BA (Hons) in Concept Art for Games and Film

Program Overview

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The Concept Art for Games and Film program at Staffordshire University equips students with the technical and creative skills to become concept artists in the games or film industry. The program combines traditional art techniques with digital painting, 3D modeling, and digital sculpting, and offers opportunities for collaborative projects and industry placements. Graduates have secured positions at renowned companies and work as freelance concept artists in the games and film industries.

Program Outline

This degree aims to equip you with the necessary skills to become a 2D or concept artist in either the games or film industry.

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Objectives:

• Develop the technical and creative skills needed to excel as a concept artist.
• Integrate traditional art techniques with digital painting, 3D modeling, and digital sculpting.
• Allow students to choose areas of specialization in games or film VFX.
• Gain hands-on experience through collaborative projects with other game students.
• Utilize industry-standard software such as Photoshop, Maya, and Zbrush.

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Outline:

This three-year program operates on a modular basis, offering flexibility and choice. Modules typically consist of 30 academic credits with a smaller number of 15-credit options. The modules cover a significant range of topics related to concept art, including:

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Year 1:

• 3D Asset Development
• Character Concept Design
• Digital Painting Theory and Practice
• Environment Concept Design
• Fundamentals of Technical Drawing
• Life Drawing: Anatomy and Fundamentals

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Year 2:

• Creature Concept Design
• Digital Sculpting Techniques
• Junior Collaborative Games Development
• Life Drawing: Character and Costumes
• Mastering Study to Concept
• Vehicle and Prop Design

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Year 3:

• Games Art and Concepts Live Brief and Employability
• Games Development Project
• Senior Collaborative Games Development

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Optional Modules (Year 3):

• Advanced Character and Creature Sculpture
• Character Design for Production
• Environment Design for Production
• Keyframe Illustration for Production

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Structure:

• The program operates on a semester system, with two semesters per year.
• Students typically take modules worth 60 credits per semester.
• Part-time students take proportionally fewer credits per semester.
• Students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the entire degree.

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Assessment:

Assessment methods utilized in the program include:

• Coursework: Students submit various materials, such as design sheets, callout sheets, and finished concept art pieces, for evaluation.
• Practical Assessments: Students participate in hands-on tasks and demonstrations to showcase their skills.
• Written Examinations: Some modules may include written exams to assess theoretical knowledge.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures to introduce key concepts and theories.
• Seminars for in-depth discussions and analysis of specific topics.
• Workshops to provide hands-on experience with different techniques and software.
• Tutorials for personalized guidance and feedback.
• Independent study to allow students to explore and develop their skills.

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Faculty:

• The program benefits from a team of experienced and passionate lecturers who are experts in their respective fields.
• The faculty includes artists, designers, and industry professionals with extensive practical experience.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program offers collaborative projects with other game students, providing a realistic simulation of a studio environment.
• Students have access to industry-standard software and facilities, mirroring the professional setting.
• The program fosters creativity and innovation, encouraging students to develop their own unique style and approach.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Concept Artist
• Illustrator
• 2D/3D Games Artist
• Character Artist
• Environmental Artist
• VFX Artist

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Opportunities:

• The program prepares graduates for careers in the fast-growing and dynamic entertainment industry.
• Graduates can find employment in game studios, film production companies, and other creative agencies.

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Outcomes:

• Graduates have secured positions at renowned companies such as Playground Games, Fireproof Studios, Jagex, Antimatter Games, Testology, and Mirror Image Design.
• Other graduates work as freelance concept artists in the games and film industries.

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Other:

• The program is accredited by TIGA (The Independent Game Developers' Association) as delivering skills relevant to the games industry.
• Students have access to excellent learning facilities, including dedicated computer labs and studios equipped with industry-standard software.
• Students receive personal and academic support from dedicated tutors and staff.

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Conclusion:

The Concept Art for Games and Film program at Staffordshire University provides a comprehensive and immersive learning experience for individuals aspiring to become successful concept artists in the games and film industries. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills development, and industry-specific insights, the program equips students with the necessary tools to achieve their creative ambitions and embark on fulfilling careers in the exciting world of entertainment.

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Tuition fees for BA (Hons)-Full-time Study option UK / Channel Islands International Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 per year of study Tuition fees for BA (Hons)-Full-time Study option UK / Channel Islands International Full-time £9,250 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate £16,750 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate Tuition fees for BA (Hons)-Full-time Study option UK / Channel Islands International Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 per year of study UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year.

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But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX.

Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year.

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But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX.

Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. no repeat years or breaks in study). For students starting their studies from 2019/20 onwards, a discounted fee of no more than 20% of the normal tuition fee will be payable to Staffordshire University for your placement year. UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year.

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But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX.

Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. no repeat years or breaks in study).