Art Or Game Development And Design Program Mdx

Studying with us during coronavirus in 2021

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• Games Design BA/BSc Honours

Games Design BA/BSc Honours

Gain the technical training and overall knowledge you need to succeed in the competitive gaming industry and beyond.

Start

October 2022
September 2022: EU/INT induction

Duration

3 years full-time

Fees

£9,250 (UK) *
£14,700 (EU / INT) *

Course leader

Penda Tomlinson

1. Overview
2. Course content
3. Teaching
4. Entry requirements
5. Fees and funding
6. Contact us

Overview

Why study games design with us

Our games design course is designed to give you a skill set that's resilient to the rapid changes in an expanding and evolving industry. You'll gain hands-on experience that will help you build your portfolio and develop your experience in a wide range of digital technologies that will open up career opportunities in a broad range of creative industries.

The games industry is rapidly changing, as technologies, platforms and users converge more and more each day. It is a complex and diverse industry that spans a variety of old and new technologies from print to computer software to 3D printed game pieces. Our BA/BSc in games design gives you the transferable skills and knowledge you need to become a successful games designer in this fast-changing industry. Led by academic staff experienced in AAA, indie, tabletop and mobile gaming, you'll develop your programming, technology, and story development skills, as well as enhancing your game-play design expertise.

Depending on your interests, you will work on the technical side of games programming design and testing in the BSc, while the BA is focused on experience design-led and focuses using on scripting and games engines to produce satisfying gameplay experiences.

In BA / BSc Game Design we use an iterative cycle of sketching, paper prototyping and responding to feedback across all modules. This is facilitated through a blended approach to teaching with a mix of in person and online teaching. Our course has been using online collaboration tools along with source control tools for the last couple of years to help prepare students for the distributed nature of the world of work.

Build your hands-on games design skills

We specialise in developing your design and communication skill and help you understand and evaluate the technologies and tools that are available to you in prototyping and testing your game ideas. Students will be introduced to a range of software and techniques to make playable prototypes quickly, including Adventure Game Studio, Unity, and Unreal.

You'll get plenty of hands-on experience and opportunities for collaborating with students from our 3D animation, art and design, music, computing and graphics departments as part of our coordinated workshop activities.

You'll develop your employability skills and industry connections with a range of work placements and internship opportunities. Our links with industry partners also give you access to live briefs, guest lecturers, and potential employers.

Former students have worked for CDProjekt Red, Capcom, and Ninja Theory among others. Our links with industry partners mean we have regular guest lectures, video interviews, and portfolio reviews as well as live briefs.

Get the support you need to succeed

When it comes to support, you'll be matched with a Personal Tutor to get the backing you need. You'll also get support from our Student Learning and Graduate Academic Assistants who have personal experience in your subject.

Our games design course will help you realise your strengths and give you the broad knowledge, skill set and portfolio you need to succeed as a game designer, and in a variety of roles in the wider the creative industries.

Find out more

Sign up now to receive more information about studying at Middlesex University London.

What our people say

Combine technical skill, analytical ability, lots of ideas and, inevitably, the art of recognising the true spark of life of a concept. That spark is very rare and once you find it, hold on to it as if your life depends on it.

Mikael Hed, CEO of Rovio, creators of Angry Birds (in Advertising Age)

Course content

What will you study on the BA/BSc Games Design degree at Middlesex University?

The overall themes of the BA/BSc Games Design programme are project work, analysis, research, reflection, collaboration, making, diversity, play and experimentation.

Year 1 provides an overall introduction, where you will begin to learn the essential skills you need to become an effective Games Designer. These include such skills as, programming, level design, mechanics and some basic 3D modelling and sound editing. You will also learn about the broader context of games; their history and cultural impact, player experience and theories relating to game design.

Year 2 develops the topics that were introduced in Year 1 with a greater emphasis on group work (including projects with students on other programmes) and experimentation. You will also start to specialise and choose your exit award. BA students will take a module in storytelling for games, whilst BSc students will undertake a game technology module.

Year 3 is where you can develop your skills still further and showcase your mastery with your final project. For BA students, these projects will focus on design (but with technical components), whilst BSc students will produce technically demanding levels or complete games (but with design components too). You also produce polished portfolios (of your project work over your 3 years of study) and undertake an industry focussed project, which may be the result of an internship, a live industry brief or on a negotiated topic.

Modules

We've made temporary changes to some course modules for students starting in 2020 in response to the coronavirus outbreak. If you're applying to start this course or progressing into year one, two or three this autumn, there's info on these updates below.

• Year 1

  • Creative Technologies Workshop 1 (30 credits) - Compulsory

    This module develops knowledge and skills in the use of core technologies related to games development. This includes an introduction to programming, essential 3D modelling and the use of games engines.

  • Creative Technologies Workshop 2 (30 credits) - Compulsory

    This module enables you to extend and apply the skills and knowledge developed in the previous module by producing working prototypes of elements of your own game that you've designed.

  • Game Fundamentals 1 (30 credits) - Compulsory​

    An understanding of the fundamental principles and approaches is an essential part of becoming a competent Games Designer. This module will introduce you to a range of topics including design methodologies, idea generation techniques, project planning methods, game mechanics, interaction design, user experience, player types and theories relating to play.

  • Game Fundamentals 2 (30 credits) - Compulsory​

    This module is focused on designing and implementing game elements. This will include taking part in a variety of project-based workshops involving non-digital prototyping, play testing and observation methodologies.

• Year 2

  • Advanced Creative Technologies Workshop 1 (30 credits) - Compulsory​

    The module builds on your practical skills and knowledge. It introduces different approaches to programming and implementing games on a range of platforms, including mobile, tablet, PC, consoles and AR.

  • Advanced Creative Technologies Workshop 2 (30 credits) - Compulsory​

    Collaboration and teamwork are vital skills for a Games Designer. This module enables you to work in teams from other programmes to design and implement a playable level.

  • Game Culture (30 credits) - Compulsory​

    Games have become a significant part of our lives. This module will explore some of the important cultural aspects that games have including such topics as ludology, ethnicity, gender, addiction, ethics, gamification and serious games.

  • Storytelling for Games (30 credits) - Optional​

    An introduction to how narratives can be used and direct gameplay. You will learn the principles of storytelling, create stories, integrate stories with game mechanics and implement these.

  • Game Technologies (30 credits) - Optional​

    Technical advances are constantly producing new game-related interfaces. This module allows you to explore a range of novel technologies and to produce ways of integrating these into game-play.

• Year 3

  • Final Project: Technical (BSc only) (30 credits) - Compulsory​

    For those undertaking the BSc, this module will be focused on producing a working level or game via extensive programming and play-testing. Opportunities for live briefs and placements are built in.

  • Final Project: Design-led (BA only) (30 credits) - Compulsory​

    For those undertaking the BA, this module will focus on producing a working level or game using scripting and a games engine. Opportunities for live briefs and placements are built into this module.

  • Project Proposition and Planning (30 credits) - Compulsory​

    This module will enable you to devise and plan a coherent, achievable and innovative final project. A series of presentations and group presentations will help you get your project approved and ready for implementation.

  • Research and Documentation (30 credits) - Compulsory​

    Designing and making a new game requires a good deal of contextual research, design justification, project documentation and reflection. This module will help you develop the documentation to accompany your Final Project.

  • Professional Portfolio (30 credits) - Compulsory​

    Having a professional portfolio is vital in helping you to begin your career, whether you want to start your own studio, join an existing indie studio or a major games company. This module aims to help you consolidate, present and disseminate the work you have already completed in your studies.

More information about this course

See the course specification for more information about typical course content outside of the coronavirus outbreak:

• Course specification

Optional modules are usually available at levels 5 and 6, although optional modules are not offered on every course. Where optional modules are available, you will be asked to make your choice during the previous academic year. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, or there are staffing changes which affect the teaching, it may not be offered. If an optional module will not run, we will advise you after the module selection period when numbers are confirmed, or at the earliest time that the programme team make the decision not to run the module, and help you choose an alternative module.

Teaching

1. Overview
2. Teaching and learning in 2021/22
3. Assessment and feedback

• We are regularly reviewing and updating our programmes to ensure you have the best learning experience. We are taking what we've learnt during the pandemic and enhancing our teaching methods with new and innovative ways of learning. Please regularly check this section of the course page for updates.

  How is the BA/BSc Games Design taught?

  Teaching is focused on project-based workshops supplemented by recorded and live lectures and seminars so you can build a substantial portfolio of work. You will work with fellow students on related courses such as 3D Animation, art and design, computing and graphics while gaining experience in teamwork and professional workflow as you collaborate to produce working games.

  The programme is focused on innovation and design, equipping you with the skills you need to begin your career in this rapidly changing area.

  Students have an opportunity to get course credit in the final year for a work placement that they find either through MDXWorks or on their own that. Middlesex has very strong links with employers and our industry partners provide live briefs and visiting lectures.

• We have developed new approaches to teaching and learning for the 2021/22 academic year, and have resumed the majority of our teaching on campus.

  We are currently reviewing our approach to teaching and learning for 2022 entry and beyond. We've learned a lot about how to give you a quality education - we aim to combine the best of our pre-pandemic teaching and learning with access to online learning and digital resources which put you more in charge of when and how you study. We will keep you updated on this throughout the application process.

  Your timetable will be built around on campus sessions using our professional facilities, with online sessions for some activities where we know being virtual will add value. We'll use technology to enhance all of your learning and give you access to online resources to use in your own time.

  The table below gives you an idea of what learning looks like across a typical week. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on campus sessions.

  This information is likely to change slightly for 2022 entry as our plans evolve. You'll receive full information on your teaching before you start your course.

  Learning structure: typical hourly breakdown in 2021/22
  Live in-person on campus learning	Contact hours per week, per level:	Year 1: 7 hours Year 2: 4 hours Year 3: 2.5 hours
  Live online learning	Average hours per week, per level:	Year 1: 3 hours Year 2: 6 hours Year 3: 9 hours
  Tutor set learning activities	Average hours per week, per level:	Year 1: 6 hours Year 2: 10 hours Year 3: 10 hours

  Outside of these hours, you'll be expected to do independent study where you read, listen and reflect on other learning activities. This can include preparation for future classes. In a year, you'll typically be expected to commit 1200 hours to your course across all styles of learning. If you are taking a placement, you might have some additional hours.

  Definitions of terms

  • Live in-person on campus learning – This will focus on active and experiential sessions that are both:
    • Led by your tutors including seminars, lab sessions and demonstrations We'll schedule all of this for you
    • Student-led by you and other students, like small group work and presentations.
  • Live online learning – This will include lectures, tutorials and supervision sessions led by your tutor and timetabled by us. It also includes student-led group work that takes place online
  
  
  • Tutor set learning activities – This covers activities which will be set for you by your tutor, but which you will undertake in your own time. Examples of this include watching online materials, participating in an online discussion forum, completing a virtual laboratory or reading specific texts. You may be doing this by yourself of with your course mates depending on your course and assignments. Outside of these hours, you'll also be expected to do further independent study where you'll be expected to learn, prepare, revise and reflect in your own time.

  Support

  You have a strong support network available to you to make sure you develop all the necessary academic skills you need to do well on your course.

  Our support services will be delivered online and on campus and you have access to a range of different resources so you can get the help you need, whether you're studying at home or have the opportunity to come to campus.

  You have access to one to one and group sessions for personal learning and academic support from our library and IT teams, and our network of learning experts. Our teams will also be here to offer financial advice, and personal wellbeing, mental health and disability support.

• We've made changes to how we assess our courses due to the restrictions which were in place during the pandemic. We're reviewing what aspects of these changes to take forwards into 2021/22 and you'll be provided information on this by your academic department.

  Assessment

  The course will provide you with opportunities to test your knowledge and understanding informally through 'formative' assessment. This will be completed before your formal 'summative' assessment which will count towards your final marks. Each module normally contains at least one piece of formative assessment from which you will receive feedback from your tutor. Formative assessments are developmental and any grade you receive from formative assessment does not count towards your final marks.

  There is formal 'summative' assessment as part of the module, usually towards the end of the module. The grades from the summative assessments count towards your module mark. Assessments are reviewed annually and may be updated based on student feedback, to suit content or based on feedback from an external examiner.

  Percentage of course assessed by coursework

  The balance of assessment will depend on the modules that you complete throughout your course. The approximate percentage of the course which is assessed by coursework is outlined below:

  Level 4 (BA/BSc)	77.5% coursework	22.5% practical exams
  Level 5 (BA/BSc)	95% coursework	5% practical exams
  Level 6 (BA only)	80% coursework	20% practical exams
  Level 6 (BSc only)	90% coursework	10% practical exams

  Feedback

  You will receive feedback on the formative assessment, and written summative assessments. Feedback on examination performance can be requested from the module leader. Feedback is intended to help you learn and progress, and you are encouraged to review and discuss your feedback with your module or personal tutor.

  We will aim to provide you with feedback within 15 working days of submission.

  Details of progression and pass marks for assessment can be found in the university regulations.

Entry requirements

1. Standard entry requirements
2. International (inc. EU)
3. How to apply

• Our entry requirements provide a guide to the qualifications that you'll need to study our courses. We have a personalised admissions approach and we make fair but aspirational offers. We want you to aim high and achieve great results.

  We understand that things have been very different at school and college since the pandemic started. We'll always aim to be as flexible as possible and take into consideration any barriers you may have faced in your learning.

  We're currently reviewing entry requirements based on this and they may be subject to some small changes. However, if you don't quite get the grades you hoped, we'll also look at more than your qualifications like your achievements in other areas and your personal statement.

  At Middlesex, we're proud of how we recognise potential in future students like you and how we can support you to succeed in the future.

  Qualifications

  We accept applications from students with a wide range of qualifications, including combinations of qualifications. The requirements for our most common entry qualifications can be found below:

  112-128 UCAS Tariff Points (including GCSE: Grade 4/C in Mathematics for BSc only)

  A Levels	BBC-BBB
  BTEC	DMM-DDM
  Access requirements	Overall pass: must include 45 credits at level 3, of which all 45 must be at Merit or higher
  Combinations	A combination of A-Level, BTEC and other accepted qualifications that total 112 - 128 UCAS Tariff points

  Our general entry requirements page outlines how we make offers where we have given a range (e.g. BBB – BBC in A levels), and how you will be made an offer if you are studying a combination of qualifications (e.g. BTEC and A level). In both cases, we will base this on information you've provided on your application.

  Applications from mature candidates without formal qualifications are welcomed, provided they can demonstrate appropriate levels of relevant ability and experience.

  If you are unable to meet the entry requirements for this course you may still be eligible for our Foundation Year in Media course. This is an extra year of study to prepare you for the full degree.

  Eligibility

  UK/EU and international students are eligible to apply for this course.

  Academic credit for previous study or experience

  If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex University course in year two or three. For further information please visit our Transfer students page.

  If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your Middlesex University programme of study. For further information please visit our Accreditation of Prior Learning page.

  Interviews, entrance tests, portfolios and auditions

  Entry onto this course does not require an interview, portfolio or audition.

• Qualifications

  In addition to qualifications such as A level and International Baccalaureate, we accept a wide range of international qualifications.

  Find out more about the qualifications we accept from your country on the relevant support in your country page. If you are unsure about the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest regional office for support.

  English language requirements for international students

  You must have competence in English language to study with us. The most commonly accepted evidence of English language ability is IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all components). We also normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. Visit our English language requirements page for a full list of accepted tests and qualifications. For some EU countries, we may be able to accept English language competency evidenced through your high school qualification. If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, we offer an intensive pre-sessional English course.

  Visas and immigration

  In order to study in the UK, you will need to apply for a student route visa. Please see our visas and immigration page for further information.

Fees and funding

1. UK
2. EU / International
3. Additional costs

• The fees below refer to the 2021/22 academic year unless otherwise stated.

  UK students*

  Full-time students: £9,250

  *Course fees are subject to annual inflation.

  For more information and to answer your frequently asked questions, please visit our undergraduate funding page.

• The fees below refer to the 2021/22 academic year unless otherwise stated.

  EU / International students*

  Full-time students: £14,700

  *Course fees are subject to annual inflation.

  For more information and to answer your frequently asked questions, please visit our undergraduate funding page.

• The following course-related costs are included in the fees:

  • A free electronic textbook for every module
  • All printing and copying required for your study
  • Self-service laptops available for loan for a maximum of 24 hours
  • Audio-visual equipment available for loan, including digital stills cameras, digital video recorders, digital audio recorders

  The following course-related costs are not included in the fees, and you may be required to purchase these to complete the course. The costs are approximate and may change due to changes in pricing at the retailer;

  • Additional books that you wish to purchase
  • Memory media
  • Stationary
  • Travel to some (non-course essential) external events

Contact us

We'll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University's Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we'll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we'll provide to you.

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Art Or Game Development And Design Program Mdx

Source: https://www.mdx.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/games-design

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