Access to HE
Access to HE Diploma

Games Development

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Two student testing a Game on a VR headset
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Our one-year diploma will see you experience all facets of games development and kickstart your journey into the games industry, while also equipping you with everything you need to study at undergraduate level.

Key Information
  • Where can I study?
    Bristol / Manchester
  • Start Date
    September 2025
  • Study Modes
    Full-Time
  • Course Length
    1 Year
  • UK/Home Fees (Per Year)
    £3,384
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Key Information
Key Information
Games Development

Course Overview

Introducing you to the exciting world of game development, this is the perfect course if you’re passionate about making memorable and enjoyable interactive experiences. Over the year, you will broaden your understanding of the cornerstones of game development; from 3D and 2D art to world design, games engines and creative coding. 

Using top-of-the-line gaming PCs and working with industry-standard software including Unity3D, Unreal Engine, Blender, Maya, 3ds Max and the Adobe Creative Suite, you will develop a suite of skills in:

  • 3D modelling, concept art, UI/UX and digital graphics
  • Game world design
  • Game engines including Unity and Unreal Engine
  • Introduction to creative coding and programming

By introducing you to all aspects of the game development pipeline, you’ll become an effective creator who can support a wider team, while still forging ahead in your chosen specialism, e.g. art, design, development, scripting, and finish the course with a game of your own creation.

The experience gained on this diploma will allow you to progress onto a degree in a game development or design specialism, such as the undergraduate BA (Hons) Game Art  degree at dBs Institute.

This course is delivered at dBs Institute. Taught and awarded by Access Creative College

If you’re based in or hoping to study in London, this course is available to study with Access Creative London.

This course is taught by the dBs Institute and awarded by Falmouth University

Course Details

The diploma is taught over 37 weeks and you will study 12 units, totalling 60 credits (programme structures and units can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes).

Games Development Diploma

Year Overview

Year 1

Module Breakdown

Over the course of the year, you will gain a complete understanding of what it takes to make a video game. Through a concise exploration of 2D and 3D art, world design, games engines, scripting, coding and the theory behind games, you’ll build a comprehensive suite of skills and design and build your own video game. You will also formalise your academic skills through research, study skills, creative presentations and self-evaluation.

How You'll Learn

You will learn in an environment that mirrors the game industry, using the tools that all developers use to create interactive experiences. 

Practical lessons will take place in our cutting-edge gaming PC suite, where you will broaden your understanding of the creative approaches and techniques used at every stage of the game development pipeline. You will become adept in the use of multiple software, from game engines and digital art to programming and testing. 

This will be supported through practice-based workshops, guest lectures, and a strong focus on formalising your academic and professional skills. You will learn to evaluate and improve your work through both group and 1-2-1 reviews with your tutors. Regular learning will come from lectures, seminars and our Virtual Learning Environment.

On average you should allow for between 35 - 40 hours per week for your studies, 8 hours of which will be delivered onsite, 1.5 hours online, and 5 hours flexible for extra support should you need it. The remaining time is allotted to self-study.

In addition, your learning will be supported by:

  • Lectures and practical workshops
  • Online self-directed study
  • Group tutorials and 1-2-1 reviews
  • Access to facilities and bookable equipment
  • Use of library resources and study spaces
  • Access to supporting online resources including videos, reading and interactive activities

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Applying for this course is easy! Simply click the "Apply" button below to submit your application directly through our website.
A member of our Admissions Team will then be in touch to discuss your suitability for the course, your interests and to arrange an interview.

Applications for undergraduate degrees are made through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You can apply online through the UCAS website.

The equal consideration deadline for September 2025 entry applications is  29th January 2025. 

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If you would like to make an application for this course, fill in your details below and a member of our admissions team will be in touch to advise you through the application process.

For detailed information on how to apply please take a look at our guide to making an application.

Why Choose dBs

Why Choose dBs & ACC

Here at dBs Institute, we pride ourselves on creating a learning environment that reflects the industry that you want to work in. Our state-of-the-art facilities ensure that you are working on professional-grade equipment; our course leaders have years of industry experience to draw from and we foster a community of students and staff that inspires and encourages collaboration. Throughout your studies and beyond, we will also provide you with career support and guidance to reach your future goals.

Facilities

Inside our high-spec game suite
Manchester
Inside our high-spec game suite
Developing projects in the game suite
Manchester
Developing projects in the game suite
Our mo-cap suit in action
Bristol
Our mo-cap suit in action
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    Why Choose an Online Degree at dBs

    Our online Master's degrees offer a high-quality, immersive, and community-driven learning experience, led by industry experts who are passionate about their craft. With 24/7 access to course materials and resources, you can learn at your own pace from anywhere in the world. Plus, our hands-on projects will equip you with practical skills necessary for a successful career in the music industry.
    A female student works on her laptop

    Flexible study

    Enjoy the freedom to fit your learning around you. For online students, course content – other than one-to-one sessions – will be available to access whenever suits you. Video materials that have been created for online students will also be made available to students that select to study on-site.

    dBs Online tutor kris burton sits in front of our API desk at dBs

    Learn from the pros

    You will learn from tutors whose expertise extends across production, composition, sound design, sound engineering, label management, marketing and promotion.

    You’ll also have access to our extensive guest lecture programme, giving you the chance to meet leading industry professionals – ranging from respected producers and performers to specialist technical staff from world-class audio companies.

    Student working on a project at dBs Pro

    Industry Connections

    As a student of this course, you will be encouraged to apply for placements and opportunities with dBs Pro, our in-house creative audio company.
    This will allow you to further your experience and apply the skills you have been honing, as well as showcase your skills to clients and develop your creative own links in the industry.

    What our students say

    Who better to tell you about our course than students already doing the course? In this video, some of our latest cohort talk about their experience of the dBs online masters degrees.

    What our students say

    Learn what makes dBs Institute so special from the people who matter most - our students!

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      Opportunities

      Engaging with our industry

      In our 20+ year history, we’ve built a strong network of contacts across the creative industries, that include AMS Neve, Solid State Logic, Avid and many more.

      Career support

      We strive to equip our students with the skills and opportunities to secure roles across the creative industries, and this goal underpins the student experience at dBs Institute.

      dBs Pro

      dBs Pro is a creative audio company with a difference - it’s dedicated to providing our students with real-world experience alongside their studies.

      Register your interest

      Let's get started

      Thinking about an undergraduate degree at dBs? Want to know more about our courses? We're excited to help you explore your options.

      Simply fill out the form below and our dedicated admissions team will be in touch with all the information you need.

      If you're ready to apply, you can also apply directly through UCAS.com

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      Please note that if you are an international student or require a visa to study in the UK you are only eligible to study our online courses.

      Register your interest

      If you’d like to find out more about our postgraduate courses, please fill in the form below. Once submitted, a member of our admissions team will be in touch to discuss our postgraduate course offerings and the next steps of the application process.

      Please note, if you currently live outside of the UK and require a Tier 4 VISA to study in the United Kingdom, we are unable to accept your application for our on campus full-time or part-time postgraduate degree programmes. If this is the case, please apply for one of our online postgraduate courses instead.

      Apply for our Access to HE Diploma

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      If you’re 19+ and aiming for higher education, our diplomas provide the essential qualifications and skills you need to progress confidently onto university courses. Whether it’s a career shift, skill enhancement, or pursuing a long-held passion, our

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      To apply for our diplomas, please complete the application form below. Once we have received your information, our admissions team will contact you to arrange an interview.

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