Course summary

Why choose this course? This skill-based degree is ideal for those wishing to pursue a career in the game art and associated design industries. The degree explores all key aspects of game art production processes using a variety of techniques from 2D concepts to 3D production on screen. This includes 3D modelling, sculpting, level design and mixed screen-based media. You will:

• Have the opportunity to collaborate with game developers and enterprise students.

• Have access and utilise industry standard software and techniques, as well as working with Unreal Engine

• Be guided and supported by an award-winning team of lecturers on live projects

• Be given the chance to apply for funding, attend EGX trade fair, and enter competitions to showcase your portfolio.

• Gain experience in the design skills and techniques used to bring projects from concept to screen through digital painting, 3D modelling, 3D sculpting, 3D animation and game engine.

• Develop a mix of design and technical skills like environment/character design and creation, 3D modelling, texturing, level design, level creation, live briefs, and games production.

• Gain a sound knowledge of game and concept art, with an emphasis on innovation, design and creativity rather than the programming and technical aspects of the gaming industry.

• Use the latest industry-standard software.

• Have the opportunity to get hands-on work with industry professionals on real-world projects to help develop your skills and experience.

• *Study a course that is part of a subject area rated 3rd in the UK and 1st in Wales for satisfaction with teaching, and 2nd in the UK and 1st in Wales for satisfaction with the course in the Computer Science and Information Systems subject league tables, The Guardian University Guide 2022.

• Includes a foundation year to prepare you for further study.

• Enjoy the benefits of close industry engagement with regular visits, notable guest speakers, presentations, discussion groups and social events.

• Gain valuable experience and insight into the game development process and the management of an independent game studio.

• Benefit from a personal mentor with games development experience to help develop your skills and knowledge.

• Have access to our in-house business incubation centre and the latest tools and technology in a specialist game development studio.

• Develop a professional game art portfolio and critical employability skills.

• Develop your professional, communication, and entrepreneurial skills so that you are well equipped to enter a diverse and rapidly changing industry.

• Strong links with industry and professional bodies such as Skillset, NAHEMI and various associations. Our Creative Futures modules play host to a large range of visiting guest speakers from the creative industries.

• There are industry-focused visits to gain first-hand insight into how creative media companies function and the variety of employment opportunities that are available in the development of your career aspirations. There are also other study trips to festivals and Video Game expos.

• Opportunities to enter competitions.

• Our purpose-built Centre for the Creative Industries features specialist facilities, such as our TV studio with green screening, and software such as Maya, Mudbox, Unreal Engine 4, Substance Painter/Designer and Creative Cloud for creating Game Art and playable levels.

• There is strong pastoral care within a friendly creative community with an emphasis on team building and collaborative work. Contact time with tutors is high with enthusiastic and supportive staff who are knowledgeable, research-active practitioners.