This Computer Games Design degree focuses on the creative and artistic aspects of games production, giving you the practical skills to develop, produce and publish game titles. On this course, you'll learn how to develop your game in such a way that it could form the basis of a start-up games company. On graduation, you'll have a strong portfolio of playable games to present to employers. Based in USW’s Cardiff campus, we pride ourselves on great facilities, enthusiastic staff and providing support so you can realise your creative vision.
Our student designers are talented, entrepreneurial and passionate about gaming. They have had major competition success at Tranzfuser, Dare to be Digital, Ffresh and Global Game Jam, scooped BAFTA nominations and BAFTA Cymru awards. It’s no surprise that our graduates are snapped up by Electronic Arts, Rockstar, Codemasters, Rare, The Chinese Room and many more, while others become leading indie game developers.
Studying the Computer Games Design course in Cardiff, you’ll have the chance to collaborate with other creative industries students such as actors, writers and musicians. What’s more, thanks to all the small games companies in and around the city, Cardiff has been identified as an entrepreneurial hub for games. See student and graduate work at our USW Games blog.
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The entry criteria below shows the qualification range within which the University will make offers. Most offers we make are at the top of the range, but we take all aspects of an application into consideration and applicants receive a personalised offer. Combinations of qualifications are acceptable and other qualifications not listed here may also be acceptable.
Interview
An interview and portfolio are required for our Computer Games Design degree. Your portfolio should demonstrate strong artistic and design abilities. Your portfolio should be a carefully constructed selection of your work, preferably produced during your most recent course of study, and can include any personal work or projects that you feel are relevant to the course. All work should be well organised and presented. You should be prepared to discuss your work at interview as well as any games designers/artists who have influenced you.
Typical A-Level Offer
BCC - CDD to include a relevant art and design subject (this is equivalent to 104-80 UCAS tariff points).
Typical Welsh BACC Offer
Pass the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Diploma with Grade C/D in the Skills Challenge Certificate and BC - CD at A Level with a relevant art and design subject (this is equivalent to 104-80 UCAS tariff points).
Typical BTEC Offer
BTEC Extended Diploma Distinction Merit Merit - Merit Merit Pass in a relevant subject (this is equivalent to 112-80 UCAS tariff points).
Typical IB Offer
Pass the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 29 overall including 5 or above in English at standard level
Typical Access to HE Offer
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points
Additional Requirements
GCSEs: The University normally requires a minimum 5 GCSEs including Mathematics/Numeracy and English at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or their equivalent, but consideration is given to individual circumstances
International Entry Requirements
We also welcome international applications with equivalent qualifications. Please visit the country specific pages on our international website for exact details.
English Requirements
In general, international applicants will need to have achieved an overall IELTS grade of 6.0 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component.
However, if you have previously studied through the medium of English IELTS might not be required, but please visit the country specific page on our international website for exact details. If your country is not featured please contact us.

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