Anne Colgan
The course is great fun - whether it’s for a career or just to enjoy. Most people are nervous when you meet a bunch of new people, but everyone was there to learn and have fun!
Entry Requirements
GCSE English Language, Maths and Science Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent).
Level 3 qualification preferably in a relevant subject such as an Extended Diploma in Games Development (Equivalent to 80 UCAS Points).
Level 5 direct entry: Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Indie Games Development or relevant subject, or 120 Credits at Level 4 in a related area, subject to review of achieved modules.
Relevant industry experience would also be considered.
Details
This course is validated by the Open University.
What You Will Study
Our Foundation Degree in Indie Games Development is an immersive programme designed to equip you with the skills to create and publish your own games. You'll master the core principles of game design, development, and production while gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and technologies.
Year 1: Building Your Foundation
Lay the groundwork for success by developing core skills in various stages of games development. You’ll focus on the following modules:
- 3D Modelling for Games Design – 15 Credit points
- Design and Prototyping – 15 Credit points
- Technical Art and PRB – 15 Credit points
- Independent Professional Project – 30 Credit points
- Collaborative Professional Practice Part 1 - 30 Credits
- Collaborative Professional Practice Part 2 - 30 Credits
Year 2: Specialising and Innovating
In your second year, focus on advanced techniques and develop your unique specialism:
- Professional Practice and Production – 15 Credit points
- Innovative Workflows in Industry –15 Credit points
- Prototyping an Artifact – 15 Credit points
- Deploying an Artifact - 15 Credit points
- UX and UI Design – 30 Credit points
- Indie Business Start-Up – 30 Credit points
These modules will be assessed through presentations, practical assignments, discussions, reports, essays, and exams.
How the course is delivered:
The course is built around a series of practical assignments, which encourage you to investigate the tasks and processes of independent game development. You’ll develop the knowledge to undertake these assignments through a mixture of lectures, workshops, seminars, and self-study activities.
As well as your regular timetable, you’ll be expected to undertake at least an equivalent amount of self-study, which can be done either on campus, at home, or a combination of both.
Level 4 Exit Award: Level 4 Foundation Degree Certificate in Higher Education for Indie Games Development.
Level 5 Exit Award: Level 5 Foundation Degree Award in Higher Education for Indie Games Development.
Course Fees:
- £6,185 per year (full time)
- £4,125 per year (part time)
Please note, part time Level 4 and 5 will each take 2 years (4 years in total). Course fees are subject to the Refund and Fees Policy.
Work Experience
Throughout your studies, you'll collaborate with a wide range of game studios across the UK — from local indie developers to renowned AAA companies. You'll engage directly with industry professionals through guest lectures, client briefs, and portfolio reviews, all designed to help you define your role within the games industry. This course offers numerous opportunities to build valuable professional relationships, work on real-world projects, and attend key industry events where you can showcase your work and connect with potential employers.
Progression
The Foundation Degree gives you all the essential knowledge and skills required to work in the Games Development sector, allowing you to progress onto our Level 6 BSc Top-Up in Indie Games Development or into employment.
Typical job roles include:
- Game Artist: £31k
- Game Developer: £35k
- Games Designer: £32k
- QA/Game Tester: £20k
- Technical Artist: £60k
