Games Design and Film and Television Studies

The Games Design and Film and Television Studies programme at Brunel University London offers an interdisciplinary and innovative approach to understanding and creating content within the dynamic fields of gaming, film, and television. This course is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical, technical, and practical aspects of media production and game development, preparing them for a variety of careers in the entertainment industries. The programme emphasizes the development of creative skills, critical analysis, and technical competence, enabling students to produce original works while critically engaging with current industry practices and trends.

Throughout the course, students will explore various aspects of games design, including narrative development, gameplay mechanics, user experience, and the ethical considerations of gaming. They will learn about the history and cultural significance of films and television, along with key concepts in media theory, production techniques, and storytelling. The curriculum combines practical modules such as game design, 3D animation, film editing, and sound production with theoretical modules including media analysis, digital culture, and industry studies, fostering a well-rounded understanding of visual storytelling and interactive media.

Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated game labs, motion capture studios, editing suites, and sound production rooms. With close links to industry professionals, the programme offers opportunities for work placements, project collaborations, and networking events that enhance employability. The course encourages experimentation, innovation, and interdisciplinary thinking, enabling students to develop their own unique style and voice in the fields of game design, film, and television.

Graduates from this programme are well-prepared to enter a broad range of careers, including game design and development, film and television production, media consultancy, digital content creation, and industry research. The programme also provides a solid foundation for those interested in pursuing postgraduate study or advancing into research roles. Brunel’s supportive academic community and strong industry connections ensure students receive a high-quality education that combines academic rigor with practical relevance, fostering the next generation of creative professionals in the media 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 at developing 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.

Film and TV Studies You explore a range of film and television forms and the social and industrial contexts in which they are produced and consumed. You will undertake practical modules in addition to theoretical studies, and have many opportunities to explore you own ideas and interests in a programme taught by staff who have published widely in their subjects.

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
• Film Style

One module from:

• Film Practice and Theory
• Critical Methodologies
• Television Genres

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 New Hollywood Cinema OR Television Forms and Meanings

Three modules to be selected from the following:

• Science Fictions
• British Film and Television
• The Western
• New Hollywood Cinema
• European Cinema
• Hong Kong Cinema

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
• Film and Television Studies Project

Two modules from the following:

• American Independent Cinema
• Quality American Television
• Gender and Sexuality
• Horror
• Media Freedom and Regulation
• Third Cinema
• Analysis of Work Experience

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 BBB.

• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma DDM in a related subject.

• BTEC Level 3 Diploma DD in a related subject with an A-Level at grade B.

• BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma D in a related subject with A-Levels grade BB.

• International Baccalaureate Diploma 32 points.

• 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.

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.

This program offers a comprehensive education in Games Design and Film and Television Studies at Brunel University London, aiming to develop students' creative, technical, and analytical skills for careers in the entertainment industry. The Games Design component focuses on the development of interactive entertainment, exploring concepts such as game mechanics, narrative design, user experience, and programming. Students gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software and hardware, allowing them to design, prototype, and refine engaging games across various genres and platforms. The course emphasizes creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork, preparing graduates to work in diverse roles within the gaming industry, including game designer, level designer, and gameplay programmer.

The Film and Television Studies aspect covers the history, theory, and production of visual media, enabling students to critically analyze films and television shows while acquiring practical skills in production, directing, editing, and scriptwriting. Through workshops, seminars, and project work, students develop a comprehensive understanding of narrative techniques, visual styles, and industry practices. The program encourages critical thinking about media's cultural impact, societal issues, and technological developments shaping the industry.

The curriculum is designed to provide a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, with opportunities for industry placements, collaborative projects, and internships. This integrated approach aims to prepare students for a broad range of careers in digital media, content creation, game development, film production, and broadcasting. The program benefits from state-of-the-art facilities, including game labs, editing suites, sound studios, and production resources, supporting experiential learning.

Students are encouraged to engage with current industry trends and emerging technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and interactive storytelling. The course also promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students from different backgrounds to work together on innovative projects. Assessment methods include coursework, practical projects, presentations, and exams, emphasizing both individual skills and teamwork.

Graduates of this program are equipped with the technical competencies and critical insights needed to excel in rapidly evolving media environments. They can pursue careers in game design studios, film and television production companies, media agencies, or further academic research and postgraduate study. The program's strong industry links and alumni network provide valuable opportunities for mentorship and employment. Overall, the program aims to foster creative innovation, technical proficiency, and industry readiness in the dynamic fields of Games Design and Film and Television Studies.