COURSE CURRICULUM

In the first year of the program, students begin with an interdisciplinary Launch Week, featuring industry guest speakers and activities like study trips and Design Sprints. The Fundamentals of Games Development unit introduces key technical skills in game engines, scripting, programming, and 3D modeling. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion focuses on exploring how these concepts impact creative practices. In Board Game Design, students work in teams to prototype paper-based games, considering mechanics, documentation, and artwork. Opportunity Week offers further exposure to activities like Games Jams, study trips, and studio visits. Gameplay Design and Programming develops skills for prototyping compelling games while exploring the medium's critical debates. The Client Brief unit enhances professional practice by responding to industry-driven tasks, while Interactive Narratives examines narrative design, character creation, and game storytelling. ATOM Activities and PLE Digital Outcome 1 provide additional opportunities for interdisciplinary learning and personal digital development.In the second year, Launch Week again features guest speakers and various activities. Technical Art bridges art and programming by teaching skills for visual effects, shaders, and lighting in game development. The Conscious Practitioner explores global perspectives on creative practices, focusing on identity, culture, and political contexts. Opportunity Week continues to offer hands-on experience with Games Jams and Design Sprints. Tools and Production focuses on creating efficient production tools and self-directed projects in programming and technical art. The Industry Brief encourages students to work on real-world briefs, enhancing their communication and presentation skills. Elective units such as Immersive Media or Motion Capture Technologies provide specialized learning. The final year culminates with advanced programming skills in Advanced Games Programming and a research-driven Major Project, focused on critical and conceptual influences. Professional Practice aids students in developing portfolios and professional resources, leading to a Final Major Project that demonstrates their expertise and readiness for the gaming industry.