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:

Access to our purpose-built Centre for the Creative Industries building which features specialist facilities including game labs and studios equipped with a wide range of software such as Unreal Engine 5, Unity, Maya, Mudbox, Substance Painter/Designer, Visual Studio and Creative Cloud.

Design and create aesthetically focused and game ready characters and environments with fully realised game products.

Regular contact with game industry professionals through guest lectures, conferences, and national events.

You will be taught by an award-winning teaching team with professional industry backgrounds and experience.

Learn how to manage a professional game development team using industry-standard methodologies and practice.

Work with the latest tools and technology in two specialist game development studios dedicated to designing, production, motion capture and VR.

The course has an excellent track record for graduate employment with many ex-students going on to work at some of the world's most recognisable game studios.

Gain valuable experience and insight into the game production 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.

Support for indie company spin out through support, advise and potential funding through Games Talent Wales

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

Modules

What You Will Study 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 that will increase your recognition of strong ideas and original concepts. YEAR 2 (LEVEL 4) MODULES Game Design and Interaction Game Asset Production Game Environments and Narrative Design Character Design and Digital Sculpting Game Industry and Agile Production Design Workshop YEAR 3 (LEVEL 5) MODULES Asset Production for Game Engines Character Production for Game Engines Real-Time Environmental Art for Game Engines Serious Games Design Indie Studio Management Group Project YEAR 4 (LEVEL 6) MODULES Advanced Asset Production and Technical Art AAA Asset Production Advanced Game Design and User Engagement Game Industry Specialist Project 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

This course is portfolio focused and as such, there are no formal exams. Students will focus on developing technical and theoretical skills via practical assignments and research & development activities. Assessment methods include the production of digital (and non-digital) games, character and creature models and game environments, compiling, analysing production data, giving presentations and producing 3D models. At higher levels of the course, students must also provide statistical evidence of work hours with supporting evidence as part of key assessment outcomes. TEACHING AND LEARNING 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. 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. Wrexham University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential. 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. In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.

How to apply

29Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

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

UCAS Tariff - 48 - 72 points

Our general entry requirement for the foundation year is 48-72 UCAS tariff points but all applications are considered individually and we consider work experience, vocational training/qualifications as well as motivation and potential to succeed. The programme welcomes applications from anyone who can demonstrate a commitment to the subject and the potential to complete their chosen programme successfully. This can be established by showing appropriate academic achievements or by demonstrating that they possess the knowledge and ability equivalent to the academic qualifications.

A level - EEE - DDD

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - PPP - MPP

Access to HE Diploma

Scottish Higher

AS

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MP - MM

Scottish Advanced Higher

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)

Extended Project

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)

Leaving Certificate - Ordinary Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

Wrexham 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

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England	£9250	Year 1
Northern Ireland	£9250	Year 1
Scotland	£9250	Year 1
Wales	£9250	Year 1
Channel Islands	£9250	Year 1
Republic of Ireland	£9250	Year 1

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

Degree level: Undergraduate

Awarded by: Wrexham University (Prifysgol Wrecsam)

Game Art (with Foundation Year)

Course options

Open days