Overview
Step into the world of games creation and bring your ideas to life on the BSc (Hons) Games Development course.
From day one, you’ll build, experiment and collaborate, combining creativity with cutting-edge technical skills using industry-standard tools. Whether you choose to specialise in design or software development, you’ll develop a professional portfolio while working on real-world projects inspired by industry practice.
During the course, you’ll test ideas, evidence, and applications. You’ll connect learning to theory and begin to develop your own professional judgement. Here, you can turn your ideas into real-world applications and meaningful experiences that combine creativity with purpose.
We have close connections with different industry players, from emerging start-ups to major studios. You’ll benefit from guest lectures and collaborative projects that mirror the real world.
Year 1 covers the foundations of creating games and developing logic, structure and prototyping, using engines such as Unity and Unreal Engine.
In Year 2, you will specialise in games design or games software development.
Games design
- Explore player psychology, narrative and systems design
- Produce professional portfolio pieces
- Collaborate with artists, animators and programmers.
Games software development
- Focus on C++, OpenGL, AI and networking
- Compete technical and creative projects as part of a team.
With strong links to leading studios and hands-on experience at its core, this course prepares you to turn your passion for games into a dynamic and rewarding career.
Why study Games Development at GCU?
- Benefit from our industry partnerships, from local independent studios to global companies like Blazing Griffin, Rockstar, Outplay Entertainment and No Code.
- Learn to code in C++, and understand the technicalities of how tools like Unreal Engine and Unity work.
- Build a strong foundation in design, studying human behaviour, research methodology and critical analysis – not just level-building or mechanics.
- Make use of professional-grade facilities, including high-performance PCs, VR equipment, and technical and creative development labs.
Accreditations
What you will study
We aim to display the most up-to-date information possible.
The modules listed on this page and the Programme Specification are intended to give you an idea of what you may be able to study on this course. Please note that course content, modules, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at GCU. This might be because we are required to do so by law, by a governmental authority, regulator or accrediting body. We may also make changes for quality assurance reasons, or to enhance the course.
Level 1
Introduction to Games Programming
Mathematics for Computer Games
Fundamentals of Computer Systems
Fundamentals of Network and Cloud Computing
Level 2
Programming Structure and Design
Level 3
Research Skills Professional Issues (ACG)
Level 4
Understanding module information
For most undergraduate courses, Level 1 modules are studied in Year 1, Level 2 modules in Year 2 etc.
If your course includes optional modules, these may be available at different Levels and in different years of study. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will depend on factors such as student demand, timetabling and staffing.
If you study part time, you will normally complete modules in Level order, but it may take more than one academic year to complete a Level.
If you join the course through Advanced Entry, you will normally begin at a higher Level, depending on your point of entry, before progressing through the remaining Levels of the course.
Careers
Our graduates have gone on to shape every part of the games and interactive media industry, working as:
- Game Programmers
- Designers
- Technical Artists
- Producers
- Software Engineers.
And have worked at leading studios including:
- Blazing Griffin
- Crytek
- Electronic Arts
- No Code
- Outplay Entertainment
- Rockstar
- Sony.
When you complete your degree, you’ll be ready to thrive in a competitive, fast-moving field. Combining creativity, technical skill, and professional insight, you’ll have the tools to channel your passion into an exciting and sustainable career.
Course information
Take a virtual tour with us
Download the programme specification
In addition to the core modules that all students must undertake, some courses offer students a choice from a selection of optional modules to shape the focus their degree. Optional modules where available, form part of the overall credit structure of the course.
Download the programme specification for a detailed breakdown of the course structure, including modules, what you'll learn and other useful information.
Terms and Conditions