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Level up your development prowess with this BSc (Hons) top-up degree in games development. It prepares you for employment in the games industry, producer job roles and surrounding industries with a programming-based environment. You will focus on a variety of fields within game development, learning advanced techniques and skills using industry-standard software, techniques, and workflows. It also allows you to use core language principles, such as C++ and UE5 Blueprints, to enrich and add depth to games within a game engine context.
This course is built to meet real industry demands while empowering you with the versatile skills needed to thrive in independent game development. Whether you’re aiming to join an established game studio or launch your own indie venture, you'll be equipped to hit the ground running. We place a strong focus on entrepreneurial development, giving you the tools to create your own path rather than rely solely on traditional career routes. The potential of going independent is clearer than ever—with over 44,000 developers having released or announced games on Steam as of 2025. Thanks to Steam’s accessible and affordable publishing model, it’s never been more possible to turn your creative vision into a real product.
Working with
TYPICAL OFFER
Foundation Degree: 50% module average on the second year of an FD in a relevant subject.
HND: Merit grade in a relevant subject.
IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component.
International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria.
Mature applicants: University Centre Leeds welcomes applications from candidates who may not precisely match the academic criteria but can demonstrate experience in their chosen field as well as academic achievement at level 5. Candidates in this category will be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.
*21 years and over at the start of the course
RPL Claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).
Step into the fast-paced world of game development with a course designed around real industry workflows. You'll specialise in Game Art, Programming, or Development while collaborating in interdisciplinary teams to produce polished, playable games. From rapid prototyping to portfolio creation, every module mirrors the structure of professional game studios. Participate in Game Jams, industry critiques, and AI-driven design projects that prepare you for modern studios or indie success. Learn to build immersive worlds, write efficient code, and develop striking visuals—all using industry-standard tools. With a strong focus on teamwork, innovation, and employability, this top-up degree is your launchpad into the games industry. Graduate with a professional portfolio and the confidence to thrive in any game development environment.
The topics this course covers include:
To reflect industry practices, we promote the use of agile workflows and promote events such as Game Jams and Game Societies. We focus on employability, so work is tailored to match and meet industry standards whilst also adopting industry workflows. We emphasise personal development, encouraging you to work with industry-standard software, tools and artwork.
This course is validated by The Open University
Rapid Game Prototyping (20 Credits)
This module provides students with an intensive, hands-on experience in rapidly prototyping game concepts. Students will learn to quickly iterate on game ideas, focusing on core mechanics, level design, and gameplay features within a compressed timeframe. Emphasis will be placed on effective communication, collaboration, and the ability to adapt to rapid changes in design.
Indie Game Development (20 Credits)
This module focuses making sure you can develop and combine skills from the art, design, and programming disciplines to create your own games. Understanding each core area will help you understand how game development draws from a variety of disciplines. You will learn how to create, develop, and produce working games. This module focuses on iterative design and creating engaging games for the players. Linking theory and creative skills to create unique experiences.
Game Studio 3 (60 Credits)
This module focuses on the group working element of game creation. Working as a group is a paramount skill in being successful within the games industry; therefore, you will work with games artists, developers and programmers to create a final product.. This module will cover the entire production pipeline, from planning documentation, simulating pitching for funding or publishing and creating a final product for publishing.
Game Portfolio (20 Credits)
This module aims to equip students with a professional, discipline-specific portfolio, essential for entering the games industry. Throughout the module, you will undertake a self-directed project to produce a new, high-quality piece that highlights your skills in a specialized area, enhancing your portfolio’s appeal to potential employers. Through practical assignments, students will learn to use industry-standard tools, organise your work for online presentation, and host your portfolio on professional platforms, building a polished, ready-to-showcase portfolio that meets industry expectations.
You will be given the opportunity to work across a wide range of projects, developing skills in the specialism of Game Development. You will look at the advanced development techniques required to create well-developed, creative game mechanics, worlds and experiences.
You will also develop skills in implementing assets and gameplay functions within multiple engines to create industry-standard gameplay mechanics. There is heavy emphasis on team working and producing high-quality, thought-out games with the support of tools created by programming peers. Throughout the year, you will be preparing and creating work to be showcased within a portfolio.
You will develop the following skills:
Benefits include:
You will also develop your problem-solving, learning to appreciate and apply advanced techniques in the creation and development of games. You will become a well-versed industry professional, developing techniques and production skills that can be used across industries, such as Game Developer, Game Producer, Project Manager, TV & Film, 3D Product Visualisation, Arch Vis and many others.
Modules will be formally assessed and graded through a range of methods, including:
This range of activities provides the opportunity for everyone to demonstrate the knowledge and skills that they have acquired throughout the course of their studies.
The course is delivered in purpose-built suites at the University Centre
TYPICAL OFFER
Foundation Degree: 50% module average on the second year of an FD in a relevant subject.
HND: Merit grade in a relevant subject.
IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component.
International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria.
Mature applicants: University Centre Leeds welcomes applications from candidates who may not precisely match the academic criteria but can demonstrate experience in their chosen field as well as academic achievement at level 5. Candidates in this category will be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.
*21 years and over at the start of the course
RPL Claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL).
On completion of this top-up degree you can progress to a Masters or seek relevant employment which may include:
Game Developer
Game Producer
Technical Artist
Indie Developer
Game Entrepreneur
App Developer
Unreal Engine Developer
3D Artist
For the latest version of The Open University regulations please click here.
Applications are open for 2025 entry.
To apply directly to study at University Centre Leeds as an international applicant, please see the direct apply link further up this page or visit our 'How to apply' page and complete the steps.
You can also apply through UCAS.
For more information please visit our 'How to apply' page.
Course fees for Undergraduates are £14,000 (GBP)
Scholarship available £3,000 (GBP) all courses.
For more information about fees and scholarships, please click here.
Please see our entry requirements page for additional requirements as an international student
International students will study 5 additional hours on top of the regular timetable.
For more information about visa and immigration, please click here.
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Access your University Centre Leeds Prospectus now.
