BA (Hons) Games Art

Duration

3 years / 4 years with placement year*

Institution code

L28

UCAS Code

3 years W280 / 4 years W282

Photograph of a student drawing on Wacom tablet whilst wearing headphones.
Photograph of a student drawing on Wacom tablet whilst wearing headphones.

Students designing on Wacom tablets

Digital drawing of a rocky patch of land. The grey rocks are dappled with white and green. Between the rocks lies a winding path, a waterfall and some green trees.
Digital drawing of a rocky patch of land. The grey rocks are dappled with white and green. Between the rocks lies a winding path, a waterfall and some green trees.

Carlo Ruzzo

A digital drawing of an island surrounding by turquoise sea. The island consists of an erupting volcano, grey rocks, green patches of grass, trees and lighter coloured cliffs.
A digital drawing of an island surrounding by turquoise sea. The island consists of an erupting volcano, grey rocks, green patches of grass, trees and lighter coloured cliffs.

Carlo Ruzzo

A digital drawing of a person and robot walking into a black room filled with machinery. There is a walkway in the middle of the room, to the side of it is a large wheel-like apparatus. Next to it is a desk and chair with green lights.
A digital drawing of a person and robot walking into a black room filled with machinery. There is a walkway in the middle of the room, to the side of it is a large wheel-like apparatus. Next to it is a desk and chair with green lights.

David Wanganju

A digital drawing of a robot shining a torch on another robot that is stood against the wall. The torchlight spotlights the robot and shows their outer shell which is silver and black.
A digital drawing of a robot shining a torch on another robot that is stood against the wall. The torchlight spotlights the robot and shows their outer shell which is silver and black.

David Wanganju

A digital drawing of three characters.. The first character is a person wearing a helmet and body suit. The second is a white and grey robot and the third is a doctor with a stethoscope around their neck.
A digital drawing of three characters.. The first character is a person wearing a helmet and body suit. The second is a white and grey robot and the third is a doctor with a stethoscope around their neck.

David Wanganju

A digital drawing of a small figure stood on a platform in the middle of a large black room. The figure is wearing a bodysuit and helmet and there is a large white circular light above them.
A digital drawing of a small figure stood on a platform in the middle of a large black room. The figure is wearing a bodysuit and helmet and there is a large white circular light above them.

David Wanganju

A screenshot of a computer design programme showing the creation of a digital tunnel image. At the bottom of the screenshot is a layout design of the tunnel with vertical lines. At the top is the final digital image of the tunnel showing an intense blue light shining through it.
A screenshot of a computer design programme showing the creation of a digital tunnel image. At the bottom of the screenshot is a layout design of the tunnel with vertical lines. At the top is the final digital image of the tunnel showing an intense blue light shining through it.

David Wanganju

A photograph of a terracotta clay character that has a large rounded face with a smiling expression, there is a green plant emerging from the top of their head. The character is waving and standing on a round grass step.
A photograph of a terracotta clay character that has a large rounded face with a smiling expression, there is a green plant emerging from the top of their head. The character is waving and standing on a round grass step.

Harry England

A digital drawing of part of an island called "On the Surface of Kelsis". There is a shuttle on top of the beach with people in the distance next to it. The beach is surrounded by sea, rocks, trees and plants.
A digital drawing of part of an island called "On the Surface of Kelsis". There is a shuttle on top of the beach with people in the distance next to it. The beach is surrounded by sea, rocks, trees and plants.

Morrigan Bashir

A screenshot of a computer design programme showing the blueprint of an island design. The island is rocky with four large formations and a shuttle lies next to one of the rocks. The majority of the island is grey with subdued greens.
A screenshot of a computer design programme showing the blueprint of an island design. The island is rocky with four large formations and a shuttle lies next to one of the rocks. The majority of the island is grey with subdued greens.

Morrigan Bashir

A detailed and colourful 3D isometric illustration of the main floor of a house. Written descriptions accompany each room.
A detailed and colourful 3D isometric illustration of the main floor of a house. Written descriptions accompany each room.

Pecolier Scoggin

The Course

This course focuses on bringing game worlds to life through captivating visuals. Games artists shape a game’s identity, working with games designers, concept artists, and animators to create visually compelling assets. Concept artists visualise ideas, character artists sculpt 3D models, and environment artists craft immersive settings to explore. Technical artists optimise the art production pipeline and enhance visual quality.

This course provides a collaborative platform, offering games artists the chance to showcase creativity and contribute to immersive gaming experiences within a thriving community of diverse creatives.

As a specialised arts university, we offer unparalleled resources and expertise to provide you with an exceptional education in games art. Access cutting-edge software, advanced hardware, and dedicated studio spaces equipped with industry-standard tools. Benefit from working closely with experienced industry professionals who offer valuable feedback and guidance, keeping you at the forefront of games art practices.

Our Industry Speaker Programme invites gaming industry professionals to share real-world insights and build connections for your future career.

Engage in professional opportunities through collaborative projects with BA (Hons) Games Design students and external game development initiatives. We will support you in developing networking skills and establishing professional contacts within the gaming industry. Collaborate with talented games designers, concept artists, filmmakers, animators, and fashion designers, fostering exciting collaborations and innovative projects.

*The placement year is subject to approval.

'Unreal' logo with text saying "Academic Partner 2024".

The Structure

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.

Course Facilities

Our studios are outfitted with industry-standard equipment including high-specification PCs capable of running all industry-standard software games used in development such as Unreal Engine/Unity, Maya/Blender, 3D sculpting applications such as ZBrush and Adobe Substance Suite. There is a dedicated booth with hi-spec PCs and VR headsets to explore virtual reality workflows for game art and design purposes.

Students will also have access to a wide range of resources with a drop-in facility so work can be undertaken, provided resource inductions have been completed. This will include digital print, 3D scanning and 3D print resources.

Computer suites house networks of Apple Mac computers featuring regularly updated, industry-standard software for a wide range of creative applications that support all our courses and a purpose-built specialist library that includes special collections of artists’ books, games theory and illustrated books, monthly publications such as game industry/3D magazines, as well as the University archive. Self-service facilities are available throughout, supported by a dedicated and experienced team of library staff.

Video Showcase

Order a prospectus

Career Opportunities

Our graduates will possess a comprehensive grasp of games art, enabling them to embark on a range of rewarding careers. Opportunities include concept artist, 3D modeller, material artist, character artist, environment artist, and art direction within the games development industry. Employment prospects extend to related fields like animation, virtual reality, themed entertainment design, and architectural visualisation. Your ability to create visually compelling experiences will set you apart in the industry. Graduates may also continue to postgraduate study.

Academic Staff

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Maya Jermy

Staff
BA (Hons) Games Art and BA (Hons) Games Design - Course Leader

*Please note that our courses are subject to an annual review process in order to maintain their quality and enhance the student experience. As a result, Course Specifications may be amended for the coming year.

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