BA (Hons) Games Design at Leeds Arts University

Programme overview

This course encompasses the creative and technical aspects of designing interactive and immersive game experiences. It focuses on crafting engaging gameplay elements, creating levels and challenges, and developing compelling narratives. Games designers collaborate with concept artists, games artists, writers, and musicians to bring their vision to life.

Duration: 3 years full-time / 4 years with placement year | Study mode: full-time (optional placement/sandwich year) | Intake: September | Location: Leeds, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year one: You’ll delve into the fundamentals of games design, building crucial skills in game mechanics, level design, and storytelling. Year two: You will build upon your foundational knowledge and elevate your design skills and creative vision. Year three: You’ll have the chance to specialise in specific areas like level design, narrative design, or game mechanics, honing your skills and crafting a professional portfolio.

Career pathways

Upon completion of this course opportunities await as games designers, level designers, narrative designers, gameplay designers, or user experience designers in the games development industry. Your employment prospects extend to related fields like interactive media, board games, serious games, gamification, or experiential design.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer 104-120 UCAS tariff points from any combination of A Levels/T Level/Extended Diploma/Foundation Diploma (expected subjects depend on the course); GCSE English Language or Literature at grade 4/C or above, or English Functional Skills Level 2 Pass. International: A-levels 104-120 UCAS points including an art/design-related subject; IB Diploma 26 points; European Baccalaureate 70%; BTEC Extended Diploma DMM; BTEC Diploma DD; UAL Extended Diploma Merit; UAL Foundation Diploma Distinction; IELTS 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5; one reference. Applicants may be assessed through personal statement, predicted grades, reference, examples of work and digital audition or interview. Course requirement: No examples of work required.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). Home fee per year for years one to three; optional placement year charged at 20% of the annual tuition fee; rises to £10,050 in 2027/28. Home students who already hold a degree pay £10,540 in 2026/27. Source

International applicants: GBP 18,600 a year (2026/27). BA/BSc (Hons) international fee per year; optional placement year charged at 20% of the annual tuition fee; increases by inflation in later years. Source

Intake: September

Duration: 3 years full-time / 4 years with placement year

Apply through the official page: https://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/apply/how-to-apply-undergraduate

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