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Game Art (with Foundation Year) at Wrexham University - UCAS

Wrexham University

Degree level: Undergraduate
Awarded by: Wrexham University (Prifysgol Wrecsam)

Game Art (with Foundation Year)

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. Key course features:
  • 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.

Modules

This degree is primarily designed for those who want to pursue a career in the game art and associated design industries. It explores all key aspects of game art production processes, drawing upon your imagination and using a variety of techniques from 2D concepts to 3D production on screen, including 3D Modelling, sculpting, level design and mixed screen based media. Emphasis is placed on your personal and professional development, communication and entrepreneurial skills so that you are well equipped to enter a diverse and rapidly changing industry. YEAR 1 (FOUNDATION YEAR) The foundation year will introduce you to the key elements of art and design, including design practice, applied and fine art. You will explore the creative thought process relating to various art and design disciplines, developing your ability to put ideas down on paper quickly. There will be a range of practice assignments which will increase your recognition of strong ideas and original concepts. MODULES Introduction to Art and Design Introduction to Applied Art Introduction to Fine Art Creative Thinking The Skills You Need Contextual Studies YEAR 2 (LEVEL 4) MODULES Critical studies 1: History & Context - Game Art (20 Credits) Creative Futures 1: Professional Studio Practice (20 Credits) Concept Art Fundamentals (20 Credits) Asset Modelling (20 Credits) Sketch to Sculpt (20 Credits) Gameplay Design(20 Credits) YEAR 3 (LEVEL 5) MODULES Contextual Studies 2: Critical Thinking (20 Credits) Creative Futures 2: Business Fundamentals (20 Credits) Characters in Context (20 Credits) Environment Modelling (20 Credits) Virtual Reality: Level Design and Creation (20 Credits) VFX for Video Games (20 Credits) YEAR 4 (LEVEL 6) MODULES Contextual Studies 3: Research & Application (20 Credits) Creative Futures: Entrepreneurial Practice (20 Credits) Negotiated Practice (40 Credits) Game Art Degree Project (40 Credits) The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Assessment method

There are no set exams. Assessment is continuous and relates to all aspects of the programme, providing more carefully defined emphasis on formative assessment and feedback on your coursework throughout the academic year. We will advise you on your level of attainment and direct you towards a strategy for further progression as you complete assignments and modules. There are varied formats of assessment to encourage your learning through group seminars, critiques and tutorials. This can be through group interaction with critical analysis where you will submit a range of work including design sheets, finished artwork, 3D work, screen based work, technical/ production files, journals, essays and audio-visual presentations. There are reviews of work at key points before Christmas and before Easter and this provides time for you to reflect on your progress prior to a final or summative year end assessment. TEACHING AND LEARNING Wrexham Glyndŵr University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential. On this course teaching and learning is designed to support students from a variety of backgrounds with diverse needs and to promote the supportive learning environment and pastoral care the School of Art and Design provides. Timetabling is developed to help learning teaching and assessment methodologies and provide clear and effective feedback to students. Contact hours are 16 per week in year 1, 14 per week in year 2 and 12 per week in year 3. There is strong support for students with learning differences and who can also receive additional help from support assistants through Student Support Services. The programme is structured to enable you to work in a multidisciplinary manner, to be flexible and enable you to develop individually. This is supported by a personal tutor / tutorials system that provides you with guidance throughout all aspects of the programme We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.


How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
305G
Institution code:
G53
Campus name:
Wrexham
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

International applicants

This course is not currently available to those requiring a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Wrexham Glyndwr University takes into account a variety of qualifications and experience when considering applications to our programmes. If you are unsure if the qualifications you currently hold will be accepted for entry, or if you're not sure you'll achieve the required UCAS Tariff points, please contact us at [email protected] for further advice and guidance.

Additional entry requirements

Interview

Portfolio


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9000 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9000 Year 1
Scotland £9000 Year 1
Wales £9000 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Game Art (with Foundation Year) at Wrexham University - UCAS