Places still available
Contact our Clearing hotline to discuss your options and secure your place this September
Undergraduate course
BA (Hons)
Game Arts and Design
Turn your creativity into captivating games. Master 3D modelling, 2D art, animation, level design, and gameplay coding—all guided by industry experts. Explore every stage of game development and specialise in what excites you most.
Our typical offer
104 UCAS points
Create in world-class facilities
Create with cutting-edge tech in world-class facilities—where your ideas come to life in VR, 360° immersion, and high-spec game labs.
Shape the future of gaming
Future-proof your career with industry-led, tech-focused training — where innovation, entrepreneurship, and ethical practice prepare you to thrive and make an impact.
Break into the industry
Boost your employability with optional year-long, paid placements at top studios like Criterion Games.
About
If you love creating visually stunning games and immersive experiences, this course gives you the chance to focus on the artistic side of game development. You’ll learn to design characters, environments, and storylines using industry tools like Unreal Engine and Blender. Graduates go on to work at top companies like EA Games and Aardman Animation, and work on high profile projects like Alien: Romulus and Netflix’s Three Body Problem.
Mr Joel Hodges
Lecturer in Game Arts & Design
This course is for you if...
you’re passionate about creating immersive, engaging games
you enjoy blending creativity and technical skills in game design
you want to master industry-standard tools and workflows
you’re aiming for a career as a game artist, 3D modeller, or level designer
Details
Year 1
Get straight into learning the art and coding skills you need as a game designer. You are introduced to 2D design and 3D modelling software, game engines and gameplay coding. Bring your drawings to life with animation and interactivity, and create your first 3D models and games. Learn about storytelling and build your own gaming hardware.
Core modules
FAPY100
Stage 1 Placement Preparation
0 credits
This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking a company placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.
GAD4001
Illustration and Concept Art
In this module, students will learn core skills in 2D illustration and concepting processes in relation to games. Students will learn about form, shape, silhouettes and rapid ideation processes that will give them the tools to create concepts for designs, and develop the pieces in final game ready assets. Students will explore colour theory, and how to design for set themes, styles, and the considerations that need to be made in the initial ideation stages. Students will learn to use standardised digital art suites in order to create assets in the game art production pipeline.
GAD4002
3D Modelling
This module provides an introduction to the fundamental principles and techniques used in creating 3D models for the gaming industry. Students will learn to design, model, and optimize assets for integration into real-time rendering environments, focusing on game-specific requirements such as low polygon counts. By the end of this module, students will have created a portfolio of game-ready assets and gained experience in using industry-standard tools and software.
GAD4003
Game Art Practice
This module is designed to introduce students to the fundamental principles and practical skills required to create high-quality 3D art assets for video games. Students will gain hands-on experience in designing, modelling, texturing, and optimizing 3D assets, with a strong focus on the artistic and technical considerations specific to game development. This module will enable students to produce game-ready assets while understanding the complete workflow from concept to implementation in a game engine.
GAME4001
Design Practice
This module welcomes students to the world of game design through a balance of playful activities and thought-provoking debates. The module explores design practices such as observation, ideation, prototyping and testing, in relation to industry culture and wider social contexts. The module introduces students to practical and creative processes that encourage experimentation and prepare for HE workflows. Through conceptual understanding of artistic practice combined with technical production skills in a range of areas, such as 2D and 3D design, facilitated by industry standard design software and processes.
GAME4002
Interactive Experiences
In this module, students will explore core theories around worldbuilding, narrative design and immersion theory for game design. Students will get hands on experience with popular video games to explore, critique and discuss how narratives and the worlds that are crafted create an immersive experience. Students will also critique how the nature of interaction in games is controlled by designers and developers to control the audience into feeling agency in games, and where frameworks are developed to explore ludo-narrative gameplay. Students will work with wireframing tools and processes to demonstrate their understanding of how narrative structures are developed and designed in games.
Optional modules
GAME4003
UI Design
In this module, students will explore the concepts behind User Experience Design (UX) and User Interface Design (UI). Students will be given a range of material to explore and critique to understand the application of different design methods, principles and considerations for creating UI for games. Students will iterate on designs, exploring the use of fonts, logos, colours and considerations for different games markets. Students will create a menu system for a hypothetical game that includes the title screen, a pause menu, and a settings menu. This menu system will explore branding and identity, functionality, affordances and feedback, and the wider consideration of accessibility in design.
GAME4004
Sound Design
This module explores the fundamental principles and techniques of sound design specifically for video games. It covers the creation, implementation, and manipulation of audio assets, including sound effects, music, and dialogue, to enhance player experience. Students will learn to utilize industry-standard software and hardware, focusing on real-time audio integration and interactive soundscapes.
Placement year (optional)
An optional paid 48-week work placement offers invaluable practical work experience. We recommend pursuing a placement, as it enhances your final year of study and improves your employability on graduation.
Core modules
FAPY604
Digital Art and Technology/Internet Design Placement
An extend period of professional training (at least the duration of both teaching semesters - 36 weeks) spent as the third year of a sandwich programme undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company (either a paid placement or unpaid internship). This provides an opportunity for the student to gain relevant industrial experience to consolidate the first two stages of study and to prepare for the final stage and employment after graduation.
Which games degree is right for you?
Choosing the right course is the first step toward your future in the dynamic world of gaming.
Whether you're passionate about creating stunning visuals, crafting immersive gameplay experiences, or building the next generation of game engines, there's a degree for you.
Perfect for creative minds who want to design the visual world of games. Focus on 3D modelling, 2D art, animation, and level design. Get hands-on with industry-standard tools and bring art to life.
Ideal for those who love to code and design interactive gameplay. Master programming, prototyping, and game mechanics design. Bring your ideas to life through programming in C++ and scripting.
For the tech-minded who want to dive deep into computer science with a game-focused twist. Develop game engines, artificial intelligence, and programming tools. Build a solid foundation in software engineering principles.
The recognises institutions committed to providing high-quality educational experiences through knowledgeable faculty and proven curricula.
Our Senior Technician Andrew Banks has also been awarded a Silver Status as an Unreal Authorised Trainer.
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.
Experience
The university gives us access to everything we could need to create games. We have full-blown drawing platform suites, we have a visual dome so we can do 3D Dome experiences, motion caption software, recordings booths, everything we need to build every single section of game design interactive experiences XR and VR.
Glen, BA (Hons) Game Arts and Design graduate
I’ve learnt a large array of industry-relevant skills such as 3D modelling, coding, and animation. The course has also pushed me to gain better skills in areas such as presenting/public speaking, and working in a team alongside other people to make games.
Esther, BA (Hons) Game Arts and Design graduate
When it comes to networking during our course, they've brought in a lot of people from different areas of the industry. You can get involved with research and you can get involved with other projects outside of the University.
Glen, BA (Hons) Game Arts and Design graduate
Learn from experts in their field
Learn from expert coders, artists, designers, and creative technologists working at the cutting edge of games, VR, robotics, sound, and interactive media. Our hands-on, project-based approach builds your coding and creative skills from the ground up—no experience needed. We’ll equip you for a fast-changing digital world, where creativity and critical thinking is always in demand.
Mr Joel Hodges
Lecturer in Game Arts & Design
Dr Rafael Arrivabene
Lecturer in Game and Experience Design
Dr Lauren Hayhurst
Lecturer in Narrative Design
Life in ¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú
¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Jenna
Current student
Current student
Life in the city
Discover what ¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú and its unique geographical location have to offer
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene
Careers
Our graduates work at top companies like Facebook, Pixar, and EA—or thrive as indie developers and start-up founders. With 2,000+ game studios in the UK, you can build a career close to home in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.
Your Game Arts and Design degree opens doors to roles like game artist, coder, designer, or producer—and builds skills valued across tech and creative sectors. Optional paid placements with studios like Criterion Games give you real-world experience and industry connections.
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
I knew it would be really rewarding to experience working as a designer for a team of over a hundred people and to learn from industry veterans, and that a placement would boost my understanding of the game development industry. Looking back on it now, I can safely say it did!
Graduate Leah on her industry placement with EA Games
The placement made me better at productivity and time keeping – at my placement and my current job we had to time our work so that it could be charged correctly; it’s something that I know some people in the industry struggle with, but thanks to my placement I can do it without any stress.
Graduate Ella on her experience on placement with Sponge Learning
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for new full-time students starting in 2025-2026 or
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
£795 per 10 credits
£795 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
In November 2024, the UK Government announced an increase to tuition fees and maintenance support for 2025/26 academic year, setting the standard tuition fee and student maintenance loan at £9,535 per year and the University’s tuition fees were increased to this rate.
The UK Government has indicated that further fee increases may be announced this year and in subsequent years. If the UK Government does so, the University may increase annual tuition fees in subsequent years, which may include the fees for the 2026/2027 academic year, in line with the Student Contract and all times in line with the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year.
Full-time study
£17,600 per year
£17,600 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,905
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,430
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year.
Full-time study
£18,150 per year
£18,150 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK

To be confirmed
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
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To be confirmed
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
Additional costs
This course is delivered by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business. Studying a course in this faculty may incur additional costs relating to placement or equipment requirements.
Fund your studies
As an undergraduate at ¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
Places still available
Contact our Clearing hotline to discuss your options and secure your place this September
Entry requirements
Our typical offer
104 UCAS points
104 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
GCSE
All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) mathematics and English at grade 4/C or above.
A levels
104 points from a minimum of 2 A levels.
BTEC
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
DMM in any subject.
DMM in any subject.
12 Unit BTEC Diploma
D*D* in any subject.
D*D* in any subject.
All Access courses
Pass a named Access to HE Diploma in any subject with at least 33 credits at merit/distinction.
T level
Merit in any subject.
International Baccalaureate
28–32 overall to include Higher Level 4 English and Maths accepted within: Higher Level = 4, Standard Level = 5.
Portfolio
Applicants are required to submit a portfolio, with an optional informal interview, for entry onto this course. If you have any questions, please contact our Admissions Team; drop us an email at applications@plymouth.ac.uk or alternatively give us a call on +44 1752 585858.
Extended entry requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
W282
W282
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú
¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
Our typical offer
104 UCAS points
104 UCAS points
BSearch entry requirements for your country
5
English language requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
UCAS course code
W282
W282
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú
¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day
Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the ¾«Æ·ÎÞÂë¹ú²ú×Ô²ú.
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The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.