Program Overview

Introduction to the BA (Hons) Games Art Course

The BA (Hons) Games Art course is designed to advance students' creative and artistic skills, providing them with the opportunity to work collaboratively with game designers, animators, and Visual Effects artists to create Blueprint games. This course is ideal for students who have a passion for video games and wish to develop their skills in games art.

Course Details

• UCAS Code: W200
• Level of Study: Undergraduate
• Typical Offer: 104 - 112 UCAS tariff points
• Start Date: September 2026
• Duration: 3 / 4 years (with an optional placement year)
• Attendance: Full-time, with the option for a placement year
• Course Delivery: On-campus (City Campus)
• The course offers work placement opportunities and study abroad opportunities.

About the Course

The BA (Hons) Games Art course will teach students the principles of screen arts, including perspective drawing, digital drawing, and painting. Students will also learn about 2D and 3D digital art, game studies, and games art studio practices. The course includes a range of optional modules, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests.

Module Information

The course is divided into several modules, including:

• Games Studies: Exploring the history of game playing and associated game theory
• Principles of Screen Arts: Learning about the principles of screen art, including perspective drawing, digital drawing, and painting
• Introducing 2D Digital Art: Refining digital art skills, including concept art, UI design, and board game design
• Introducing 3D Digital Art: Gaining skills and knowledge in digital modeling and design
• Progressing 2D Digital Art: Building on the knowledge developed in Introducing 2D Digital Art
• Progressing 3D Digital Art: Progressing abilities and widening knowledge of digital modeling and lookdev
• Co Lab: Research, Exploration and Risk-taking: Working in mixed teams on a project to generate solutions to a challenge or brief
• Games Art Studio: Bringing together like-minded game development students to work on projects
• Optional modules include:
  • Storyboarding: Visualising the Story, Enhancing the Narrative
  • Character Ideation
  • Experimental Animation
  • Performance for Motion Capture
  • Tabletop Game Development
  • Interactive Narrative
  • Virtual Production
  • Prop Making

Placement Year Routes

• Optional Placement Year (Sandwich): Undertaking a placement year to gain work experience
• Study Abroad: Studying abroad for a full academic year or a semester

Student Work and Showcase

Students will have the opportunity to exhibit their work during their time at the university, and the course culminates in a final showcase.

How You're Taught

Teaching and learning experiences will include:

• Lectures and briefings
• Studio workshops
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Peer and self-evaluations
• Verbal and visual presentations
• Teamwork
• Live projects
• Study trips
• Personal development planning

Collaboration Across Courses

The course offers a unique collaboration module, allowing students to work with contemporaries from a range of different art and design subjects.

Exchange Opportunities

Students can opt to study abroad for a year or a semester, experiencing a different national culture and teaching style.

Entry Requirements

• UK Students: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications, with a portfolio required
• International Students: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications, with a portfolio required and English language requirements

Fees and Funding

• UK Students: Ł9,790 per year, with a reduced fee for the placement year
• International Students: Ł18,700 per year, with a reduced fee for the placement year
• Scholarships are available for international students

Careers and Employability

The course prepares students for a range of careers in games art, including character artist, 3D modeller, environment artist, concept artist, storyboard artist, and 3D LookDev artist. The university's Employability team provides support and guidance to help students achieve their career goals.

Campus and Facilities

The course is based in the new Design & Digital Arts Building, which provides industry-standard facilities, including a virtual production studio, an in-camera Visual Effects studio, and collaborative studio spaces.

Applying

• UK Students: Apply through UCAS, with a digital portfolio required
• International Students: Apply through UCAS or the university's online portal, with a digital portfolio required and an interview may be necessary

Related Courses

Related courses include:

• Animation BA (Hons)
• Filmmaking BA (Hons)
• Visual Effects Art BA (Hons)
• Games Design BSc (Hons)
• Design for Theatre and Live Performance BA (Hons)
• Design for Film and Television BA (Hons)
• Film Technology BSc (Hons)