University of Derby

Game Design

University of DerbyDerby (Markeaton Street), United Kingdom

Course overview

Join a creative, hands-on game design course designed by educators with direct industry experience on the original Tomb Raider series, where you will design, implement, experiment, playtest and bring your ideas to life. Work closely with Game Art and Game Programming students, just like in a real studio. Study at Derby where gaming heritage is still visible on campus and learn the skills needed for both small indie teams and large AAA studios, as well as related fields such as simulation, XR and interactive design.

Get real industry experience through live briefs, guest speakers, game jams and networking events.

Key highlights

  • Course designed by educators who worked on the original Tomb Raider series
  • Collaborate with Game Art and Game Programming students as in a studio
  • Design, implement, playtest and iterate on your own game ideas
  • Skills for indie teams, AAA studios, simulation, XR and interactive design
  • Live briefs, guest speakers, game jams and industry networking events

Entry requirements

  • UCAS tariff points: 112 — Requirement: What we're looking for Requirement: What we're looking for UCAS points: 112 A Level: BBC T Level: Merit BTEC: DMM GCSE: GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification Access to…
  • A-level: BBC — …What we're looking for Requirement: What we're looking for UCAS points: 112 A Level: BBC T Level: Merit BTEC: DMM GCSE: GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification Access to HE: Pass Access…
  • T-level: Merit — …looking for Requirement: What we're looking for UCAS points: 112 A Level: BBC T Level: Merit BTEC: DMM GCSE: GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diplom…
  • BTEC: DMM — …Requirement: What we're looking for UCAS points: 112 A Level: BBC T Level: Merit BTEC: DMM GCSE: GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credi…
  • GCSE: 4/C — to include Mathematics, English
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass — Pass; with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum

Scholarships

  • Full Payment Discount

    If you pay your annual tuition fee in full ahead of enrolment, you will benefit from a £1,000 discount.

    Up to £1,000
  • Sports Scholarships - Individual and Team Sport Scholar

    Up to £3,000 fee subsidy and support services.

  • Sports Scholarships - Performance Team Sports Scholar

    Up to £3,000 fee subsidy and support services.

  • Talented Athlete Award

    Please contact the provider.

  • Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships

    Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships - £2,000

    Up to £2,000

Careers this course leads to

  • Game Designer
  • Level Designer
  • Gameplay Designer
  • XR Designer
  • Interactive Designer
  • Simulation Designer

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,535 per year | International: £17,500 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Derby, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

Ready to start?

Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a September 2026 place.

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