BSc (Hons) Games Design and Development Bachelor's degree at Middlesex University
BSc (Hons) Games Design and Development at Middlesex University sits within Computer Science and offers specialisations such as Software Engineering, Data Science, AI & Machine Learning, Cyber Security, Web & Mobile, Cloud & DevOps, Games, and HCI.
About this course
Study our Games Design BSc degree and develop coding skills, master gameplay design, prototyping, and in-game engine scripting. Learn from great tutors. Apply now From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Games Design and Development is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Middlesex University, based in Hendon Campus. It is studied part-time; duration varies by route.
For Computer science graduates from this provider, 80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 50% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £30,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Computer Science, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Stronger evidence Published sample: 265. Cohort 2021-22. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 80% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 4 modules
- Games Design FundamentalsCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Gain an overview of common industrial games design processes. Understand the theory around audience research and persona-based design as it relates to initial design and testing. Become familiar with the key concepts relating to developing game mechanics, effective game play, and level design. Identify, describe, and develop basic game play elements. Document and present a paper-based prototype that links to the design and analysis.
- Mechanics of Player Experience and PlaytestingCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Apply theory and game history to contextualise Games Design in relation to a variety of creative practices. Develop lines of inquiry and argument through engaging in game design and player experience theory. Prototype a game idea using paper, and other materials. Use appropriate social research methods to playtest prototypes. Reflect on game play experiences to inform understanding around user experience.
- Professional Studio Practice 1Compulsory30 credits
Module details
Cultivate teamwork skills by engaging you in collaborative efforts to design and develop a basic game prototype. Enhance your game design, development and management skills through practical projects. Develop your practical understanding of project management within team environments. Encourage you to evaluate and respond to the requirements of established brief, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving.
- Prototyping and ScriptingCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Provide you with hands-on experience in producing a variety of digital prototypes with scripting. Offer practical experience of technical games design. Enable you to experience with asset workflows associated with constructing games. Cultivate your ability to reflect on the game development, encouraging critical analysis and self-assessment to enhance learning outcomes and personal growth.
Year 2 3 modules
- Advanced Prototyping and ProgrammingCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Cultivate a deeper understanding of how to make a persuasive prototype. Foster a technical understanding of developing and implementing games across multiple platforms to further the creative and commercial possibilities of games design. Provide practical experience in applying user experience design to develop the requirements and constraints of cross platform development. Develop and enhance existing technical skills including software development skills for cross platform delivery and source
- Game Cultures and Design Beyond EntertainmentCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Develop critical skills by examining a range of topics associated with games culture. Teach you how to assess the construction of games produced for non-entertainment contexts. Enable you to devise gameplay and mechanics for non-entertainment contexts.
- Professional Studio Practice 2: Industry ProjectsCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Build upon existing game design, development and management skills. Engage with a professional brief from industry. Create appropriate professional documentation in response to industry brief. Evaluate and respond to the requirements of an intellectual property and audience. Work as part of a team to design and develop an advanced game prototype.
Year 3 5 modules
- Technology, Gameplay, and MechanicsCompulsory30 credits
Module details
A knowledge of technical advances informing the direction of games design and development. The ability to evaluate and test advanced technologies and predict their application in practical project development. A critical understanding of the ways in which new game interfaces are developed in light of developing technologies. New technical competences with novel forms of interaction to expand application potential.
- Experimental Gameplay DevelopmentCompulsory30 credits
Module details
A range of methods for rapidly prototyping and experimenting with gameplay ideas and evaluating them. The ability to propose and test game ideas that provide unexpected play experiences or promoting unique feelings within players through mechanics. A critical understanding of the core aspects of technical design including generative gameplay, emergent gameplay, interactive storytelling, and innovative user interfaces. The space to learn from failure.
- Games Design Processes, Research, and PlaytestingCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Identify and deliver a piece of research from sustained and creative engagement with both a range of research methods and an area of game production. Understand the processes needed to run a professional project and to demonstrate industry ready skills. Critically evaluate project work within the context of theory, history and existing practice in the field to and effectively communicate outcomes. Communicate ideas, challenges and solutions in the field of study to demonstrate independent, respo
- Professional Studio Practice 3: Portfolio and BeyondCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Develop an awareness of professional games development workplace environments and the current recruitment process. Manage your professional development portfolio to help with career planning. Demonstrate a body of work in games design and development. Work independently to make decisions in dynamic professional contexts.
- Showcase ProjectCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Propose and produce a project that represents the culmination of the skills and knowledge you have developed. Create and project manage the making of a game or substantial game component from initial idea to persuasive prototype. Problem-solve challenges related to game development using agile methodologies and rapid prototyping. Approach the creation of a game by evaluating appropriate design methodologies and technologies to support the idea. Collaborate with, manage, and engage other people w
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course develops your coding skills, gameplay design expertise, prototyping abilities and in-game engine scripting knowledge. You'll usually begin with programming fundamentals in languages such as Python and Java, alongside computer systems and discrete mathematics. In your second year, a typical structure moves to algorithms, data structures, databases and software engineering, then artificial intelligence and machine learning. By year three, you'll choose specialist options, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, software engineering, systems and networks, or human-computer interaction, before undertaking an individual project. Throughout, you'll learn from experienced tutors in a practical, project-focused environment.
Who it's for
Most entrants hold another higher-education qualification, 65% of accepted students came in with prior higher-education study. This part-time structure suits those balancing study with work or other commitments.
University & format
This BSc (Hons) degree is studied part-time at Middlesex University, a university founded in 1973, based at the Hendon Campus in London. Instruction is in English. The course is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and Middlesex holds a Silver award for teaching quality from the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Part-time application dates vary by provider. UCAS dates
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Opened 2 July 2026; last choice 19 October 2026. Check vacancies now. A cached page never claims a place is still available.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| another higher-education qualification | 65% |
| Other | 30% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by Apply directly to the provider
Part-time application dates vary by provider. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at Middlesex University →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Computer Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £30,000 | £25,000 – £39,500 | 265 |
| 3 years after | £26,500 | £20,000 – £32,000 | 25 |
| 5 years after | £27,500 | £19,500 – £38,500 | 20 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 265. Cohort 2021-22.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate / Junior DeveloperFirst engineering role · 0–2 yrs
- 2Software EngineerShipping features end-to-end · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / Lead EngineerOwning systems and mentoring · 5–9 yrs
- 4Principal / Engineering ManagerArchitecture or leading teams · 9+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Computer Science nationally
National figures for Computer Science graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Stronger evidence. Published sample: 265. Cohort 2021-22. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Computer Science courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,820 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
- Information Technology ProfessionalsSOC 2020 213 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 40; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Computer Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Boilerplate and scaffolding code
- First-pass tests and docs
- Routine debugging and refactors
- Standard data wrangling
More human than ever
- System design and architecture trade-offs
- Reviewing and owning correctness & security
- Translating fuzzy problems into software
- Leading delivery and mentoring
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Computer Science graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Tech companies
- Banks & fintech
- Consultancies
- Government (GDS) & startups
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Computer Science graduates.
Software Developer Placement Programme No experience neededIT Online LearningSoftware Developer - .NET & Azure for Green Energy ProjectsOfgemSoftware Developer Backend (SFIA5)ZaiziSoftware Developer (Mobile Apps) in Guildford - ECM Selection (Holdings) LimitedJava Script WorksSoftware Developer (Contract) – Higher Education Projects (UK)Burman RecruitmentSoftware Developer – Distributed Scheduling & Workload OrchestrationCGG Services (UK) LimitedIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
80% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £30,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.4 out of 10: NSS 88.3% · in work or study 80% · continued 85%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Middlesex University
Computing across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Hendon Campus
1,980 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Computer Science right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Middlesex University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £17,200 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Middlesex University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Middlesex University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Middlesex University
Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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