BA (Hons) Games Development with Integrated Foundation Year

During your Integrated Foundation Year you will focus on:

• Understanding how graphical computer outputs are generated, interpreted, and utilized in digital systems
• Applying planning, time management, and structured production methods to achieve successful software and hardware outcomes
• Developing responsible and accountable technical workflows in creative computing
• Analyzing complex problems, formulating strategic approaches, implementing solutions, and critically evaluating results
• Experimenting with physical computing, graphical interfaces, and software tools to explore creative and technical possibilities
• Demonstrating and understanding of the historical development, impact, and limitations of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Gaining foundational knowledge of programming concepts, including functions, arrays, objects, and event-driven programming

During Years 2,3 and 4 you will focus on:

• Game engine technologies
• Games culture and practice
• Game design fundamentals
• Table top
• Mobile
• Console
• Computer
• The games industry.

In Year 1, you’ll engage with the key principles of your chosen subject. The Integrated Foundation Year offers the time, support, and guidance needed to build confidence, and prepare for the expectations of project-based, industry-focused learning. Modules* may include:

• Module 1: Diagnostic Exploration – Building informed decision-making skills
• Module 2: Technical – Applying technical knowledge in real-world contexts
• Module 3: Specialist – Developing innovative approaches within specialist areas
• Module 4: Integration – Bringing together skills to support you in Year 2 of the course. 

*Subject to revalidation

Year 2 of this course will introduce you to the game's development process and core disciplinary technologies alongside study options that enable a degree of specialisation in one of those core disciplines:    

• Games Art
• Technical Design (Engine Technologies)
• Design & Production

You will also engage with and be trained in the use of digital platforms for effective delivery of outcomes including games, presentations, documentation, and prototypes. 

Modules include:

• Programming 1
• Design of Play
• Engines & Pipelines
• Environments & Levels
• Professional Life Practice - Developing your Practice
• Professional Life Practice - Exploring your Practice

You will work alongside students from other games courses on collaborative projects enabling you to develop team working and help you understanding of key development workflows.

Throughout this stage of the course, you will also be introduced to what currently constitutes innovative practice within games programming and explores the interplay of innovation and technological development. This will be supported by visists and practical workshops from industry speakers and specialists. 

Students will have the opportunity to undertake a work-based learning opportunity at the end of semester 2, supporting them in developing their entrepreneurship and employability skills.

Modules include:

• Narrative & Play
• Character Design for Games
• Games Studio
• Professional Life Practice- Applying your Practice
• Work-Based Learning.

A sizeable proportion of project-based work will be initiated and developed by students themselves, with a view to mastering skills particular to their interests within the discipline. 

You will be encouraged to dive deeper into your interests through individual tutorials and self-directed study, utilising online and physical resources. You will complete major projects tied to your chosen discipline at the end of your 4th year.

Modules may include:

• Pre-Production
• Production
• Professional Life Practice - Situating your Practice
• Postproduction

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 and Maths 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 University London, industry connection is ingrained into everything we do. We will equip you for success in the creative and digital industries, ensuring you are truly industry ready upon graduation. Our tutors are respected academics and practitioners with substantial experience and industry links.

You will be part of a diverse community of creatives, working collaboratively to explore new professional practices. Ravensbourne have strong industry links with a range of high-profile companies, including: Apple, Barclays, the BBC, European Space Agency, Marks & Spencer, Museum of London, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Samsung and many more.

UK students

Simply select your chosen start date using the 'Apply now' dropdown at the top of this page, and you will be directed to the appropriate course page on the UCAS website. The UCAS code for this course is located in the course overview bar at the top of this page. 

The UCAS website will guide you through the simple application process. You can also apply through your school or college using the UCAS system.

Learn more: how to apply for an undergraduate degree course

The entry requirements for this course can be found in the relevant section above.

International students

International students can apply directly via our Online Applicant Portal. Please see bespoke advice for international students in the dedicated section below. 

For information on study routes, visa requirements, studying in England,  language and entry requirements, application requirements and access to international agents, please visit our international section.

Quick links:

• How to apply
• International Education Agents
• Visas and immigration
• Student visa CAS deposit refund
• International student FAQs

You will graduate with strong concept skills and technical expertise.

Graduates work in areas such as:

• Typography
• Editorial Design
• Packaging
• Information Design
• Wayfinding
• Exhibition Design
• User Experience  
• User Interface Design
• Art Direction
• Design Strategy.

Find out more about our tuition fees and whether you qualify for financial support during your studies. 

Key links:

• Undergraduate fees and funding
• Paying your fees
• Scholarships, bursaries and other discounts

If you have any questions, we'd love to hear from you. 

Get in touch with a member of our admissions team:

T: +44 (0) 20 3040 3998

E: [email protected]

If you have specific queries about being an international student, contact [email protected]

For general information, call +44 (0) 20 3040 3500

You can also chat to our students