BA (Hons) Games Design

• Game design fundamentals 
• Games culture and critical studies 
• Concepting and ideation 
• Prototyping and iteration 
• Player psychology and user experience 
• Design documentation (GDDs, design logs) 
• Character and environment design 
• Game engines, tools and scripting 
• Development cycles 
• Production methodologies (Scrum, Lean, Waterfall) 
• Working in teams

If you are studying the BA (Hons) Games Production and Design with Integrated Foundation Year version of this course, key topics of your integrated foundation year will include:

• Introduction to the fundamental principles of games and animation
• Core elements of design and art: line, shape, colour, value, form, texture, and space
• Exploring digital software and applications Relevant to design and user interaction
• Presenting Research and Ideation with Clarity, Critical Thinking, and Reflection
• Overview of Digital Games and Animation Software, Including Current Innovations and Limitations of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

If you choose to add an Integrated Foundation Year on this course, you will be first introduced to the fundamental principles of games design, animation and illustration. Your foundation year gives you the time, space and support to explore your strengths, build confidence and prepare for the demands of project-based, industry-focused learning. Modules are as follows:

• Module 1: Diagnostic exploration - making informed choices
• Module 2: Technical - Technical knowledge in practice
• Module 3: Specialist - Innovating specialist practice
• Module 4: Integration - Integrated practice for progression to Higher Education

Please note: Students starting this course with the Integrated Foundation Year in September 2026/27 will study the 2027/28 approved modules in Years 1, 2 and 3.

Year 1

In your first year, you will develop the key skills required for game design while engaging in critical discussions around the cultural and political contexts of games. 

Key study topics include:  

• Introduction to game studies and an exploration of games culture 
• Introduction to basic design skills 
• Introduction to software tools and pipelines 
• Applying design skills to level design 
• Exploring narrative design

Year 2 

In your second year, you will focus on developing your own worlds and narratives, building original stories and design identities. Alongside this, you will explore multi-platform game systems and mechanics, understanding how gameplay adapts across PC, console, mobile, and XR platforms. You will apply these skills through an extended collaborative studio project and an industry-led work-based learning module.

Key study topics include:

• Research-led concept development and design specialisation
• World building and narrative design for original game concepts
• Multi-platform gameplay systems and mechanics
• Prototyping and design development
• Collaborative studio practice and industry-led work-based learning
• Learn about the numerous design roles in the gaming industries

Year 3

In your third year, you will refine and specialise your skills, developing a distinctive creative practice within your chosen area. You will work independently, supported by specialist faculty and industry mentors, to produce a considered final project. Alongside this, you will strengthen your professional practice, preparing you to progress confidently into roles within the games and creative industries.

Year 1 

In your first year, you will build a strong foundation in games design and production, exploring how games are conceived, designed, and developed. Through a combination of practical projects, critical enquiry, and creative experimentation, you will develop core knowledge in game design, level design, and professional practice. You will also gain an understanding of the wider games industry and the business principles that support successful creative projects, preparing you for further study and professional development.

• Rave Beginnings in Games
• Game Design Fundamentals
• Markets, Customers & Sales Practice
• Level Design
• Working in Games
• Finance for Decision Making

Year 2

In your second year, you will deepen your understanding of game design through the study of gameplay mechanics, systems design, and narrative and quest design. You will explore how designers create engaging player experiences, meaningful progression, compelling game worlds, and memorable player journeys, while developing the collaborative, analytical, and project management skills used within contemporary game studios. Through studio-based learning and applied projects, you will continue to develop your creative and professional identity as a designer.

• Ops & Project Management
• Game Mechanics
• System Design
• Narrative and Quest
• Games Studio Culture
• Games Team Project

Year 3

In your final year, you will bring together the knowledge and skills developed throughout the programme through advanced studio practice and major game projects. Building on your understanding of game design, production, and player-focused development, you will explore user experience (UX) and playtesting to refine and enhance game experiences. Working collaboratively on studio-based projects informed by contemporary industry practices, you will further develop your professional practice, portfolio, leadership, and production capabilities, while gaining experience of the workflows used within professional game studios and preparing you to enter the games industry with confidence and experience.

• UX and Playtesting
• Games Studio Project
• Game Production Project

All modules are subject to revalidation.

At Ravensbourne we accept a wide range of qualifications for entry onto our courses, whilst also considering the context in which they were achieved. For this course, we would usually require a GCSE Grade 4 or above in English in addition to any of the below;

• Three A Levels at grade CCC or above
• BTEC Extended Diploma at grade MMM
• UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma
• T Level (pass or above)
• Access to Higher Education Diploma
• International Baccalaureate at grade 24 or above
• Other/Mixed qualifications equivalent to 96 UCAS Tariff points

Interview and portfolio requirements

There are no interview or portfolio requirements for this course.

At Ravensbourne we accept a wide range of qualifications for entry onto our courses, whilst also considering the context in which they were achieved. For this course, we would usually require a GCSE Grade 4 or above in English in addition to any of the below:

• Two A Levels at grade DD or above
• BTEC Extended Diploma at grade PPP
• UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma
• T Level (pass or above)
• Access to Higher Education Diploma
• International Baccalaureate at grade 24 or above
• Other/Mixed qualifications equivalent to 48 UCAS Tariff points

At Ravensbourne we take a flexible approach to admissions, as we want you to know exactly what you need to achieve in your exams to guarantee a place on the course. 

Interview and portfolio requirements

There are no interview or portfolio requirements for this course.