Exceptional Game Design Program for High Schoolers at University College London
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University College London Campus, UK

Exceptional Summer Pre-College Software Development and Gaming Program for High Schoolers at University College London Campus

Well-rounded that offers exceptional enrichment programmes led by top tutors, propelling students from 13-18 to academic success through rigorous and stimulating curriculum at prestigious universities worldwide.

age icon 15-18 years old

time icon 2 weeks

book icon Weekly hours: 20

See Dates

Session Dates

Choose your preferred session from the options below and submit your details in order to complete your booking.

June - Day

Start 6/28/2026
End 7/11/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,995

June - Boarding

Start 6/28/2026
End 7/11/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £7,495

July - Day

Start 7/12/2026
End 7/25/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,995

July - Boarding

Start 7/12/2026
End 7/25/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £7,495

July - Day

Start 7/26/2026
End 8/8/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £5,995

July - Boarding

Start 7/26/2026
End 8/8/2026
Duration 2 Weeks
Price £7,495

Course Description: Exceptional Summer Pre-College Software Development and Gaming Program for High Schoolers at University College London Campus

🎮 Game Design Summer Programme | University College London

Turn Your Passion for Gaming into a Career 🚀

This career-focused Game Design programme at University College London is the perfect gateway for ambitious 15–18-year-olds who want to transform their love of gaming into real-world skills.

With the global gaming industry valued at £95 billion (expected to grow to £169 billion by 2025 💡), this programme gives students the chance to learn coding, design mechanics, and build their own games—all while networking with industry professionals.

Based in central London, students will live at UCL’s Astor College, just minutes away from innovation hubs, cultural landmarks, and professional opportunities.

***

📚 What You’ll Learn

Example Modules

  • Introduction to Game Design 🎨

    Learn the principles of game creation: design characters, mechanics, genres, and publish your own playable game using Construct 2.

  • Introduction to Coding 💻

    Master coding basics, from simple commands to complex game narratives—an essential skill not just for games, but for industries like healthcare, business, and tech.

  • Roblox Coding 🕹️

    Create your own worlds in Roblox using Lua. Explore loops, conditionals, and variables while building multiplayer game environments.

  • Unity Game Development 🏗️

    Dive into the world’s most widely-used game engine. Build 2D & 3D models, apply light/shadow effects, and use C# scripting to bring your ideas to life.

  • Introduction to Python 🐍

    Discover how Python powers game design. Learn syntax, error handling, and build your own Python-based games like Tic-Tac-Toe or Hangman.

  • RPGMaker Masterclass 🎭

    Design 2D role-playing games without heavy coding. Build maps, characters, and environments with this accessible yet powerful tool.

  • Scratch Game Design 🧩

    Perfect for beginners, Scratch introduces visual coding to design interactive prototypes and animations.

  • Coding Languages Overview 🌐

    Compare different programming languages, understanding which are best for speed, efficiency, and design flexibility.

***

🎬 Unique Industry Insights

Students gain hands-on exposure through exclusive visits, such as:

  • 🎮 Otherworld VR – Experience cutting-edge VR gaming and its potential in the industry.

  • 🕹️ National Videogame Museum – Learn how games are made and discover industry insights from leading professionals.

These opportunities take learning beyond the classroom—offering networking, inspiration, and real-world application.

***

🎓 Career Development

  • ✅ 1:1 Career Coaching with personalised action plans

  • ✅ Career Development Plan for every student

  • ✅ Small classes (average 7, max 12 students)

  • ✅ Professional workshops to prepare for university or a career in tech/gaming

  • ✅ Feedback from experienced project leaders

***

🌍 Activities & Excursions

Students will also enjoy a vibrant social and cultural programme:

  • 🏛️ Visit iconic London landmarks

  • 🌙 Explore a world-famous museum after dark

  • 🎭 Watch an award-winning West End show

  • 🛹 Try out skills at an indoor skate park

  • 🏟️ Visit the Olympic Park regeneration site

  • 🍴 Formal dinner at Hard Rock Café

  • 🎉 Graduation party with prizes

Evenings include ice-breaker games, quiz nights, game shows, football/tennis matches, and a talent show.

***

🏡 Accommodation – Live in Central London

Students stay at Astor College, UCL’s residence in Fitzrovia:

  • Single rooms (standard & en-suite available)

  • Modern lounges, outdoor courtyard, and social spaces

  • 🍽️ Breakfast & dinner provided daily (dietary needs catered for)

  • Pool tables, study areas, and quiet common rooms

  • Centrally located—minutes from London’s best attractions

***

✈️ Travel & Transfers

  • Arrival Day: Sunday, 2–4 pm check-in

  • Heathrow Transfers:

  • Pickups at 11:00, 14:00, 17:00 on arrival day

  • Return transfers at 07:00 & 12:00 on final Saturday

  • Escorted by the pastoral team

  • Fee: £100 each way (booked after enrolment)

  • 🚖 Optional taxi transfers available via Addison Lee

💡 Pocket Money Advice: ~£80/week suggested for lunch & souvenirs.

***

🎯 What’s Included

  • 🏡 13 nights in UCL student accommodation

  • 🍴 Breakfast & dinner daily

  • 📚 30 hours of academic sessions from experts

  • 🎮 Real-world project workshops

  • 🎓 1:1 Career Coaching + Career Development Plan

  • 🎞️ Industry visits to gaming & VR hubs

  • ✨ Cultural & social programme with excursions

  • 🍴 Formal dinner at a top London restaurant

  • 🎉 Graduation ceremony & certificate

  • 📸 Mentor family photograph

  • ✅ Comprehensive summer school insurance

***

🔥 This Game Design Summer Programme is perfect for aspiring coders, designers, and creators who want to explore the gaming world and build skills for a future in one of the fastest-growing industries.

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