Games Development BSc (Hons)

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Available with:

  • Foundation Year

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Course Summary

Our BSc Games Development degree aims to produce industry-ready graduates with all the skills, knowledge and experience required to successfully enter a career in computer game development. 

This course will allow you to develop your understanding of programming, design, artistry, and professional practices using the same tools and software employed by leading developers. You'll also create full, portfolio ready work, integrating all taught skills into individual and group-based projects.

The course is situated in the School of Computer and Engineering Sciences. This is a forward-thinking school that prioritises student satisfaction and employability. The University is known for its high-quality teaching, and the staff on our course are no exception. Our team of experienced lecturers brings both research and industry experience to the course. Ralph Ferneyhough, in particular, has 20 years of experience in the games industry and has contributed to over 30 published commercial games.

The course is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

What you'll Study

The BSc Games Development course contains core modules at each level of study and optional modules at Level 4 and Level 5.  

In your first year (Level 4), you will be introduced to the games industry, its history and its impact on the world. You are also introduced to game design concepts, game engine implementations, creation pipelines and user experience and programming practical skills. There is also an opportunity to study a language or to develop their collaborative development skills in a uniquely analogue fashion. 

In year 2 (Level 5), you will continue to develop your practical programming skills in more depth, exploring multiplayer game development, user interface design and audio design. Industry skills will be developed further through a digital collaborative module and through experiential or placement options. There is also an option to continue studying a language. 

In your final year (Level 6), students will delve into topics in more detail, undertaking a large individual practical project in your specialism of choice. The ability to focus on your specialism continues with a larger collaborative module which enables you to work with other specialisms across BSc Games Development and BSc Games Design. You will also explore additional platform development, such as mobile game development as well as develop their game mechanic programming in more depth. 

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

Who you'll Learn from

Dr Lee Beever

Programme Leader for the Games Development
Dr Lee Beever

Ralph Ferneyhough

​Deputy Head of Computer and Engineering Sciences
Ralph Ferneyhough

Dr Helen Southall

Senior Lecturer
Dr Helen Southall

Graham Logan

Senior Lecturer
Graham Logan

Andrew Muncey

Programme Leader for BSc Computer Science
Andrew Muncey

Dr Stuart Cunningham

Programme Leader for MSc Advanced Computer Science
Dr Stuart Cunningham

Dr Mike Morgan

Senior Lecturer
Dr Mike Morgan

Ashley Wood

Programme Leader in MSc Applied Artificial Intelligence
Ashley Wood

How you'll Learn

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This course is designed around in-person study

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You will be assessed in a variety of ways

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Curriculum developed to match workforce priorities

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Study 3 – 6 modules per year

This course is delivered in three terms of ten weeks each. In each term students study 40 credits comprised of either one or two modules. Scheduled contact hours range between approximately 6 and 12 hours per week depending upon level of study and the complexity of the material being taught. This course is delivered primarily in person but with some minor elements of online learning where appropriate. Students can expect to take part in lectures, workshops and practical labs. 

Students should expect to spend an average of 30 – 34 hours per week on independent study which might include following asynchronous learning material on the University’s VLE, tutorial time with staff, using the University’s library, working with peers and preparing work for assessment. 

There will be a broad range of assessment methods so that students are exposed to the different types of tasks. There is a large emphasis on practical assessment that not only reflects what they might find in a workplace but also assessment that enables students to build a portfolio of work. In some modules students will encounter class tests and collaborative practical assessment. We continuously review the assessment methods used in order that they adequately prepare students for graduate level employment. 

All teaching is delivered by experienced academics and practitioners, with the fundamental principles of the Chester Future Skills Curriculum at its core - building your subject competence, confidence, and key transferable skills to shape you into a world-ready Chester graduate.

Study a Common First Year

This course shares a common first year with students on the Games Design course.

This means that you’ll learn alongside students studying a similar discipline, helping to broaden your knowledge and exposure to other concepts, perspectives and professions in the first year of your degree.

As you learn and collaborate with students from other courses, you'll not only widen your social and professional network but also learn new skills that will set you up for success in your industry.

In your second and third years, you will progress to studying more specialist modules within games developement, developing your skills to become a World Ready graduate.

Entry requirements

112UCAS points

UCAS Tariff

112 points

GCE A Level

Typical offer – BCC-BBC

BTEC

BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM

International Baccalaureate

26 points

Irish / Scottish Highers

Irish Highers: H3 H3 H3 H3 H4,

Scottish Highers: BBBB

Access requirements

Access to HE Diploma, to include 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above

T Level

T Level - Merit

OCR Cambridge Technicals

OCR Extended Diploma: DMM

Extra Information

GCSE Maths grade C or above is also required

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer.  We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

 

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
  • Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For more information on our entry requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

72UCAS points

UCAS Tariff

72 points

GCE A level

72 points overall, including grade D in A level

BTEC

BTEC Extended Diploma: MMP

International Baccalaureate

24 points

Irish / Scottish Highers

Irish Highers: H4 H4 H4 H4 H4

Scottish Highers: CCDD

Access requirements

Access to HE Diploma – Pass overall

T Level

T Level: Pass (D or E on the core)

OCR Cambridge Technicals

OCR Extended Diploma: MMP

Extra Information

GCSE Maths grade C or above is also required

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer.  We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. If you are a mature student (21 or over) and have been out of education for a while or do not have experience or qualifications at Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels), then our Foundation Year courses will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed in your chosen degree. 

Fees and funding

£9,250per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2025/26 are £9,250 a year, or £1,540 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £13,950. 

This fee is set for each year of study. All undergraduate students are eligible for international and merit-based scholarships which are applicable to each year of study.  

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes. 

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips, and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel, and bills. 

Depending on student demand there may be optional extra-curricular field trips to events/locations related to the games industry, such as museums, games conventions, etc. It is anticipated that all regional trips will cost no more than £100, but this will depend on student numbers and the type of event. These trips are entirely optional, serving only as additional enrichment and are not required to pass the course. 

Whilst not required, students often decide to purchase their own PC or laptop to complete their work and assessment outside of the labs provided. These machines often cost between £500-£1000. However, the university provides specialist labs, as well as 24/7 access to library machines for students to complete their work on campus without purchasing their own machine.  

Where you'll study Exton Park, Chester

The location

Exton Park is close to the city centre of Chester, a city like no other and an amazing place to live as a student. While it is undoubtedly beautiful and packed with history, Chester is also a bustling 21st-century city balancing big-name shopping, eating and living with a thriving independent scene.

Modern learning resources and library

We have dedicated resources and IT services across campus, as well as our Seaborne Library; home to an extensive selection of books, e-books and e-journals, as well as bookable multimedia rooms, video conferencing space, 24-hour access computer labs, and The Hub; a comfortable two-floor study zone, suitable for independent and group study.

Seaborne library, seating and reception area.

Support Services

Exton Park is home to a number of our central support services, including Disability and Inclusion, Careers and Employability, and Student Support.

Fitness Facilities

Exton Park boasts an impressive choice of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities, which are used for both competitive and recreational sports. Our facilities include a swimming pool, gym, squash, and tennis courts, running track and two floodlit pitches.

A male student wearing goggles is swimming in the training pool between the red rope lane marker lines.

Chapel, Chaplaincy and Multi-Faith Spaces

Built in 1847 by former students, the University Chapel offers regular services and a venue to services. The University of Chester also has multi-faith spaces across the campus for prayer or quiet reflection.

Accommodation

Most of our student accommodation is located either on or near Exton Park.

Catering

We have several catering outlets available onsite, offering a wide selection of hot and cold food to students and visitors. Term-time Meal Schemes are also available for those students interested in non-residential catering schemes.

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

Graduates of this course may enter the games industry in any one of a number of roles, such as programmer, 3D artist, software engineer, level designer, game designer or quality assurance tester. It is also excellent preparation for those wishing to start their own, independent games company after graduation.

Students from our course have gone on to work at these games companies:

  • Traveller's Tales
  • Lucid Games
  • Sports Interactive
  • Kwalee
  • Universally Speaking
  • Criterion Games
  • Expression Games
  • Creative Assembly
  • Frontier Developments
  • Bulkhead
  • Unicube Studios
  • Draw & Code
  • Unbroken Studios
  • Rockstar Lincoln
  • Wexel Gaming
  • + a wide range of companies in adjacent fields

Careers Service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.

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