Games Art, BA (Hons), with industry placement

This course emphasizes bringing game worlds to life through engaging visuals, where games artists collaborate with designers, concept artists, and animators to develop compelling assets. Concept artists conceptualize ideas, character artists create 3D models, and environment artists design immersive settings, while technical artists optimize production pipelines. It offers a collaborative platform for showcasing creativity within a diverse community, supported by a specialized arts university providing cutting-edge software, advanced hardware, and industry-standard studios. Students benefit from guidance by experienced professionals, the Industry Speaker Programme for real-world insights, and opportunities to network through projects with games design students and external initiatives.The curriculum progresses over three years: Year one builds foundational skills in visual design, digital illustration, 2D/3D modeling, and storytelling. Year two advances technical expertise in 3D modeling, shaders, character design, lighting, and composition, with collaborative projects offering industry insights. Year three allows specialization in areas like environment or concept art, portfolio development, theoretical exploration, and major projects, preparing graduates for successful careers. A four-year option includes a placement year for practical experience.

Year one - You’ll delve into the core elements of games art, honing your skills in visual design, digital illustration, 2D art, and 3D modelling. You’ll grasp storytelling principles and their application to game environments, props and characters. Through engaging projects and immersive workshops, you’ll establish the groundwork for your creative expedition in games art. Year two - You’ll expand upon your foundation, elevating both your technical expertise and creative vision. You’ll delve deeper into 3D modelling, materials and shaders, and character design, while also immersing yourself in the intricacies of lighting and composition for games art. Collaborative projects with games designers and concept artists will offer invaluable insights into the game development process, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the industry. You will have the opportunity to learn from experienced industry professionals, who will provide you with feedback and guidance on your work. Year three* - You’ll have the chance to specialise in environment art, concept art, or character art, refining your skills and crafting a professional portfolio. You will consider an element of game art theory in depth and produce a considered piece of writing. Engaging in a major game art project, you’ll collaborate with peers to create a visually captivating and immersive gaming experience. On completion, you’ll be equipped for a thriving career as a games artist. *If you choose to study this course over four years, this will include a placement year (also known as a sandwich year, work placement, industrial placement, or year in industry), which provides a fantastic opportunity to enhance your employability and gain practical experience in your field of study. The placement year typically occurs after year two and before year three.