Games Art, BA (Hons)

Course summary

The aim of this course is to develop your understanding of coders’ and game developers’ needs, while addressing the visual needs of games development. As a games artist, you can work in one of the largest and agile creative industries in the world. 

• You have the opportunity to develop games art skills such as storytelling, narrative, sociology, spatial design, architecture to anatomy, and character/environment design.

• We teach you about industry practices in a simulated games studio environment, so you can gain a solid grounding in visualisation techniques, character, environment and concept design.

• This exciting course is developed in conjunction with games industry employers like Radiant Worlds and shows you the skillset you need to be a successful games artist.

• This course offers you opportunities to work with animators and illustrators to develop your core skills in drawing, perspective and concept development. You will also be taught the trends and technical developments within the games industry.

• A flexible approach enabling you to individually develop your creative practice and portfolio towards a wide range of potential career paths.

• Opportunity to take a placement or study abroad year2 (subject to additional costs).

• The opportunity to learn about virtual and augmented reality using HTC Vive/Oculus Rift and game engines such as Unreal Engine and Unity.

• The opportunity to learn in our superb new Arts and Humanities facilities4, set to open in 2022, equipped with industry-standard software, workshops and studio environments.

This course has a common first year. The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn. If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements). Common first year courses Animation BA (Hons) Digital Media BA (Hons) Games Art BA (Hons) Games Design and Development BA (Hons) Visual Effects (VFX) BA (Hons) Year One Modules Hacklab and Creative Play Narrative and Storytelling Skills Lab From 2D to 3D: Developing Visual Skills Prototyping, Concept Development and Design People, Pipelines, and Production Year Two In year two, you will continue to develop the skills and knowledge you’ve learnt. We do this by embedding the following four principles into the curriculum and developing your: Technical skills – digital fluency, backed with the right academic knowledge Study skills – to be an adaptive, independent and proactive learner Professional skills – to have the behaviour and abilities to succeed in your career Global awareness – the beliefs and abilities to be a resilient, confident and motivated global citizen In year two, you will develop more advanced knowledge and skills to do with: designing game worlds, character design, and creature design, amongst others. Placement Year There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement* can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future. If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee* of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement. Final Year Year three aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from year one and two. You could also work on a large final project in an area of your interest, with the support of a mentor and your Academic Personal Tutor. Modules Extending Games Art Contexts Games Challenge and Experimentation Professional Practice Portfolio Working in Collaboration Final Major Project We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated. Before accepting any offers, please check the website for the most up to date course content. For full module details please check the course page on the Coventry University website. *For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website