-centric design. Communicate game concepts through practical exercises and real-world challenges.
It’s time to tackle sophisticated projects with live briefs, creating polished, pitch-ready games for industry pros.
Explore areas like Systems and Mechanics or Game Asset Production, and deepen your understanding of design theories. Specialise in your areas of interest to prepare for your final year.
Push the boundaries of game design by exploring innovative gameplay, new tech and unique themes. Create a playable demo from a brief, focusing on originality and practical execution.
Create a game based on a client brief, working in teams and collaborating with other courses. Develop professionalism and industry-relevant skills by learning how to pitch and present to industry veterans.
Master game content production with a focus on workflows and engine pipelines. Balance aesthetics, creativity and technical limits through hands-on exercises.
Explore advanced game studies through research and debate. Engage in critical discussions, develop intellectual arguments, and refine your research skills with peer and staff guidance.
The final year is your time to shine! You'll prototype and produce a professional-level game, creating standout work for your portfolio.
Learn how to showcase your skills, apply for jobs, and nail interviews. Your dissertation will let you deep dive into a game design topic you're passionate about.
Explore and experiment to develop a functional game prototype, focusing on core mechanics, player experience and style. Develop prototypes and design docs, using your skills and self-directed learning to prepare for your career.
Complete and publish your game, focusing on your production strengths. Document design choices, manage project scope and create a portfolio-ready game with promotional materials for public display.
Research a game design topic of interest, exploring key issues and debates. Present a well-reasoned, original argument, using evidence or practice-based insights.
Reflect on your achievements and career goals. Build your CV, portfolio and LinkedIn profile. Attend career events, seek advice and prepare for job interviews in the industry.
We regularly review our courses to keep pace with changing skills and employer needs. If a review leads to significant changes, we’ll contact you to explain what’s changing for the coming year.
Teaching and Assessment
You’ll jump straight into hands-on learning with group projects, practical workshops and presentations. Expect a mix of lectures, tutorials, and studio time to sharpen your skills. You’ll also work on your portfolio, complete real-world projects and go on field trips.
Assessments will include group work, essays and presentations, with regular feedback to guide your growth.
At USW, you'll get real-world experience through collaborative, team-based projects. You’re encouraged to find placements during vacations or term time. The Professional Project module supports these placements with live briefs, and the Grad Edge scheme offers extra support and recognition. In your second year, the Professional Practice module features live-brief projects. By your third year, the Tranzfuser scheme allows the opportunity to develop work for the UK Games Fund competition.
At USW’s Cardiff campus, you’ll find cutting-edge facilities and a passionate team ready to help you bring your creative ideas to life. As a computer games design student, you’ll have access to industry-standard labs with tools like Unreal Engine, Unity, Autodesk Suite, and Adobe Suite. You’ll work with cutting-edge technology, including Nvidia RTX graphics cards, ultra-wide monitors, and VR kits. Plus, our cloud-based source control system ensures you can easily collaborate with peers, whether you’re in the lab or working from home.
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Admissions Advice
We're here to help. Whether you a have a question about your course, fees and funding, the application process or anything else, there are plenty of ways you can get in touch and we'd to talk to you. You can contact our friendly admissions team by phone, email or chat to us online
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Computer Games Design and Development
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Full-time, 3 years
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September
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Pontypridd
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Computer Games Design and Development
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Full-time, 3 years
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September
-
Pontypridd
-
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