COURSE CURRICULUM

In Year One, Launch Week introduces students to interdisciplinary activities, including an Industry Guest Speakers’ Series, study trips, and studio visits. The Fundamentals of Game Design unit provides core skills in game design theory, documentation, and development in game engines, laying the foundation for prototyping and creating 3D assets. The Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion unit explores the impact of these concepts on students' creative practice. In Board Game Design, students apply their skills to design and prototype a board game, including mechanics, design documentation, and 3D models. Opportunity Week allows for broadened engagement through Games Jams and Design Sprints, with trips to major hubs and festivals. The Introduction to Games Production unit covers production management, communication tools, and further game engine skills, providing an overview of the production pipeline. Students also tackle a Client Brief, refining their presentation skills while working individually or in teams. The Interactive Narratives unit allows students to explore narrative design, culminating in the creation of their own interactive narrative. ATOM Activities provide interdisciplinary exposure, and the PLE Digital Outcome encourages self-directed engagement on digital platforms, such as portfolios or blogs.In Year Two, the Launch Week continues with similar activities, while the Rapid Games Prototyping unit focuses on developing prototypes across platforms and genres, aiming to create a portfolio of original IPs. The Conscious Practitioner unit examines global influences on creative practice, considering identity, culture, and political factors. Opportunity Week again offers the chance to broaden knowledge through Jams and Design Sprints. The Games Studio unit simulates a game studio environment, with students specializing in chosen areas of expertise while collaborating on a brief. The Industry Brief unit challenges students to work to specific parameters, honing their industry-relevant skills and presentation techniques. Elective units provide the option to delve deeper into areas like Immersive Media, Digital Storytelling, and Motion Capture Technologies.In Year Three, the Launch Week maintains its focus on interdisciplinary activities. The Final Major Project: Pre-Production unit allows students to develop a significant body of work, defining their project’s concept, scope, audience, and purpose. The Final Major Project: Critical and Conceptual Influences unit involves independent research to inform the project, developing a clear and sustained argument. The Professional Practice unit helps students create promotional resources that present their strengths in a professional manner. Finally, the Final Major Project: Production is the culmination of the course, where students produce a body of work that demonstrates their skills and knowledge of industry practices, preparing them for graduation and professional practice in the computer games industry. Students document their journey through a development journal to reflect on their process and growth.