BA(Hons) Games Design

Our teaching methods combine lectures and seminars, hands-on workshops, and collaborative projects to create a comprehensive learning experience. In lectures, you'll gain foundational knowledge and theoretical insights from experienced professionals who bring real-world perspectives into the classroom. Hands-on workshops allow you to apply these concepts in practical settings, working directly with industry-standard tools and techniques in our brand new £1million Digital Studio. Collaborative projects encourage you to work alongside your peers, fostering teamwork and idea-sharing in a supportive environment. 

Engage in a dynamic learning atmosphere where theory meets practice, and creativity is nurtured every step of the way. You'll participate in interactive sessions that challenge you to think critically and innovate, pushing the boundaries of your creative abilities. This blend of structured learning and practical application ensures you develop both the technical skills and the creative confidence needed to succeed in the competitive field of games design. Our approach is designed to inspire, support, and equip you for a thriving career. 

Participate in live briefs, industry collaborations, and course trips to gain invaluable real-world experience. These opportunities allow you to work on actual projects commissioned by industry partners, providing a taste of professional expectations and workflows. Industry collaborations bring you face-to-face with seasoned professionals, offering insights into the latest trends and practices in the gaming world. 

Course trips to studios, conferences, and expos expose you to the broader industry, helping you understand its scope and network with influential figures. Additionally, you'll benefit from guest lectures by leaders in the gaming industry, who share their expertise, career journeys, and practical advice. These sessions offer a unique chance to learn from those at the forefront of game development, enhancing your understanding of the field and inspiring your creative process. 

By engaging with these real-world experiences, you'll develop a well-rounded perspective, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional practice, and preparing you for a successful career in the gaming industry. 

Our facilities are designed to foster creativity and technical development. Benefit from state-of-the-art studios and labs equipped with the latest software and hardware. These cutting-edge resources allow you to experiment and innovate, bringing your artistic visions to life. Our environment encourages collaboration and exploration, with spaces specifically designed for animation, 2D and 3D design, character modelling, and game development. 

By combining comprehensive support with top-tier facilities, we create a nurturing and empowering environment. This holistic approach ensures you have everything you need to thrive, both academically and personally, as you prepare for a successful career in the gaming industry. 

• Minimum age 18.

• UCAS Points: For anyone applying for September 2025 entry and beyond, we are looking for applicants who have achieved at or beyond 96 – 112 UCAS Tariff Points. 

  However, whilst qualifications are important, our offers are not solely based on academic results. We may make offers based on other evidence of talent and suitability for the course –  for more details about UCAS Tariffs please see tariff explanation and advice on the UCAS website. 

• Mature students: Applications from mature students with relevant experience will also be considered.
• Recognition of Prior Learning Opportunities: the college welcomes applications from students with prior learning and/or previous experience. Further details on eligibility can be found on page 15 of our Admissions Policy.
• Applicants whose first language is not English – proof of IELTS overall score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all sections (reading, writing, listening & speaking) is required.

If you are unsure or have any questions, please contact us at registry@hca.ac.uk and we can offer further advice on HCA and the UWTSD awarding body requirements.

You can apply to HCA by making us one of your options on your UCAS application. In some cases, such as with current students and student transfers, we also accept direct applications. 

We receive a high number of application all our subject areas so we recommend that you make your application as early as possible.

You can find out out everything you need about the application process using the link below. If you have any questions, just email registry@hca.ac.uk. 

As soon as you apply, our Registry team will be in touch to let you know they have received your application. At this point they will also send out information on portfolios or auditions.

Portfolios and auditions are a chance for you to showcase yourself in a different way. They give us an idea of what excites you about the subject, and what you might want to explore further on the course. 

We will send out guidance on how to submit your portfolio, or book and audition date, and if you have any questions you will always be able to reach out to us for assistance or clarification.

After submitting your portfolio online, your work will be reviewed by a course lead, and you will receive personal feedback alongside your offer.

Studying is an investment in yourself, and in your future. It’s important to understand the financial support that is available to you, and to be clear about any fees or funding associated with the course you want to study.

Follow the link below to visit our Fees and Funding pages. These pages are designed to help you plan for your future, so you can start your course with confidence in your financial situation.

Everyone’s personal circumstances are different. If you can’t find the information you need, our Student Finance team can offer additional advice.

Top-ups are when you start a degree somewhere else, but transfer to HCA to start either your second or third year.

There are a number of reason why students transfer to HCA, but often it is because their experience didn't live up to what they expected at other universities.

We get a high number of students transferring to HCA, and can almost always accommodate students providing they meet our standard entry requirements.

You may also be asked to provide your transcript from your previous university. 

If you have questions about applying to join as a top-up student, you can find more information at the bottom of this page, or you can email any specific questions to registry@hca.ac.uk.

Our Academic Mentoring Team support Disability Students' Allowance (DSA) students to succeed as well as providing some study skills support for non DSA students with their work - for example writing extended essays in their final year, for those who take the essay option.

The team also support students to apply for DSA where appropriate.

Our Wellbeing Team support students to thrive regardless of events outside their academic studies. 

Our support package includes training sessions, information and one to one personal support with low level issues right up to more challenging events and issues. 

In addition, you will have access to 24-hour helpline for out of hours support.

Tutors will support you to develop and succeed academically, but they are also the first point of contact for wider issues as they work closely with you.

Careers guidance is built into everything you do on your course but we also have a specialist careers advisor to support you with what happens after your course.

Workshop and Technical Staff support with the development of skills and the production of work outside of your taught hours.

Our Registry provide support with any enrolment queries, the application process, academic regulations, and exceptional circumstances.

Our Finance team can help you manage your student finance, support you with questions around a maintenance loan and Disability Students' Allowance (DSA).

They are available to you to answer any questions around your finances including estrangements, independent students, student finance rules, bursaries cash, progression, hardship, emergency loans.

The Library team aid with research skills, and sourcing resources.

The Events and Student Engagement Officer will be your first point of contact for support with student life, community and helping student realise extra curricular activities.

We also have very active Student Unions and a Student Council that you can join - or talk to as your representatives.

All undergraduate degrees at HCA are validated by University of Wales Trinity St David.

You can view a detailed breakdown of the course content in the Key Information Document.

This can be downloaded below.