Programme summary for BA (Hons) Computer Games Design (Story Development)
Welcome
This is a degree where you learn how to plan, design and implement computer games, with an emphasis on the story development aspects of games. Traditionally, undergraduate courses in the area of computer game design focus on either programming or visual design requiring students to have specific subject area knowledge in programming/maths or a fine art portfolio.
In contrast this programme provides a foundation in graphical and programming skills necessary for a career in games design but concentrates other crucial aspects of games design including game mechanics, targeted and user-centre games design, level design, games design documentation, project/team management, prototyping and playtesting. with a particular focus on writing and story development for games.
Detailed Information about the programme and more examples of student work can be found at uelgames.org
About the programme
If you like new challenges, working in groups, applying your knowledge to real-world situations, manipulating graphics, sound, video, computer games on computers and showing your skills as a computer games designer, then this programme is for you. Skills gained on this programme may be transferred to a number of areas within computing.
Programme structure
The first year introduces you to the basics of computer games design, story development and games theory, as well as introductory graphics and prototyping production techniques and theories:
- Digital graphic creation and manipulation
- Exploration of the creative process introducing a range of writing and reading strategies
- Traditional narrative structures in text and film and their application to interactive story development for computer games
- Models and theories of communication as applied to interactive design and development
- Fundamentals of games theory , design and production
- Player/audience analysis
- Individual and team-based prototyping, playtesting and design
The second year focuses on more detailed games planning/implementation/production management and story development skills, including:
- 3-D graphics production
- Level design
- Story/narrative construction and development and scriptwriting
- Managing a live client project as part of a design and development team
- Skills for success in academic research
The final year allows you to examine current issues in games markets, undertake large scale research and games design and development projects and develop more advanced technical skills including:
- Analysis of games markets and targeted design for a specific market
- Dynamic Computer Games Environments
- Double weighted individual dissertation/project that allows you to choose your own research question and develop and test a prototype as part of your primary research
- Double weighted team-based project where you work as part of a large multidisciplinary team to design and implement a fully working game, from initial concept generation to final implementation
Career opportunities
This programme will enable you to be employed as a professional within the computer industry, multimedia industry, or computer games industry. The vast majority of UEL graduates find suitable employment within six months of leaving us. The programme also equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue further education at master’s degree level.
Support
Each student is allocated a personal tutor to guide them through their studies. There is also a programme tutor, who is responsible for your degree and can also offer help and advice. Additional academic support is provided by the School's dedicated Student Support Office. The university also offers support in the following areas: residential; student finance advice; careers advice; study skills development; IT/learning resources.
Admission
The minimum requirements for entry for Level 1 entry is 280 UCAS tariff points from: A/AS level (Including 2 A2 passes), GNVQ, AVCE, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate. European Baccalaureate, BTEC / SCOTEC Diploma, Relevant Access Course or successful completion of the Level 0. Other qualifications, including overseas, may be considered.
Applicant are expected to have an A2 level in English Literature or Language, or the equivalent, or they may be asked to provide a sample of written work, which will be assessed by the programme team.
Applicants who do not fulfil the admission requirements for Level 1 may be considered for entry into Level 0. Applicants should have 80 UCAS tariff points from GCE A2 or equivalent.
We also welcome applicants from mature students who do not have formal qualifications but may have relevant experience.
Students may be admitted through Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes.
Overseas Qualifications
Overseas qualifications are accepted for entry and will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education undergraduate programmes. You can get advice from the British Council or our admissions unit on 020 8223 2835 on the different overseas qualifications accepted for entry. You must be able to understand and express yourself in both written and spoken English and some evidence e.g. For level 1 entry a TOEFL score of 550 or an IELTS score of 6.0 (no skill level below 5) and for Level 0 entry an IELTS score of 5.5 (no skill level below 5) would be required.
Welcome
This is a degree where you learn how to plan, design and implement computer games, with an emphasis on the story development aspects of games. Traditionally, undergraduate courses in the area of computer game design focus on either programming or visual design requiring students to have specific subject area knowledge in programming/maths or a fine art portfolio.
In contrast this programme provides a foundation in graphical and programming skills necessary for a career in games design but concentrates other crucial aspects of games design including game mechanics, targeted and user-centre games design, level design, games design documentation, project/team management, prototyping and playtesting. with a particular focus on writing and story development for games.
Detailed Information about the programme and more examples of student work can be found at uelgames.org
About the programme
If you like new challenges, working in groups, applying your knowledge to real-world situations, manipulating graphics, sound, video, computer games on computers and showing your skills as a computer games designer, then this programme is for you. Skills gained on this programme may be transferred to a number of areas within computing.
Programme structure
The first year introduces you to the basics of computer games design, story development and games theory, as well as introductory graphics and prototyping production techniques and theories:
- Digital graphic creation and manipulation
- Exploration of the creative process introducing a range of writing and reading strategies
- Traditional narrative structures in text and film and their application to interactive story development for computer games
- Models and theories of communication as applied to interactive design and development
- Fundamentals of games theory , design and production
- Player/audience analysis
- Individual and team-based prototyping, playtesting and design
The second year focuses on more detailed games planning/implementation/production management and story development skills, including:
- 3-D graphics production
- Level design
- Story/narrative construction and development and scriptwriting
- Managing a live client project as part of a design and development team
- Skills for success in academic research
The final year allows you to examine current issues in games markets, undertake large scale research and games design and development projects and develop more advanced technical skills including:
- Analysis of games markets and targeted design for a specific market
- Dynamic Computer Games Environments
- Double weighted individual dissertation/project that allows you to choose your own research question and develop and test a prototype as part of your primary research
- Double weighted team-based project where you work as part of a large multidisciplinary team to design and implement a fully working game, from initial concept generation to final implementation
Career opportunities
This programme will enable you to be employed as a professional within the computer industry, multimedia industry, or computer games industry. The vast majority of UEL graduates find suitable employment within six months of leaving us. The programme also equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue further education at master’s degree level.
Support
Each student is allocated a personal tutor to guide them through their studies. There is also a programme tutor, who is responsible for your degree and can also offer help and advice. Additional academic support is provided by the School's dedicated Student Support Office. The university also offers support in the following areas: residential; student finance advice; careers advice; study skills development; IT/learning resources.
Admission
The minimum requirements for entry for Level 1 entry is 280 UCAS tariff points from: A/AS level (Including 2 A2 passes), GNVQ, AVCE, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate. European Baccalaureate, BTEC / SCOTEC Diploma, Relevant Access Course or successful completion of the Level 0. Other qualifications, including overseas, may be considered.
Applicant are expected to have an A2 level in English Literature or Language, or the equivalent, or they may be asked to provide a sample of written work, which will be assessed by the programme team.
Applicants who do not fulfil the admission requirements for Level 1 may be considered for entry into Level 0. Applicants should have 80 UCAS tariff points from GCE A2 or equivalent.
We also welcome applicants from mature students who do not have formal qualifications but may have relevant experience.
Students may be admitted through Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes.
Overseas Qualifications
Overseas qualifications are accepted for entry and will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education undergraduate programmes. You can get advice from the British Council or our admissions unit on 020 8223 2835 on the different overseas qualifications accepted for entry. You must be able to understand and express yourself in both written and spoken English and some evidence e.g. For level 1 entry a TOEFL score of 550 or an IELTS score of 6.0 (no skill level below 5) and for Level 0 entry an IELTS score of 5.5 (no skill level below 5) would be required.
Key facts
You can start many programmes in either September or February and applications are simple to make. Click below to:
Apply online Computer Games Design (Story Development) (BA (Hons))
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