MSc Management with Human Resource Management (Professional Practice)
The University of Huddersfield's MSc Management with Human Resource Management (Pro...
BA(Hons) Games Development (Design) with Placement Year
Queensgate
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Games Development (Design) with Placement Year program at the University of Huddersfield is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of game design principles, processes, and practices, coupled with real-world industry experience gained through a placement year. This undergraduate degree focuses on developing students' skills in game design, mechanics, narrative, and user experience, preparing them for successful careers in the dynamic and evolving field of game development.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Games Development (Design) with Placement Year program covers a wide range of topics essential for game designers. Core modules include game design fundamentals, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user experience (UX) design, and prototyping. Students learn to use industry-standard software and tools to create game prototypes, design documentation, and interactive experiences. Practical projects allow students to apply their skills in designing games across different genres and platforms, from concept ideation to playable prototypes. The placement year provides students with invaluable industry experience, allowing them to apply their skills in a professional environment and build connections within the gaming industry.
Research Focus: The University of Huddersfield emphasizes a research-focused approach in the BA (Hons) Games Development (Design) with Placement Year program, encouraging students to explore theoretical concepts, study gaming trends, and analyze player behavior. Students engage in critical analysis of existing games, study the works of influential game designers, and conduct user research and playtesting to inform their design decisions. Research-focused modules enable students to develop their creativity, problem-solving skills, and understanding of player preferences and motivations in game design.
Industry Engagement: The BA (Hons) Games Development (Design) with Placement Year program prioritizes industry engagement to provide students with practical experience and industry insights. Students have the opportunity to undertake a placement year in a game development studio or related industry organization, gaining hands-on experience and valuable insights into the professional aspects of game development. The university maintains strong connections with game companies and industry organizations, facilitating placements, internships, and networking opportunities for students to gain real-world experience and build industry connections.
Global Perspective: The University of Huddersfield recognizes the global nature of the gaming industry and the importance of a global perspective in game development. The BA (Hons) Games Development (Design) with Placement Year program explores diverse gaming cultures, player preferences, and international game markets. Students have the opportunity to study games from different cultural perspectives, engage with global gaming communities, and collaborate with international students on game projects. The placement year may also offer opportunities for students to work on projects with international teams or gain experience in different gaming markets, enhancing their understanding of game design in a global context.
Location
Queensgate
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 20900
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 87, with at least 21 in Listening, 22 in Reading, 24 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 66 with no individual score below 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
The University of Huddersfield offers several scholarships and funding opportunities to support students in their academic journey. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, encourage diversity, and provide financial assistance to eligible students.
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship: This scholarship is available for international students and offers a tuition fee discount of up to £4,000 for the first year of study.
International Scholarship: The university offers a range of international scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students. These scholarships provide financial support towards tuition fees and are awarded based on academic merit.
Enterprise Placement Year Scholarship: This scholarship is available for undergraduate students undertaking a placement year as part of their degree program. It provides a bursary of £1,000 to support students during their placement.
International Academic Excellence Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students applying for undergraduate or postgraduate programs. It offers a tuition fee discount of up to £4,000.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: The University of Huddersfield also offers scholarships specific to certain subject areas or departments. These scholarships may have specific eligibility criteria and application processes.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) Games Development (Design) with Placement Year program at the University of Huddersfield are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and industry experience necessary for a wide range of career opportunities in the gaming industry and related fields.
Game Designer: Graduates may pursue careers as game designers, responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and implementing game mechanics, systems, and features. They work closely with multidisciplinary teams to create engaging and immersive gameplay experiences, balancing player feedback, creative vision, and technical constraints to deliver high-quality game experiences.
Level Designer: Graduates can specialize as level designers, focusing on creating compelling and well-paced game levels and environments. They design layouts, puzzles, challenges, and interactive elements, ensuring a balance between difficulty, progression, and narrative coherence. Level designers collaborate closely with game designers, artists, and programmers to bring game worlds to life and enhance player immersion.
Narrative Designer: Graduates may pursue careers as narrative designers, shaping the story, characters, and dialogue in games to create compelling narratives and emotional experiences. They craft story arcs, dialogue trees, and narrative frameworks, integrating storytelling seamlessly with gameplay mechanics to engage players and evoke emotional responses. Narrative designers collaborate with writers, game designers, and artists to develop cohesive and immersive game narratives.
User Experience (UX) Designer: Graduates can specialize in UX design, focusing on optimizing the user interface (UI) and overall user experience of games. They conduct user research, usability testing, and player feedback analysis to inform design decisions and improve player engagement and retention. UX designers create intuitive and accessible interfaces, streamline gameplay interactions, and enhance player satisfaction and enjoyment.
Game Producer/Project Manager: Graduates may pursue careers as game producers or project managers, overseeing the development process from concept to launch. They manage budgets, schedules, and resources, coordinate team workflows, and ensure that projects are delivered on time and within scope. Producers and project managers collaborate with stakeholders, prioritize tasks, and mitigate risks to ensure the successful delivery of game projects.
Gameplay Programmer: Graduates can specialize as gameplay programmers, responsible for implementing game mechanics, systems, and interactions in code. They work closely with game designers and artists to translate design concepts into functional gameplay features, optimizing performance and ensuring gameplay balance and responsiveness. Gameplay programmers also debug and troubleshoot issues, improving the overall quality and polish of games.
Quality Assurance Tester: Graduates may start their careers as quality assurance testers, responsible for testing games to identify bugs, glitches, and usability issues. They conduct systematic tests, report defects, and provide feedback to developers to ensure the quality and stability of game releases. Quality assurance testers play a crucial role in identifying and resolving issues before games are released to the public.
Indie Developer/Entrepreneur: Graduates may choose to work as indie developers or entrepreneurs, creating their own games, startups, or game development studios. They can develop and publish games independently or collaborate with small teams to bring their creative visions to life. Indie developers have the freedom to explore niche markets, experiment with innovative game concepts, and build a unique brand and following in the gaming community.
Educator/Instructor: Graduates with a passion for teaching and education may pursue careers as educators or instructors in game development programs, colleges, or educational institutions. They can share their knowledge and expertise with aspiring game designers, level designers, or UX designers, mentoring and inspiring the next generation of game development professionals.
