About this course

Unlock your creative potential and refine your game-making skills with a combination of hands-on practice and theory on our games design and art degree.

You’ll use a research-led approach to game making and play with ideas and concepts. You’ll also be encouraged to express your own game ideas and work on projects related to your own approaches, background, and areas of interest.

Key features of our games design and art degree

Diverse game development experience: you can create tabletop, escape room, narrative and video games.
Inclusive game development: you’ll explore and create games for diverse audiences by looking at marginalised topics and tackling complex issues.
Industry-relevant skills: you’ll develop essential skills in game design, critical thinking and problem solving.
Technology integration: using the latest industry advancements, you’ll understand technologies, players and game theories.
Collaborative studio environment: you’ll share a studio with other students, inspiring you to identify and enhance your unique strengths

Our curriculum will help you develop the skills to:

develop many games and bring your innovative ideas to life
understand the impact games have on society
create culturally significant and thought-provoking games
present your ideas and prototypes to your peers and industry professionals
launch a fully realised game project at the end of your final year

On our games design degree you’ll visit game studios, attend conferences and take part in game events and receive expert guidance from industry professionals during workshops.

You’ll also have the opportunity to display your projects at external events. This will help you develop your contacts within the industry to help you progress your career.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course location

This course is based at Winchester.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

Download

ODT

Download 2025-26 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

Academic year filter options

A-levels

Our standard offer is BBB including an art, design, media, humanities or creative IT based subject at A-level or equivalent qualification, we also consider grades of comparable value and offer on these taking into account the suitability of the portfolio submission for the intended course.

A-levels additional information

A Level offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BBC and grade A in the EPQ.

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 30 points overall with 15 points at Higher Level including an art, design, media, humanities or creative IT based subject

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Extended Diploma in an art, design, media, humanities or creative IT based subject Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in an A level including an art, design, media, humanities or creative IT based subject Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus BB in two A levels including an art, design, media, humanities or creative IT based subject

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

QCF BTEC

Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC Extended Diploma in an art, design, media, humanities or creative IT based subject Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus B in an A level including an art, design, media, humanities or creative IT based subject Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus BB in two A levels including an art, design, media, humanities or creative IT based subject

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

Non-academic entry requirements

All applicants will need to provide a portfolio of art work

A-levels

Our standard offer is BBB including an art, design, media, humanities or creative IT based subject at A-level or equivalent qualification, we also consider grades of comparable value and offer on these taking into account the suitability of the portfolio submission for the intended course.

A-levels additional information

A Level offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BBC and grade A in the EPQ.

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 30 points overall with 15 points at Higher Level including an art, design, media, humanities or creative IT based subject

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Extended Diploma in an art, design, media, humanities or creative IT based subject Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in an A level including an art, design, media, humanities or creative IT based subject Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus BB in two A levels including an art, design, media, humanities or creative IT based subject

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

QCF BTEC

Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC Extended Diploma in an art, design, media, humanities or creative IT based subject Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus B in an A level including an art, design, media, humanities or creative IT based subject Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus BB in two A levels including an art, design, media, humanities or creative IT based subject

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

Non-academic entry requirements

All applicants will need to provide a portfolio of art work

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

Year 1 is where you get curious and learn the skills needed to generate innovative game ideas through experimentation and exploration. You’ll develop your theoretical understanding and practical application through various hands-on activities. You’ll be assessed at the end of the year.

In year 2, you’ll work on pipelines, processes and innovation. You’ll focus on digital games and look for innovative approaches to what a digital game could be. You'll also look at experimental game ideas and outcomes.

In your final year you'll work on your unique impact games as a competent and independent learner and practitioner. You'll present your final project at the Winchester Degree Show and London Industry showcase.

Year 1 overview

You’ll learn research, design thinking and various game making skills.

Working independently and in small teams, you’ll:

generate and refine ideas for imaginative worlds and settings
take part in field trips and workshops
create compelling game worlds and associated materials
engage in 'thinking through making', to explore cultural and theoretical influences
explore the use of poetry as a lens for game creation
take part in end-of-semester pop-up arcades

Year 2 overview

Your second year involves applying industry practice to your games. You’ll become increasingly familiar with:

games documentation
games project management
asset building skills
the practical knowledge to develop an industry standard game

You’ll show your skills in the end-of-semester pop-up arcades and be individually assessed at the end of each module.

Year 3 overview

You’ll create a passionate, finished game for presentation to the public and games industry. You’ll also connect with the games industry through events, talks, and engagement. You’ll be individually assessed at the end of each module.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Game Mechanics

In the Game Mechanics module, you will delve into the concepts of game mechanics, exploring both mechanics as actions and mechanics as rules. This module combines theoretical understanding with practical application through various hands-on activities.

Game Worlds

In the Game Worlds module, you will embark on a series of creative projects focused on generating and refining ideas for imaginative worlds and settings. This module combines field trips, workshops, and various design and art methodologies to help you cre...

Games Design & Culture

In the Games Design & Culture module, you will delve into a wide array of cultural studies that have shaped and continue to influence game design. By engaging in "thinking through making," you will explore and respond to these cultural and theoretical inf...

Games as Poems

In the Games as Poems module, you will explore the use of poetry as a lens for game creation. This approach emphasizes a robust understanding of the basic building blocks of games, and ways in which these building blocks can be reconfigured to help player...

You must study the following modules in year 3:

Game Pitching and Presenting

In the Game Pitching and Presenting module, you will take the work you are undertaking in the Game Project Proposal module and pitch and present your idea to your peers and staff at regular intervals during the various stages of development. The structure...

Game Project Proposal

In the Games Project Proposal module, you will work to develop a unique game idea for the module Major Project – Unique Impact Games. The game proposal you develop will start as an individual effort, but you will have the option to form teams around each ...

Major Project – Promotion and Marketing

In the Major Project – Promotion and Marketing module, you will produce promotional and marketing material for your game within the module Major Project – Unique Impact Games. This will include, but is not limited to, video production such as a trailer an...

Major Project – Unique Impact Games

In the Major Project – Unique Impact Games module, you will take into production either solo or with your team the Project Proposal from Semester 1. You will use all your prior skills from Year 1 and Year 2 in a unified fashion to create and build a finis...

Professional Planning (Games Industry)

In the Professional Planning (Games Industry) module, you will be provided with a series of talks and visits from industry professionals and alumni on how they got into games, and the professional requirements needed to enter the industry. Speakers will s...

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

lectures
classes and tutorials
coursework
individual and group projects

How you'll spend your course time:

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

29%

Scheduled learning & teaching

71%

Independent learning

How we'll assess you

individual and group projects
oral presentations
portfolios

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

100%

Coursework

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Adam Procter is the course leader.

Careers and employability

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,535.
EU and international students pay £24,200.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

UCAS course code: 1L6F
UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference

Portfolio guidance

Your portfolio is one of the most important parts of your application. It is your opportunity to show us your work, and our opportunity to find out more about you. You may not have presented your work before, so here is some guidance with preparing your portfolio.

What do you want to see in my portfolio?

We are looking for you to demonstrate two things in your statement and portfolio, are you interesting and are you interested in the subject area of art, design, creativity, storytelling, world building, games, and emotionally engaging media. Many different people play games and not all those people are represented by those that make games today, we are looking for people who are different, diverse, and distinctive. You should be passionate about the power of games (all types of games, not just video games). Your portfolio should demonstrate a lively, inventive approach to the development of your course projects and self‐initiated work. It should be carefully selected as this will show us your skill and abilities, and most importantly your vision.

Your portfolio should clearly demonstrate the development of your ideas and how you have sought to achieve these. Show us the range of your work: sketches, mood boards, concept art, 2D/3D asset creation, narratives, storyboards, game ideas. If you have created a game or games please include.

How many pieces should I include?

We would normally recommend a maximum of 25 pages of work, including sketchbooks. Your work should have been produced within the last twelve months, although earlier work can be included if it is particularly relevant to your interests and development.

Will I be expected to have an in‐depth knowledge of relevant design software or programming skills?

You DO NOT need to have any prior programming or coding knowledge to apply. You DO NOT need to show any prior game making skills. Art, design, creative expressions are what are needed at this stage. If you have however made games or creative coding experiments GREAT and you should of course include these, please use links and do not include pages of code in your portfolio.

The use of digital design software such as Photoshop, or other equivalents is good to demonstrate, however sketchbooks and a clear demonstration of process and ideas are the main focus of the portfolio review. Please include sketches and drawings in your digital portfolio.

Information for Mature students

We understand that mature students may not have work that is structured in the same way as A‐Level or Foundation students. We are, however, still interested in seeing self‐directed work, including sketchbooks and finished pieces.

We also understand that some applicants may have to include work that is over a year old. Life experience and any courses that you may have taken over the last few years will be relevant, but make sure that you include as much recent work as possible in your portfolio.

Top Tip

Tailor your portfolio to the course you are applying to. Investigate the Games Design and Art programme thoroughly before making your selection for your portfolio. Remember that courses with the same name at different universities can vary greatly.

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

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Games Design and Art (BA)

About this course

Key features of our games design and art degree

Learn more about this subject area

Art, design and fashion

Course location

Awarding body

Download the Course Description Document

Entry requirements

For Academic year 202526

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Foundation programmes for international students

Mature applicants

Non-academic entry requirements

For Academic year 202627

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Foundation programmes for international students

Mature applicants

Non-academic entry requirements

Got a question?

Course structure

Year 1 overview

Year 2 overview

Year 3 overview

Modules

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

Year 1 modules

Game Mechanics

Game Worlds

Games Design & Culture

Games as Poems

Year 2 modules

WSA Year Abroad

Collaborate (Games Innovation)

Games Design

Games Development Pipelines