Games Design and Creative Writing

This innovative degree programme in Games Design and Creative Writing at Brunel University London is designed to prepare students for a dynamic career in the rapidly evolving digital entertainment industry. Combining technical skills with creative storytelling, the course provides a comprehensive education that equips future professionals with the knowledge and experience needed to develop engaging games and compelling narratives. Throughout the programme, students will explore the fundamentals of game design, including mechanics, user experience, and interactive storytelling, while also honing their creative writing abilities to craft immersive narratives and character development. The curriculum integrates theoretical concepts with practical projects, encouraging students to apply their skills in real-world contexts and collaborative environments. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities such as dedicated game development labs, writing studios, and industry-standard software, fostering a hands-on learning experience. Throughout their studies, students will engage with industry professionals, participate in live projects, and attend workshops and seminars that reflect current trends and emerging technologies in gaming and narrative arts. The multidisciplinary nature of the programme allows students to develop a versatile skill set, making them adaptable to various roles within the creative and digital sectors. Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped to pursue careers as game designers, narrative writers, creative directors, or content creators, working within game development companies, entertainment agencies, or starting their own projects. Brunel University London’s strong links with industry partners and its focus on innovation ensure that students receive a well-rounded education that bridges the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. Whether you are passionate about building captivating worlds or writing compelling stories, this programme offers an inspiring environment to nurture your creativity and technical expertise, enabling you to make a meaningful impact in the gaming and storytelling industries.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 13000 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

In each year of your degree, you will study theory modules aimed to develop your analytical understanding of the cultural and social significance of games and their historical contexts. Design modules will aid your ability to produce creative, realisable strategies in relation to set briefs. Application modules will provide you with a comprehensive knowledge of the communication skills currently used in the games industry, including presentation and prototyping skills. You will also study a selection of core and optional modules from your chosen second subject.

Games Design

At each level you take modules in:

• Theory, which develops your understanding of methods and approaches used in the analysis of games, their cultural and social significance, and historical contexts.

• Design, which will aid your development of creative strategies for generating game design ideas and game design projects. You undertake design projects, developing a practical understanding of creative game design.

• Application (industry relevant skills and contexts), which will provide you with a comprehensive knowledge of the skills used currently in the games industry.

Creative Writing

This course is designed to develop your knowledge, understanding, and analytical and creative skills through the analysis, interpretation and creation of literary texts. The range and choice of modules ensure that you will achieve a sound understanding of creative writing while at the same time developing your own creative skills.

Typical Modules

Level 1

• Theory 1: 'Reading' Games - methods for, and practice of, analysing the formal components of games

• Design 1: Introduction to Game Design – practical exercises, working to set briefs

• Application 1: Methods for, and practice of, communicating design concepts and ideas

• Academic Practice

• Introduction to Writing Fiction

• Introduction to Writing Drama

Level 2

• Theory 2: Approaches to analysing games and players

• Design 2: Large game design projects, working to a brief

• Application 2: Prototyping game designs and understanding the games industry

• EITHER Screenwriting or Writing Journalism

One from:

• The Nineteenth Century Novel

• Shakespeare

• Modernism

• Romanticism and Revolution

Level 3

• Theory 3: Socio-Cultural Contexts – Analysing the social and cultural implications of games

• EITHER Major Design Project

• OR Major Theoretical Project

• OR Medium Design Project AND Medium Theoretical Project

• English Special Project

• Critical/Creative Writing

• Creative Writing and the Creative Industries

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 CAE score : 60(Grade C) TOEFL paper-based test score : 580 TOEFL iBT® test : 92

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• GCE A-level ABB – BBB. Typical offer ABB, including Grade B in English or Creative Writing.

• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma D*DD in a related subject (Applicants without A-level English or Creative Writing will be required to submit a written sample of work on request)

• BTEC Level 3 Diploma DD in a related subject with an A-Level in English or Creative Writing at grade A.

• BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma D in a related subject with A-Levels grade AB including English or Creative Writing.

• International Baccalaureate Diploma 33 points, including Higher Level 5 in English.

• Access to Higher EducationDiploma Complete and pass a related subject Access course with 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2 with Merits in all units. All English units must be Distinctions at level 3 and must provide a sample of creative writing.

GCSE Mathematics grade C and GCSE English grade C are also required.

Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants as well as our full GCSE requirements and accepted equivalencies in place of GCSE’s.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS: 6.5 (min 5.5 in all areas)

• Pearson: 58 (51 in all subscores)

• BrunELT: 65% (min 55% in all areas)

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Brunel University.

The Games Design and Creative Writing program at Brunel University London offers students a comprehensive education that combines the technical aspects of game development with the creative skills necessary for storytelling and narrative creation. This interdisciplinary program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in the rapidly growing digital entertainment industry, where storytelling and game mechanics are increasingly intertwined. The curriculum provides a solid foundation in game design principles, programming, digital art, and animation, alongside modules focused on creative writing, narrative development, character development, and scriptwriting. Students have the opportunity to work on individual and group projects, integrating their technical skills with creative storytelling to develop engaging, innovative game concepts. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to explore various genres and styles, fostering versatility in their creative output.

The program also emphasizes industry exposure and practical experience, often involving collaboration with real-world clients and participating in game jams and hackathons. Brunel’s state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated labs support innovative work on game development, allowing students to experiment with virtual reality, augmented reality, and emerging technologies. Additionally, students can benefit from guest lectures, workshops, and networking events with industry professionals, providing valuable insights into current trends and career pathways. Coursework typically includes individual essays, group projects, presentations, and final year project work, all aimed at honing students’ creative, technical, and collaborative skills. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to pursue careers in game development studios, multimedia companies, publishing houses, and in any sector that values creative storytelling and technical expertise. The program fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging students to develop their own projects and potentially launch start-up initiatives. Overall, the Games Design and Creative Writing degree at Brunel University London combines creativity, technology, and industry relevance, making it an ideal choice for ambitious students eager to shape the future of digital entertainment and storytelling.