Learn in a city rich with game development history
The city of Derby has a rich heritage of game development, stretching back to the 1980s. Its most famous asset is Lara Croft who became famous in the Tomb Raider series of games. These were made by Core Design, the building of which is around the corner from the University where we are teaching the Game Developers of tomorrow how to make games.
There are also a range of computer games development companies in the area such as Bulkhead who are based in Derby and Dambuster and Free Radical who are in Nottingham.
Specialist facilities
You'll create and animate 3D art in a real-time environment using latest techniques and state-of-the-art software development tools in our industry-standard laboratories. Facilities include:
- Computer Games Labs - home to our specialist software access and hardware facilities
- XR Lab - a dedicated space for mixed-course games development as well as providing a flexible space for visualisation and other projects
- CAVE Lab provides data visualisation hardware containing a 270-degree 3D projection set-up
- Makerspace where you can turn your ideas into a prototype
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
You will study three modules per semester. Each will be delivered through a mixture of lectures, tutorials and practical sessions. In these sessions, you will learn to work with a range of hardware and software, including:
- Autodesk Maya
- Autodesk 3Ds Max
- Substance
- Houdini
- ZBrush
- Photoshop
- Unreal Engine
- Unity Engine
- Steam
In our XR Lab you will use specialist games and visualisation hardware, including Vive Pro Eye headsets, Rifts and Wacom drawing tablets. There are eight workstations outfitted with 2080 graphics cards so you can approach raytracing projects and AI workloads
Our CAVE Lab allows multiple users to experience a shared virtual environment within the 270-degree 3D projection set-up. Workstations with Tesla graphics cards for data processing and AI projects are also available.
How you will be assessed
Assessment is 100% coursework through a mixture of group and individual assignments. In the final year, 25% of your assessment will be for a personal project.
Your year on work placement will take place between stages two and three of your studies.
Personal academic tutoring
Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.
Find out more about personal academic tutoring
2024 entry
These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2024 entry. Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.
Requirement | What we're looking for | UCAS points | 112-120 |
A Level | BBB-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 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6 |
English language requirements
IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
How to apply
Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.
Your future
The computer games industry needs specialists with a powerful combination of skills so this degree makes you highly employable. In addition, you will discover that the skills you have developed can be transferred to a range of different industries such as film and visualisation.
Previous graduates have gone on to work for companies such as:
- Epic Games
- Bloc Digital
- Jaguar Land Rover
- Bulkhead Interactive
- Sumo Digital
- Ubisoft
- Rockstar Games
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
Contact us Contact us 4 years with a placement year
Teaching hours
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Additional costs and optional extras
We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.
Included in your fees
- Software - Z Brush and Adobe Creative Cloud via university labs. Maya, Substance Suite, Unreal Engine - available for free download at home
- Study trips - previously EGX Birmingham £15, Harry Potter World £35
- Industry speakers
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
- Wacom PTH-651-ENES Intuos Pro Graphics Tablet - from £229.99 (This is the model recommended by the College - others are available)
- Printer consumables approx. £100 per annum
Optional costs not included in your fees
- Recommended to purchase a portable hard drive approx. £50 -£100
- Personal computer with high end graphics card for game development outside of University (Prices vary but on average £1500)
Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.