Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Game Developement (with Professional Placement Year) Bath Spa University - Locksbrook Campus, UK

Whether you're interested in the artistic, technical or production side of gaming, our Games Development course prepares you for lots of different career opportunities in the global games industry. You'll develop the creative, computing and professional skills needed to turn your unique game ideas into exciting published titles.

We are interested in the games you want to make, in our practical workshops and game development labs we will help you make games that are expressive, impactful and that tell great stories. If you see your future in indie gaming, AAA or beyond, this forward-thinking game design degree will encourage you to reimagine what games are, and what they can do.

By joining this course you'll become part of a committed community of game makers. You can expect to learn by making, to be encouraged to be curious and experimental, and to collaborate with others. We value and reward unique ideas and risk-taking, and help you think about games not only as commercial products but also meaningful art experiences.

The course begins with a close review of the fundamentals of games or the ‘rules of play’, while covering the key design skills, programming tools and co-creation strategies that lead to compelling titles. You’ll explore the function of game engines, make 2D assets, and test your developing knowledge in a series of mini game jams.

Your second year shifts attention to narrative design, game sound and 3D asset creation. Alongside this you’ll engage with emerging forms of game-making for extended realities (XR), while building essential industry insight through modules that target commercial and entrepreneurial thinking.

Year three encourages you to think differently about the form and function of games. You’ll build both ‘tangible games’ and ‘serious games’, and consider how the real-time capabilities of game engines can add a playful twist to a range of art, design and performance disciplines.

Following this the course transforms into a professional games studio, providing you with an opportunity to develop a complete and original title. Here you'll dive deeper into the workflows that underpin the industry, and receive advice and feedback from regional professional game designers, developers and producers.

Professional placement year
The Professional Placement Year (PPY) provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for, and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.