Game Design and Development - BA (Hons) | London South Bank University

Master the skills to bring your ideas to life: from design and coding to 2D/3D modelling and world and character building. Then create, release and promote your own games

We’re no.1 in London for Games Design and Top 10 in the UK (Guardian University Guide by subject, 2026)

Our graduates have secured gaming roles at companies including EA, Disney, Bossa Studios UK and Unity

Overview
Course Content
Teaching and Assessment
Careers
Entry Requirements
Apply
Fees

Overview

From player to creator

BA Games Design and Development will equip you with the skills and knowledge to turn your passion for gaming into a rewarding career. Our academics come from leading gaming companies like Sega, Sony and Curve Digital, bringing their real-world expertise and industry connections to the classroom. They’ll help you build a versatile skill set that will allow you to take on a variety of roles in the industry, while also supporting you to explore and grow your individual specialisms (be it audio programming, design, 2D/3D modelling or anything else).

To help you play to your strengths and interests even further, the course content has been refreshed in consultation with our industry partners for September 2026 entry (subject to validation). You’ll take dedicated modules in areas such as design, benefit from a renewed focus on accessibility and playtesting, and share modules with Computer Science students to enhance your coding skills. You’ll also gain plenty of experience collaborating and communicating with others, giving you a well-rounded foundation for the future.

As well as the technical side of making games, you’ll learn about the gaming industry, and you’ll develop the creative and organisational skills for game production and leadership roles. You can expect to create games for a wide range of gaming platforms: computer games, arcade games, gaming consoles, mobile games and online multiplayer gaming. We’ll cover game and level design, character design, animation, sound design and 3D modelling, all culminating in a major independent project.

Experience what it’s like to study Game Design and Development at LSBU

Guided by experts and supported by industry-standard facilities, you’ll be equipped to move through the game industry with confidence. Past students have gone on to work with the likes of EA, Ubisoft, Roblox, Unity and Rockstar (and no before you ask, we don’t know the latest release date for GTA), as well as several, smaller indie studios. You’ll be encouraged to attend plenty of extracurricular events during your time here including conventions, conferences, our own award-winning Game Jam and expo events. All of which will help you build connections and gain visibility in the industry.

Our location in central London puts you in the heart of the action, giving you direct access to the UK’s biggest gaming expos. LSBU is also a hub of gaming activity, regularly hosting industry events such as Adventure X. With all that support in your corner, the only limit is your imagination and dedication. Level up your studies with BA (Hons) Games Design and Development.

Is this course right for me?

If you’re equal parts tech skills and creative vision, then this course is for you. If you’re the kind of person who thrives well in team situations, then this course is for you. If you’re open minded, curious, and eager to explore all the different aspects of games development that a specialist degree wouldn’t offer, then this course is for you.

Most importantly, if you’re hungry to create your own version of success then LSBU is right for you. Because the making of you doesn’t begin and end with just your degree, everything that’s brought you here today is part of your story; your experiences, the life you’ve lived, the skills you’ve gained and the goals you’re chasing.

Not only do we see this, but we value that in you. We’re not in the business of forcing you into moulds, instead we’re here to help you break them. If you’re ready to embark on a journey of hard work, fulfilment and self-discovery, then Games Design at LSBU is definitely right for you.

Course Content

What will I learn?

BA Games Design and Development will help you build a generalist skill set, allowing to work at every stage of a project, while also giving you the chance to explore your creativity and artistic vision. By studying within LSBU’s School of Computer Science and Digital Technologies, you’ll benefit from advanced technical teaching and a supportive, collaborative community.

You’ll gain hands-on experience in both solo projects and team collaborations, helping you discover your own specialism within game development. Along the way, you’ll build a professional portfolio, explore accessibility and play testing in depth (a unique feature of this course in the UK), and develop transferable digital and analytical skills that open career opportunities both inside and beyond the games industry. Check out some examples of past student projects on itch.io.

Not only will you learn how to design and produce video games, but you’ll also gain the professional and people skills employers value. From freelancing and pitching a portfolio to building industry contacts and nurturing specialist interests, this course prepares you for a wide range of roles while ensuring your skills remain versatile, creative, and industry relevant.

You can find a detailed look at each of the modules below. Next let's explore how you will learn.

Modules marked with an asterisk (*) are shared with Computer Science students.

This module teaches the fundamentals of computer programming covering variables, datatypes, arrays, algorithms, conditional and iterative code and the use of functions. Students will learn to write simple programs making use of a contemporary programming language and development environment. Assessment: 100% coursework.

In this module students will develop an understanding of the complementary nature of Art and Sound as a fundamental building block of game development through character design practice. Students will learn to observe, design and record materials to support their Game Art and Sound Project, built around a central character design and supporting sound / music material. Students will also develop an understanding of the impact of sound and music on the player experience through mixed media materials, in-class demonstrations, out of class activities and practical workshops. Assessment: 100% portfolio.

In this module students learn the key elements involved in videogame production by creating a digital game. Students are split into groups and in their group, they will be assigned a role. Integral to the module is familiarising students with professional skills crucial to the game development process that will be built upon in subsequent modules on the course: programming and using a games engine, managing the game asset pipeline, strategies for meeting deadlines, game development project management techniques and working effectively in a team. Teams are assigned a supervisor and are expected to meet weekly as part of timetabled sessions to provide team updates and assign actions. The module will also begin introducing students to considerations of commercial concerns like market viability, budgeting, as well as personal skills relating to industry such as awareness of how workers make a living in industry and networking. Assessment: 100% portfolio.

3D Modelling introduces the process of creating models in 3D in a game development context. Students will explore the connections between 2D art and 3D modelling, examining issues such as perspective, texturing, rendering and lighting. Students will learn 3D Modelling tools and techniques by being taught appropriate development software such as Maya which they will use when doing their assessment. Students will also become familiar with skills necessary to produce work that adheres to a brief. Assessment: 100% portfolio.

This module helps you to understand, develop a vocabulary and acquire some simple programming skills using a programming language. It is using the programming skills/knowledge gained during the first semester to extend the complexity of the coding. It will provide a familiarity with Objects and Classes and some experience in simple GUIs. Good development principles and the kind of support an IDE will provide will also be looked at including all important aspects of the application development process in whatever environment or programming language you may use in the future. Assessment: 100% coursework.

This is a theory module and serves as an introduction to research skills for an arts and humanities approach to understanding games. The module provides students with an introduction to game studies, via a focus on the textual analysis of games. Sessions introduce students to basic concepts such as the definition of a game, storytelling in games, how game mechanics are theorised, as well as broader discussions of how to analyse games critically. The module content is delivered via lectures and seminars in which students will discuss as well as learn about key theory within game studies as it applies to both the assessment and their own practice.Assessment: 100% portfolio.

The Level Design Team module aims to build on the knowledge gained and take students further into the theory, practice and implementation of levels in both a 2D and 3D setting by doing a solo level design project. It introduces students to the practice of building in-game environments with which the player will interact, considering principles of architecture, navigation, landmarks, obstacles, and other points of interaction. The module will put a particular focus on structure, planning and the tooling available to them in creating these level design environments and allow them to showcase an understanding of what makes a successful level design. The core assessment is done as a small group or micro team to embed collaborative development into level design practice as it would be in a game development studio. Assessment: 100% portfolio.

Whereas the first theory module focused on understanding how games construct meaning, this module asks students to consider how developers construct the game not only in terms of meaning but also in terms of designing a very particular experience for the player. This player experience is the focus of the module and students are introduced to how games research relates to practical playtesting, user experience, and human computer interaction. It also continues looking at research resources derived from game studies as well as directly from game developers themselves. The goal is for students to develop an appreciation of how practice is informed by theory and vice versa based on research they are asked to undertake on the player experience. Assessment: 100% coursework.

Students will develop their understanding of game programming, and the game development processes learned in year 1. Throughout this module, students will practice computational thinking, game component design, specification, development, and review, using source control, and estimating and recording their productivity. At the end of the module, students will link together the components they have constructed to create a game prototype. They will use the estimation techniques they have developed to schedule and track their progress. Thus, this module will provide students with the programming, planning, and project management skills that will be needed for their final year and beyond. Assessment: 100% portfolio.

This module explores the development of distributed, concurrent and parallel applications and the need for multi-threaded programming in server and GUI development. The design of effective GUIs which launch long-running background tasks on dedicated threads of execution is covered. The theoretical relationship and distinction between concurrent programming and parallel processing to accomplish a task faster is also investigated. Network and distributed models of development, such as web application architectures are investigated. Assessment: 100% coursework.

Character Art & Modelling extends the core art concepts, skills and techniques covered in the first-year modules Game Art and Sound and 3D Modelling. In Character Art & Modelling students will embark on an essential game art task: creating a fully fleshed out character model from concept to completion using 3D modelling software (e.g. Maya). Students will learn advanced modelling techniques and get to grips with the render pipeline and bringing assets into Unity for use in game. The module gives students a greater understanding of the role of the 3D artist in game production and will also give students substantial material for their portfolios. Assessment: 100% portfolio.

Each student embarks on a program of study dedicated to his or her chosen specialism: game design, game programming, game art, game audio. Each program features specialist content centered around the chosen specialism path the student has selected. Students will select from a set of mini briefs based around current industry practice and trends and that will challenge the student to progress their specialist skills. In this way, the module builds on the core competencies acquired in year one. More so, it helps the student learn to navigate the rapidly changing technological advancements characteristic of the fast-paced game industry. Upon completion of the module students will have in their portfolio a selection of game development work that demonstrates they have advanced their specialist knowledge, are well-prepared for their final year of study and are highly employable. Assessment: 100% portfolio.

The project contributes significantly towards the final degree. In the final year you spend about 2 days a week on your project. Future employers will probably ask you about your project and use performance in the project as one of the most reliable guides to your potential. Requests for references often ask about the project. As a final year level 6, 40 credit module for the Honours degree, the project allows you to demonstrate, through a practical application, the extent of theoretical knowledge gained in the first two years of study, practical skills acquired in the subsequent year of industrial or commercial training and further theoretical and practical skills acquired during the final year of study. The project is therefore a very important piece of work. The project is intended to demonstrate to the examiners your ability to undertake and complete, to a satisfactory standard, all the parts of a professional piece of work. Assessment: 100% coursework.

his module asks students to consider accessibility features for games. In this module, students will be set a game brief where customisation and accessibility will be a core requirement of the game design. Students will learn about creating accessible controls and customisable systems. Disabilities and modalities for consideration include speech, cognition, visual, hearing, and motor impairments. Examples might include but are not limited to: colour blindness, visual impairment, hard of hearing, limited motor control, as well as custom controls for users with disability considerations. Students will be expected to familiarise themselves with middleware and innovations in game design linked to disability awareness and accessibility. Students must also consider how testing interfaces with accessibility.
Assessment: 100% portfolio.

The Final Game Project constitutes students’ final piece of game development work on the degree. Students put into practice the conceptual and practical skills they have acquired in the course, by producing and developing a project that synthesises all of the students skills and experiences acquired throughout the degree. The project created by the student may be used as part of a professional portfolio for employment within the video game industry. The expectation is that the student’s game will fall in line with their chosen specialism in Game Specialism but this is not a requirement. Assessment: 100% portfolio.

Professional Games Industry Portfolio aims to pull together student works from previous modules on the degree into a successful web-hosted portfolio, build a social media strategy for personal promotion, and develop student’s networking skills. The goal of module, in short, is to improve student’s employability skills in the context of the games industry and transferrable domains. Assessment: 100% portfolio.

* Modules are subject to review and change throughout the year.

Where will I learn?

Explore life at LSBU from anywhere - Take a virtual tour to explore our campus, discover key facilities and experience what student life is like.

Explore our courses

Facilities

A dedicated Games lab, sound studio, and specialist library resources.

The Game Design and Development modules are predominantly taught in a specialist Games Studio which features custom-built high-spec PCs and game consoles. Students have access to the Game Studio outside of teaching hours for playing games and working on game projects. You'll spend much of your production time planning, designing and prototyping games using applications such as:

The Unity Game Engine
Cubase, Logic, Audacity, Audition and FMod.
Visual Studio Code and 2022
Maya 2023 and Blender
Adobe Audition, Illustrator, Media Encoder, and Photoshop
Substance 3D Designer and Painter

Teaching and Assessment

How will I learn?

This is a course for people who want to learn by doing. There are few exams, and mostly self-directed study, inspiring lectures and seminars, and projects you’re passionate about. Assessment methods include:

Projects, including building your own gaming assets and prototypes

Portfolios

Pitches (pre-recorded or live)

Reflective reports

Responses to micro-briefs set by employers, mirroring the tasks early career starters would be asked to do on the job

The studios also feature materials and games donated by staff and industry and give you access to i9 CPUs and RTX 3080 cards as well as other machines to ensure compatibility hardware wise across GPU/CPU spec. These studios are open exclusively to Game Design and Development students from 8:30am-9:00pm each weekday.

Check out some examples of past student projects on itch.io.

You will have appointments with personal tutor at least once a semester for 30 minutes throughout your course. You can contact your tutor for additional meetings or support by email.

Careers

What’s in it for me?

As one of the most established games courses in the UK, over the past ten years we’ve developed an exceptional international network of contacts which you can benefit from. Our lecturers coordinate the London Chapter of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA).

We are also a member of TIGA: the not-for-profit trade association representing the UK video games industry.

Our graduates have secured gaming roles at:

Bossa Studios UK

Disney

Sega

Roblox

Rock Steady

Ubisoft

Unity

and many more, including smaller, independent gaming studios.

Others have gone on to work in at the BBC, National Theatre and Museum of London. Games Design at LSBU can be a springboard into industries beyond gaming, with skills that are in demand in film, TV, architecture, and training through serious games. From architects using Unity and Unreal to model buildings for clients to businesses adopting game technology for simulations and visualisation, graduates gain transferable skills that open doors far beyond the games sector.

With Games Design at LSBU you also get:

A trusted choice for your future: We're 1st in London and 8th in the UK for Games Design (Guardian League Tables by subject 2026)
Access to high-spec game systems and tools at our bespoke game development labs
Access to industry events, guest speakers and the possibilities for placements and graduate work
A professional portfolio of games that you can pitch to future employers
Expert support and guidance - 93.1% of students rated academic support on the course (National Student Survey 2025)
View our facilities from robots to VR pods where game worlds come alive. Meet students who mix coding with creative artistry, see Game Jam prototypes in action, and hear lecturers explain how industry-linked projects fast-track your portfolio.

View our facilities from robots to VR pods where game worlds come alive. Meet students who mix coding with creative artistry, see Game Jam prototypes in action, and hear lecturers explain how industry-linked projects fast-track your portfolio.

LSBU CareerSmart is your ultimate gateway to career success. Our innovative programme is designed to ensure you graduate with more than just a degree, providing the support you need to stand out in a competitive job market. We've got all the tools you need, including:

AI Powered Career Sets - Get instant personalised feedback on your CV and cover letter by submitting it via our AI powered career tool.
Gamification Interviews - Get ready to pass those interviews with unlimited training access to our gamification interviews and psychometric tests!
Personalised Career Development Dashboard - Keep up with your skills progression with free access to practical assessments, LinkedIn learning, mentoring, and industry-standard facilities.

We understand that you’re in the driver’s seat of your career, which is why we’re committed to matching your passion and energy every step of the way.

Find out more

Virtual Applicant Day Highlights

Entry Level Requirements

A Level BCC; 104 UCAS points
BTEC Extended Diploma MMM; 96 UCAS points
Access to HE qualifications with 9 Distinctions 36 Merits; 96 UCAS points
Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 104 UCAS points
Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths and English or equivalent e.g. Level 2 Functional Skills qualification.

If you do not meet the entry criteria above we also review any previous skills, knowledge or experience you have gained outside of your education and are happy to talk through any extenuating circumstances you feel relevant.

Visit UCAS for guidance on the tariff.

Advanced entry

If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.

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Apply

Course delivery modes and application methods

Mode	Duration	Start date	Application code	Application method
Full-time	3 years	September	W212	UCAS

All full-time undergraduate students apply to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) using the University's Institution Code L75. Full details of how to do this are supplied on our How to apply webpage for undergraduate students.

All part-time students should apply directly to London South Bank University and full details of how to do this are given on our undergraduate How to apply webpage.

How to apply

Read more about how to apply for undergraduate courses.

International students

International applicants can apply directly to LSBU and should consult our international how to apply guide for further information on the application process and key dates.

Accommodation

Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.

Prepare to start

Applicant events

After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course. You’ll also be invited to our Applicant Taster Day so keep your eyes peeled!

Enrolment

Before you start your course, we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our enrolment pages.

Fees

United Kingdom

£9535

Tuition fees for home students

International

£15500

Tuition fees for international students

Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees for Undergraduate or Postgraduate courses.

full-time

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Full-time Year 1 - All Available Courses

BA (Hons) Game Design and Development (FT) - Year 1 FT Southwark SEPT

The fee shown is for entry 2026/27
UK fee: £9535	International fee: £15500
AOS/LSBU code: 5790	Session code: 1FS00

Total course fee for this location/stream:

* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

UK: £28605

International: £46500

Full-time Year 2 - All Available Courses

BA (Hons) Game Design and Development (FT) - Year 2 FT Southwark SEPT

The fee shown is for entry 2026/27
UK fee: £9535	International fee: £15500
AOS/LSBU code: 5790	Session code: 2FS00

Total course fee for this location/stream:

* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

UK: £28605

International: £46500

Full-time Year 3 - All Available Courses

BA (Hons) Game Design and Development (FT) - Year 3 FT Southwark SEPT

The fee shown is for entry 2026/27
UK fee: £9535	International fee: £15500
AOS/LSBU code: 5790	Session code: 3FS00

Total course fee for this location/stream:

* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

UK: £28605

International: £46500

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by checking at the the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) find your fee status page.

Visit our Policies and procedures page for details on fees policies.

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees to reflect increased costs of delivery and to maintain an a high-quality student experience. This increase would be no more than Consumer Prices Index (CPI) increases plus 5%.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.