BA Games Design
About this course
BA (Hons) in Games Design, a games design degree centred on the creation and development of playable computer games. Core topics include Programming, Research Methods, Communication & Writing, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Design & Creative Practice. Students participate in an annual degree show to exhibit their work and build a professional network. The first year introduces foundational concepts through Context of Practice, Game Design Principles, Design Process, and Game Design Practice 1. The second year advances practical abilities with Critical and Contextual Studies 1, Personal and Professional Practice 1, Collaborative Practice, and Game Design Practice 2. The final year involves advanced study and independent research through Critical and Contextual Studies 2, Personal and Professional Practice 2, and the Games Design: Major Project.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
Minimum entry requirements: 104 UCAS Tariff points; and 3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language. Portfolio Day: If your application is successful, you will be invited to a portfolio day. On the day, you will show your work with our tutors and share with them your passion for the subject.
What students say
Based on about 8 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 75%
- Learning opportunities: 57%
- Assessment and feedback: 56%
- Academic support: 75%
- Organisation and management: 21%
- Learning resources: 65%
- Student voice: 50%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 9 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Unemployed: 20%
Most common jobs
- Information Technology Professionals: 35%
- Sales occupations: 15%
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 20 graduates, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- North East: 10%
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 75%
- London: 5%
- South East: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
- No formal qualifications: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Context of Practice
- Game Design Principles
- Design Process
- Game Design Practice 1
- Critical and Contextual Studies 1
- Personal and Professional Practice 1
- Collaborative Practice
- Game Design Practice 2
- Critical and Contextual Studies 2
- Personal and Professional Practice 2
- Games Design: Major Project
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Games Design at York St John University earn?
The median salary is £26,000 after 15 months, £26,500 after 3 years, £36,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,000 and £48,000. The £36,000 median after five years is £8,500 more than the UK median for Computer games and animation.
What do graduates of BA Games Design at York St John University do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2022-23).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Games Design at York St John University?
75% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2024-25.
What grades do I need for BA Games Design at York St John University?
The average entrant had 107 UCAS points.
Does BA Games Design at York St John University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Games Design at York St John University?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.