BA (Hons) Games Design

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs at the University of Northampton are typically required to have a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their secondary school or equivalent qualifications.

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 70, with at least 17 in Listening, Reading,  Speaking, and Writing.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 65 with no individual score below 59.

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 Northampton offers various scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships aim to recognize outstanding academic achievements, promote diversity, and provide assistance to those who may face financial constraints. 

International Scholarships: The university offers a range of international scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships are merit-based and provide partial tuition fee waivers. The eligibility criteria, award amounts, and application processes may vary.

Chancellor's Scholarships: The Chancellor's Scholarships are prestigious awards offered to high-achieving international students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and potential. These scholarships provide a significant reduction in tuition fees and are highly competitive. Eligible students are automatically considered for this scholarship based on their application for admission.

Country-Specific Scholarships: The University of Northampton also offers scholarships specifically tailored to students from certain countries or regions. These scholarships may be in partnership with governments, organizations, or educational institutions from those countries. The eligibility criteria, application process, and award amounts may vary depending on the specific scholarship.

Subject-Specific Scholarships: Some academic departments at the university may offer subject-specific scholarships to international students. These scholarships are typically based on academic excellence in a particular field of study. Students pursuing specific courses or disciplines may be eligible for these scholarships.

External Scholarships and Funding: In addition to the university's own scholarships, international students can also explore external funding options, such as government scholarships, corporate sponsorships, and charitable organizations. The university's international office or scholarship team can provide guidance and information on external funding opportunities available to international students.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may change from year to year. 

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Games Design program at the University of Northampton are well-equipped to pursue a wide range of exciting career opportunities in the gaming industry and beyond. 

Game Designer: Graduates can embark on careers as game designers, where they conceptualize and create the overall design and gameplay elements of video games. They work closely with teams of artists, programmers, and producers to bring their visions to life.

Level Designer: Level designers focus on creating the layout, structure, and challenges within specific levels or environments of a game. They are responsible for designing the gameplay experience, including puzzles, obstacles, and narrative progression.

Game Artist: Graduates with strong artistic skills can pursue careers as game artists, where they create visual assets such as characters, environments, and animations for video games. They use software tools like Photoshop, Maya, and ZBrush to bring their concepts to life.

Game Programmer: Game programmers write the code that powers video games, implementing gameplay mechanics, AI systems, user interfaces, and other interactive elements. They work closely with designers and artists to ensure that the game functions smoothly and efficiently.

UI/UX Designer: UI/UX designers focus on creating intuitive user interfaces and enhancing the overall user experience of video games. They design menus, HUDs, and interactive elements that optimize usability and engagement for players.

Narrative Designer: Narrative designers are responsible for crafting the story, characters, and dialogue within video games. They work closely with writers, designers, and directors to develop compelling narratives that immerse players in the game world.

Game Producer: Graduates with strong project management skills can pursue careers as game producers, overseeing the development process from concept to release. They coordinate the efforts of multidisciplinary teams, manage budgets and schedules, and ensure that games are delivered on time and within budget.

Independent Game Developer: Some graduates may choose to become independent game developers, working on their own or in small teams to create and publish their own games. This entrepreneurial path offers creative freedom and the opportunity to explore innovative ideas.

Educator/Trainer: Graduates can also explore opportunities in education and training, sharing their expertise and knowledge with aspiring game designers and developers. They can work as teachers, trainers, or consultants in educational institutions, game development studios, or specialized training programs.