UK Schools

S1ncla1r · 03-29-2008, 10:05 PM

I've been doing a bit of research on game design schools and have found some schools that look great (Guildhall, Vancouver Film School, etc). Does anyone know of any schools of a similar caliber in the UK or Australia? I'm considering investing in my education even at 31 years of age, but I don't want to spend 3 or 4 years on a Bachelors. Those 18 month intensive courses would be perfect for me.

yaustar · 03-31-2008, 02:15 AM

I haven't heard of any in the UK. Why in particular a Games Design course? Do you want to be a games designer? What is your previous education and work experience?

Also read Tom's FAQs: http://www.sloperama.com/advice.html

S1ncla1r · 03-31-2008, 08:26 AM

I have a degree in Psychology which basically amounts to a sheet of toilet paper. I don't know if I want to be a game designer- I have worked a fair bit in the industry as a translator for a well known MMORPG title, plus some others that have yet to be released- I've also done a bit of storywriting that ended up on products that shipped.

It could be that I'm having a mid life crisis and want to do something that I WANT TO DO- it might just be a pipe drema since there's no way I could afford one of those fancy North American courses at this time- I don't even know if I want to be a game designer or not- but I'm currently enjoying getting into the Unreal Editor these days.

The chances are I will be emigrating to Australia late next year- but would consider going back to the UK for a bit if it meant I could get on a good course for a reasonable fee.

yaustar · 03-31-2008, 03:57 PM

Given your background, doing a Games Design course in my opinion is a big waste of time and money. Design some games, make some games (there are quite a few Game Maker programs that require little or no programming knowledge), do some level designing, join a MOD team, build a portfolio and apply for jobs through your contacts in your previous jobs.

You don't need a Games Design degree to do the above. Personally, I think a Psychology degree is more then fine for Games Designer given how applicable it can be in Games Design.

S1ncla1r · 04-01-2008, 11:47 PM

Thanks a lot for the advice.

S1ncla1r · 04-10-2008, 09:10 AM

Since making that post last week, I got a call from a game studio that I did localization for here in Taiwan. Looks like they want me on board as a designer!!

jillduffy · 04-10-2008, 09:30 AM

Congratulations!

mheyman · 04-12-2008, 07:08 AM

Congrats, good luck.