Duration:
2 years full-time for FdSc (Foundation Degree)
Location:
Confetti, Nottingham
UCAS course code:
I620
Institution code:
N91
- 64 UCAS Tariff points; and
- GCSE - English and Maths Grade C / 4
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors. Find out more about advisors in your country.
This degree is validated by Nottingham Trent University. You can apply through UCAS.
Visit our fees & funding page for more information.
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
All course specific software and hardware is accessible on site however it is encouraged that you invest in a workstation/gaming PC to aid your study and progression into the creative media industry and more so the games industry. A suitable workstation or gaming PC can cost from £650+.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
This game technology degree has been designed to meet the demands of the industry, allowing students to experience the core roles and learn the skills required for a graduate career in games technology.
The games industry is a multidisciplinary industry focused on the manufacturing of games, predominantly in a team environment featuring multiple job roles. This is reflected in the course content in which students will learn about games architecture, asset production, games design and the games industry via the use of specialist, industry-standard hardware and software.
Teaching and learning experiences will include:
- lectures;
- seminars;
- workshops;
- group tutorials;
- personal tutorials;
- presentations and pitches;
- teamworking;
- independent learning; and
- visiting industry professionals
This course scored 100% in academic support and 100% of students agreed that the course team provides advice and guidance (National Student Survey 2023)
Trips
We arrange some fantastic trips for students throughout the year - recently, these experiences experiences have included a trip to EGX Eurogamer in Birmingham, the Warner Brothers Studio Tour plus many more.
Forms of assessment include:
- practical assessments;
- portfolio building;
- case studies;
- lab report;
- reflective journals;
- formal essay; and
- presentations
What you'll study in year 1
This module allows you to explore key principles of level design and programming theory underpinning games architecture via the use of industry-standard games engines. You will be introduced to the workflow methods, skills and techniques required to design and develop gameplay scenarios and in-game mechanics.
This module introduced you to the use of the Autodesk Suite which focuses on the use of 3DS Max and Maya to create game assets. These include general asset design, weapon design and environment design. Alongside this you are introduced to the production and recording of game audio focusing on Foley and sound effects.
Learn the theory behind games design, how they’re structured and how they’re built. You’ll also create your own original games mechanics and concepts, including characters and various environments.
During this module, you’ll explore the global markets that make up the world’s games industry. You’ll explore trends and developments; you’ll also develop an understanding of the economic processes involved in the creation of games and understand the steps involved in getting a game to market.
What you'll study in year 2
Whilst studying on this module, you’ll create an original video game level prototype. You’ll complete integration of your original 3D and audio assets within a relevant games engine, working towards the goal of developing your own original and fully functioning, game sequence.
Following on from Asset Production in Year One, you’ll be introduced to advanced modelling and sculpting techniques to effectively produce original 3D character models and environments to an industry-standard.
During this module, you’ll increase your experience of level-design. You’ll learn to effectively manage the production of a game, from concept to build, and be introduced to the process of project management.
During this module you'll undertake appropriate self-directed projects, working collaboratively on creative work, allowing you to directly apply the knowledge and skills learnt throughout the programme in the context of the workplace. This module aims to develop your overall professionalism and provide you with the knowledge and resources to begin a career in the creative industries.
On this course you'll study in Confetti HQ - our brand new £9.1million digital media hub. You’ll have access to:
- Industry-standard workstation PC’s
- Specialist software including Unreal Engine 4, Autodesk Suite (3DS Max, Maya, Mudbox), Adobe Creative Suite, Quixel 2.0
- Wacom Cintiq 13HD Touch Tablets
- Foley recording room
- Audio production and recording equipment
- Games consoles
Work experience
Our Talent Development team work closely with Course Leaders to link students with opportunities across the industry. As a student studying at Confetti, you'll also benefit from its commercial creative businesses.
These include Metronome, our live music and events venue; our esports and live streaming complex, Confetti X; commercial broadcast television channel, Notts TV; and Antenna; a co-working space for the creative industries.
There will be regular opportunities to work with these businesses, whilst Confetti also supports and has connections with local music festivals, creative businesses, and is part of Nottingham Trent University.
At Confetti, we offer students the chance to ‘Do It For Real’ – get out into real industries and experience working in various roles that take their interest.
Our Talent Development team work closely with Course Leaders to link students with opportunities across the games industry. Have a read of one of our alumnus’ stories, and how studying at Confetti helped him land a job as a freelance Colour Commentator in the Esports Industry.
Guest speakers
Throughout the year, students are invited to attend various talks and events with visiting industry experts. Not long ago, the British Esports Association visited, along with Head of Education at Twitch, to deliver a fantastic talk for students about the growing industry of gaming.
The British Esports Association also held their 2019 Winter Championship Finals at Confetti’s very own Metronome – have a look through the gallery of images from the event.
Industry Week
Like no other, we go off timetable and invite some of the biggest names in the games industry to deliver talks, workshops and seminars for our students. It’s a great opportunity for our students to gain invaluable insights and industry connections.
Past Industry Week guests have included:
- The Oliver Twins
- Games Workshop
- Splash Damage
- Ubisoft
- Award-winning Games industry legends - Brenda and John Romero
Check out our OnDemand service here.
Top-up to a full honours degree
After finishing your foundation degree, you may decide to go straight into industry or top-up to a full honours degree.
Future careers
You can also move straight into your career, in areas which might include:
- 3D artist
- Programmer
- Technical artist
- Level designer
- Game designer
- Animator
- QA tester
- Producer
Previous games students are working at companies, such as:
- Rockstar Games
- Riot Games
- Sumo Digital
- Ubisoft Blue Byte
- Quantic Dream
- Splash Damage
- Lockwood Publishing
Open Days
Partners
