BSc (Hons)
Games Development
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Why study BSc Games Development at Goldsmiths
Bringing together technical practice and theory, this programme equips you with the skills required for a career in the games industry.
- The games industry’s revenue is estimated to be larger than the film and music industries combined meaning that there are countless opportunities to work as a professional in the sector. This degree programme introduces you to various career paths in the games industry and the skill sets they require
- The degree is hands-on and practical from the start. You will explore your potential through practical projects, learn relevant technical skills and enhance your understanding of all areas of game development, including theory, practice, and technology
- Our specialist modules are delivered in a creative environment meaning you will have opportunities to collaborate and use new technologies in your own practice
- You will develop projects for platforms such as PC and Mobile, using state-of-the-art, industry-standard game engines and creative tools
- You will learn essential skills for a career in the games industry including how to program, solve problems, and how to produce game design documents
- You will undertake collaborative projects and hone your ability to work as a team in a creative environment
- The degree includes the opportunity for you to undertake a year-long placement in industry, enabling you to gain work experience, build confidence and contacts, develop your skills and industry insight, and enhance your career prospects
- By the end of your degree, you’ll have built a portfolio of work to kickstart your career
Contact the department
If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Nima Jamalian.
UCAS code
I610
Entry requirements
A-level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
IB: 33 points overall with Three HL subjects at 655
Length
3 years full-time, 6 years part-time (BSc Games Development) 4 years full-time, 7 year part-time (BSc Games Development with Work Experience)
Fees
Home - full-time: £TBC
Home - part-time: £TBC
International - full-time: £TBC
Department
What you'll study
In your first year, you'll take the following compulsory modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Programming | 15 credits |
| Front End Web | 15 credits |
| Games Anatomy | 15 credits |
| 2D Games Development | 15 credits |
| Graphics 1 | 15 credits |
| Algorithms 1 | 15 credits |
| Logic and Computer Architecture | 15 credits |
| Sound and Signal 1 | 15 credits |
Note about optional modules (if available): The above is indicative of the typical modules offered, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. The module content and availability is subject to change.
Teaching style
This programme is taught through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, workshops and laboratory sessions. You’ll also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. This includes carrying out required and additional reading, preparing topics for discussion, and producing essays or project work.
How you'll be assessed
You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These may include coursework, examinations, group work and projects. If you opt for an industrial placement year, your placement tutor will assess your work. If you complete the placement year successfully, you earn the endorsement 'with work experience' on your degree certificate.
Facilities
The Department of Computing has a wealth of specialist labs and facilities that enable students and academics to create cutting-edge work.
Computing facilities at Goldsmiths include a VR lab equipped with a full multi-camera motion capture studio, similar to that used in the making of Avatar and The Last of Us.
The Goldsmiths computer suites are equipped with more than 200 iMacs running Windows 10 and MacOS in parallel.
Student work
Explore some of the games and projects our students have worked on as part of their studies on the GamesAtGold page on itch.io.
Entry requirements
We accept the following qualifications:
A-level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
International Baccalaureate: 33 points overall with Three HL subjects at 655
Access: Pass with 45 Level 3 credits including 30 Distinctions and a number of merits/passes in subject-specific modules
Scottish qualifications: BBBBC (Higher) or BBC (Advanced Higher)
European Baccalaureate: 75%
Irish Leaving Certificate: A1 A1 A2 B1
Additional requirements
If you don't have a Science- or Mathematics-based A-level, you should normally have at least Grade B/Grade 6 at GCSE Mathematics.
If necessary, applicants may be called for an interview, at which time they may be asked to take a computer aptitude test.
Alternative qualifications and experience
See our full list of undergraduate entry qualifications.
We welcome students with a range of educational experiences. If you believe you may not meet the standard qualification requirements we would still encourage you to apply because we consider all aspects of your application when making a decision.
We’ll pay particularly careful attention to your personal statement, which is your opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the subject you’ve applied for. Your referees are also welcome to include any relevant contextual comments around your academic achievements. We’ll look at all these things when making a decision on your application, as well as your qualifications and grades, and may still be able to offer you a place.
International qualifications
We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.
If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.0 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for degree-level study.
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees
These are the UG fees for students starting their programme in the 2024/2025 academic year.
- Home - full-time: £TBC
- Home - part-time: £TBC
- International - full-time: £TBC
If your fees are not listed here, please check our undergraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.
It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time if you require a Student Visa, however this is currently being reviewed and will be confirmed in the new year. Please read our visa guidance in the interim for more information. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.
If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.
Funding opportunities
We offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries, and our Careers Service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies. Find out more about funding your studies with us.
Additional costs
In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.
There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the BSc Games Development Specification (PDF) for more information.
Careers and skills
Careers
This degree programme offers an optional Industrial Placement Year between the second and third years of study. This provides you with an invaluable opportunity to gain real world experience and form valuable relationships with employers.
As a graduate, you will have the skill set to work in smaller creative studios, larger game companies or to build and publish your own games.
Our graduates also develop the skills required to pursue careers in other relevant field such as software development, web development, and creative computing.
As a graduate of this programme, you could pursue a career as a:
- Programmer in Games Industry, including casual, mobile, PC and console games
- Computer Game Designer or level design in the games industry, including casual, mobile, PC and console games
- Independent Game Developer (Indie Developer)
- Game Developer for serious Games and Gamification sectors.
- Creative Games and Interactive Technical Lead in an Advertising Agency
- Creative Technologist
Skills
Throughout the degree you will learn skills including:
- Programming skills, including those required for the design and implementation of computing systems
- An understanding of the fundamental methods, theories, techniques and technologies relating to games development
- Critical, analytical, creative, reflective and interpersonal skills that will prepare you for a career in industry or research, including the ability to work independently and in groups
- An understanding of contemporary computing practice
- Computational problem solving
- Project management
