inline-defaultCreated with Sketch.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.

Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 16,900
Per year
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
36 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Bachelors
Major
Animation | Computer Graphics | Game Design
Area of study
Arts | Information and Communication Technologies
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 16,900
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-09-01-
About Program

Program Overview


Computer Games Modelling and Animation BA (Hons)

Course Description

Create innovative 3D art for a range of games including first person shooter, real time strategy, city and builder. Learn how to use an extensive range of software and tools, including Maya, Unreal Engine and ZBrush. Study a course that has a Houdini Certified School status and is an Unreal Academic Partner (2024). Take advantage of a year on placement and gain industry experience. Access specialist facilities equipped for games development including our XR (cross-reality) lab. Work as a team to create a brand new game to showcase at our annual Games Expo.


Study Options

  • Full-time: 3 years (4 years with a placement year)
  • UK fee: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
  • International fee: £16,900 per year (2025/26)
  • UCAS points: 112 (September 2025 entry)
  • UCAS code: I710
  • Start date: September
  • Location: Derby Campus

Why Study Computer Games Modelling and Animation at Derby?

  • Create innovative 3D art for a range of games
  • Learn how to use an extensive range of software and tools
  • Study a course that has a Houdini Certified School status and is an Unreal Academic Partner (2024)
  • Take advantage of a year on placement and gain industry experience
  • Access specialist facilities equipped for games development
  • Work as a team to create a brand new game to showcase at our annual Games Expo

The Degree Show 2025: Made It

Our Degree Show offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the very best of emerging contemporary art and design practice from our final year students.


Games Expo 2024

Every year our third year students showcase their final year project at the Games Expo Show. Take a look at the video below to see last years showreel:


Learn in a City Rich with Game Development History

The city of Derby has a rich heritage of game development, stretching back to the 1980s. Its most famous asset is Lara Croft who became famous in the Tomb Raider series of games. These were made by Core Design, the building of which is around the corner from the University where we are teaching the Game Developers of tomorrow how to make games.


Specialist Facilities

This programme is part of the East Midlands Institute of Technology, for which the University of Derby is the lead institution. The Institute focuses on preparing the current and future generations of innovators to ensure they are skilled in digital, manufacturing and engineering subjects.


What You Will Study

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Optional Placement Year
  • Year 3

Core Modules

  • Introduction to 3D Modelling
  • Computer Games Modelling
  • Concept Development for Digital Application
  • Game Studies
  • Game Texture Development
  • Introduction to 3D Animation

How You Will Learn

You will study three modules per semester. Each will be delivered through a mixture of lectures, tutorials and practical sessions. In these sessions, you will learn to work with a range of hardware and software, including:


  • Autodesk Maya
  • Autodesk 3Ds Max
  • Substance
  • Houdini
  • ZBrush
  • Photoshop
  • Unreal Engine
  • Unity Engine
  • Steam
  • Marmoset Toolbag
  • Vicon Shogun

How You Will Be Assessed

Assessment is 100% coursework through a mixture of group and individual assignments. In the final year, 25% of your assessment will be for a personal project.


Who Will Teach You

  • Roisin Hunt, Programme Leader
  • Dr Patrick Merritt, Lecturer in Computer Games Programming, Augmented and Virtual Reality
  • Jon Pledger, Senior Lecturer
  • Dr Joshua Jackson, Lecturer in Computer Games Modelling and Animation

Careers

The computer games industry needs specialists with a powerful combination of skills so this degree makes you highly employable. In addition, you will discover that the skills you have developed can be transferred to a range of different industries such as film and visualisation.


Previous graduates have gone on to work for companies such as:


  • Epic Games
  • Bloc Digital
  • Jaguar Land Rover
  • Bulkhead Interactive
  • Sumo Digital
  • Ubisoft
  • Rockstar Games

Entry Requirements

  • UCAS points: 112
  • A Level: BBC
  • T Level: Merit
  • BTEC: DMM
  • GCSE: Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
  • Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6
  • English language requirements: IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

Fees and Funding

  • UK: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
  • International: £16,900 per year (2025/26)

Additional Costs and Optional Extras

  • Software: Z Brush and Adobe Creative Cloud via university labs. Maya, Substance Suite, Unreal Engine - available for free download at home
  • Study trips: previously EGX Birmingham £15, Harry Potter World £35
  • Industry speakers
  • Wacom PTH-651-ENES Intuos Pro Graphics Tablet - from £229.99 (This is the model recommended by the College - others are available)
  • Printer consumables - approx. £100 per annum
  • Recommended to purchase a portable hard drive - approx. £50 -£100
  • Personal computer with high end graphics card for game development outside of University - prices vary but on average £1500

How to Apply

  • UK students: apply through UCAS
  • International students: apply through our online application portal
  • Part-time students: apply directly to the University

Discover Uni

  • 73% say staff value students views and opinions about the course
  • 86% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well
  • 100% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course

Other Courses You Might Like

  • Computer Games Programming BSc (Hons)
  • Computer Games Modelling and Animation with Foundation Year BA (Hons)
  • Artificial Intelligence and Data Science BSc (Hons)

Program Outline


Degree Overview:

This program, Computer Games Modelling and Animation BA (Hons), is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the computer games industry. The program focuses on developing students' abilities in 3D modelling, animation, and game development, preparing them for a variety of roles within the industry.


Objectives:

The program aims to:

  • Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and techniques of 3D modelling and animation.
  • Develop students' proficiency in using industry-standard software and tools, including Maya, Unreal Engine, and ZBrush.
  • Foster students' creativity and problem-solving skills through practical projects and collaborative work.
  • Equip students with the technical and artistic skills required to create high-quality 3D assets for computer games.
  • Prepare students for successful careers in the computer games industry.

Outline:


Year 1:

  • Introduction to 3D Modelling: This module introduces students to the fundamentals of 3D modelling, covering various techniques and software used in the digital entertainment industry.

Year 2:

  • Modules continue to build upon the foundation established in Year 1, delving deeper into advanced techniques and industry practices.

Optional Placement Year:

  • Students have the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience through a year-long placement.

Year 3:

  • Modules focus on advanced game development, project management, and portfolio development.

Assessment:

  • Assessment is 100% coursework, with a mix of group and individual assignments.
  • In the final year, 25% of the assessment is dedicated to a personal project.

Teaching:

  • Modules are delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions.
  • Students have access to industry-standard software and hardware in specialist laboratories, including:
  • Computer Games Labs
  • XR Lab
  • CAVE Lab
  • Makerspace
  • Students benefit from personal academic tutoring, providing support and guidance throughout their studies.

Careers:

  • The program prepares students for a variety of roles in the computer games industry, including:
  • 3D Modeler
  • Animator
  • Game Artist
  • Level Designer
  • Technical Artist
  • Graduates have secured positions at companies such as:
  • Epic Games
  • Bloc Digital
  • Jaguar Land Rover
  • Bulkhead Interactive
  • Sumo Digital
  • Ubisoft
  • Rockstar Games

Other:

  • The program is highly regarded, ranking in the top 15 for satisfaction with teaching and top 20 for satisfaction with feedback in the Guardian University Guide 2024.
  • 100% of students agree that they have developed the skills and knowledge needed for their future careers, according to the National Student Survey 2023.
  • Students have the opportunity to participate in study trips, such as EGX Birmingham and Harry Potter World.
  • The program encourages students to develop their own game studios, as demonstrated by the success of four Computer Games students who launched their own business and released their first game, Cheftastic!
  • Buffet Blast.
  • The program emphasizes the importance of developing a strong portfolio, which is essential for securing employment in the computer games industry.
  • the objectives have been inferred based on the program's description and aims.

  • UK fee: £9,250 per year (2024/25)
  • International fee: £14,900 per year (2024/25)
SHOW MORE
About University
PhD
Masters
Bachelors
Diploma
Foundation
Courses

University of Derby Summary


Overview:

The University of Derby is a public university located in Derby, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and research degrees. The university is known for its commitment to teaching excellence and its focus on applied research.


Services Offered:

The University of Derby provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

    Academic Support:

    Student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and study skills workshops.

    Campus and Facilities:

    Modern facilities, including libraries, computer labs, and sports facilities.

    Fees and Finance:

    Information on tuition fees, scholarships, and financial aid options.

    International Students:

    Dedicated support for international students, including visa guidance and cultural integration programs.

    Employability:

    Career development services, including job search assistance, internship opportunities, and employer networking events.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

The University of Derby offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities, including:

    Accommodation:

    On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.

    Clubs and Societies:

    A wide variety of clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.

    Sport at Derby:

    Opportunities to participate in a range of sports, both competitive and recreational.

    Union of Students:

    A student-led organization that represents student interests and provides support services.

Key Reasons to Study There:

    Teaching Excellence:

    The university has been awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), recognizing its commitment to high-quality teaching and learning.

    Applied Research:

    The university is known for its applied research, which has a real-world impact on society and industry.

    Student Satisfaction:

    The university consistently ranks highly in student satisfaction surveys.

    Vibrant Campus Life:

    The university offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities.

    Strong Employability:

    The university has a strong track record of helping students find employment after graduation.

Academic Programs:

The University of Derby offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

    Undergraduate Programs:

    BA, BSc, FdA, FdSc degrees in various disciplines.

    Postgraduate Programs:

    MA, MSc, PhD degrees in various disciplines.

    Short Courses:

    A range of short courses for professional development and personal enrichment.

Other:

The university is committed to its civic mission and plays an active role in the local community. It has a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility.

    Campus and Facilities:

    While the context mentions facilities, it does not provide a detailed description.

    Fees and Finance:

    The context mentions fees and finance but does not provide specific details.

Total programs
629
Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:

  • UCAS points: 112-120
  • A Level: BBB-BBC
  • BTEC Level: Merit
  • GCSE: GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
  • Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6

Language Proficiency Requirements:

  • IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
Location
How can I help you today?