BSc (Hons) Animation for Games

Overview

The BSc Animation for Games degree is designed to provide opportunities for students interested in gaining the knowledge and skills required for a career in the gaming industry. The course will equip students with a portfolio of work, either in a specialist discipline in preparation for a role in a team-based larger organisation, or as an independent freelancer with a wider and more generalised skill set.

Mode of Study:

• Full-time

Duration:

• 4 years

Start date:

• September

UCAS code:

• G444

Course details

During this course, students will gain an appreciation of the theory, development, and application of visual and audio assets related to animation for games. They will gain expertise in bringing narrative ideas to life through design of 2D and 3D assets, and through implementation of interactive elements within game engines and audio middleware.

How you’ll be taught

• The degree will comprise of taught on-campus lectures, practical sessions, and tutorials.

Assessments

• Assessments will vary from module to module, from practical coursework, project work, evaluations, and self-reflective reporting.

Facilities

• Edinburgh Napier has state of the art equipment in our specialist labs, including high-end PC’s and iMacs, capable of running appropriate game pre-production and production assets.

Popular modules

Year 1

• Experiencing the Digital City
• Being Digital
• Sonic Culture
• Programming for Interactive Media
• Digital Imaging
• Producing Digital

Year 2

• Practical Interaction Design
• Digital Video Development
• Visual Design for Digital Media
• Playful Interaction
• AI for Creative Industries
• 2D Animation

Year 3

• 3D Modelling
• Motion Graphics
• Interactive Audio
• User-Centred Research Methods
• 3D Animation
• Group Project

Year 4

• Honours Project
• Visual Effects Storytelling
• Professional Identity through Portfolio Development
• Scripting for Interactive Media

Entry requirements

Standard Entry Requirement:

• SQA Higher: BBBB to include one of: Design, Art & Design, Music, Music Technology, Photography, Media, or Graphic Communication.
• A Level: BCC to include one of: Art and Design, Fine Art, Music, Music Technology, or Performing Arts.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: H2, H2, H3, H3 to include one of the following subjects: Art or Music.
• BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3: Extended Dip: DMM in rel subject (Art and Design, Creative Digital Media Production, Music, Music Technology, or Performing Arts).
• BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3: Minimum grades DD in a related subject.
• BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3 plus A Level: Minimum grades DM plus A Level grade C.
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: Award of Diploma with 28 points overall with 6,5,4 in HL subjects to include one of the following subjects: Film, Music, Theatre, or Visual Arts.
• T Levels: T Level at Merit with additional A Level in: Design, Art & Design, Music, Photography, Media, Graphic Communication, Moving Image Arts grade B.

Advanced Entry

• Year 2: HNC - Pass with a B in the graded unit: Computer Arts and Design, Audio Visual Technologies, Art Design & Visual Communication, Computer Art and Design and Interactive Design, Digital Design and Web Development, Animation/ 3D Animation.
• Year 3: HND - Pass in a related subject: Computer Animation, 3D Modelling, Computer Games Development, Creative Animation, 3D Animation, Computer Arts or other related subject with grade B at SCQF Level 8 in the graded unit(s).

English language

• If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

Fees & funding

Tuition fees for 2024/25

• Scotland: £1,820
• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,250
• Overseas and EU: £19,340

Tuition fees for 2025/26

• Scotland: £1,820
• England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,535
• Overseas and EU: £20,310

Careers

What can you do with a BSc (Hons) Animation for Games degree?

This course will equip you for both specialist roles and provide you with a general skillset for more general independent work. Careers that you could pursue include:

• 3D Artist
• 2D/3D Animator
• Lighting Artist
• Texturing Artist
• Games Audio Programmer
• Games Designer
• Games Programmer
• Level Designer
• Freelancer

The course provides specialized skills in animation specifically tailored for the gaming industry. This can make graduates highly desirable to game development studios, which often seek individuals with expertise in creating animations for characters, environments, and special effects.

The gaming industry is booming, and there's a constant demand for skilled professionals who can contribute to game development. The course typically involves practical projects and assignments that allow students to build a strong portfolio of work. A robust portfolio showcasing animation skills is crucial for securing employment in the competitive gaming industry.

The gaming industry is not limited by geographical boundaries. Graduates of this course may find opportunities to work for game development studios around the world, providing an exciting chance to experience different cultures and environments. Also, while the focus is on animation for games, the skills learned in this course are transferable to other sectors such as film, television, advertising, and interactive media. This versatility can broaden career opportunities beyond just game development.

What does a Games Designer do?

As a Games Designer, you may find yourself brainstorming and generating ideas for new game concepts or features. This might involve sketching out game mechanics, creating story outlines, or developing character concepts. You will be also creating rough prototypes or mock-ups to test out gameplay ideas and mechanics. This could involve using game development tools, paper prototypes, or digital mock-ups to quickly iterate and refine game concept.

You might be also writing and updating design documents that outline the game's mechanics, rules, story, level designs, and other aspects of the game. These documents serve as a guide for the development team and help ensure that everyone is working towards the same vision.

Your role will also include collaborating with other members of the development team, including artists, programmers, writers, and producers. This might involve discussing ideas, giving feedback on prototypes, or coordinating tasks to ensure that the game is progressing smoothly.

Edinburgh Napier University

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Overview:

Edinburgh Napier University is a modern university located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is renowned for its student learning experience and its commitment to innovation and enterprise. The university boasts a diverse student body with over 20,000 students from over 140 countries.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Libraries and Heritage Collections:

Access to extensive library resources and heritage collections.

Accommodation:

On-campus accommodation options for students.

Student Life:

Opportunities for student engagement through clubs, societies, and events.

Funding:

Bursaries and scholarships to support students financially.

Career Services:

Guidance and support for career development and job searching.

International Student Support:

Dedicated services for international students.

Online Study:

Flexible learning options through online courses.

Short Courses:

Opportunities for professional development through short courses.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Edinburgh Napier University provides a vibrant and engaging campus experience. Students can participate in a variety of activities, including:

Clubs and Societies:

Joining clubs and societies related to their interests.

Events:

Attending university-organized events and social gatherings.

Sports:

Participating in sports teams and activities.

Student Union:

Engaging with the student union for representation and support.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High Rankings:

Consistently ranked among the top modern universities in Scotland and the UK.

Student Satisfaction:

High student satisfaction rates, reflecting a positive learning environment.

Research Power:

Strong research output and impact, contributing to knowledge advancement.

International Focus:

Diverse student body and global partnerships, fostering a multicultural environment.

Career-Focused Education:

Programs designed to equip students with the skills needed for successful careers.

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Academic Programs:

Edinburgh Napier University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Accounting and Finance

Acting

Biological Sciences

Building and Surveying

Business and Management

Computing

Criminology, Psychology, and Sociology

Design, Photography, and Advertising

Engineering

English, Creative Writing, and Publishing

Film, Journalism, and Media

Health and Social Care

Law

Marketing

Music

Nursing and Midwifery

Sport and Exercise Sciences

Teaching

Tourism, Hospitality, Festival, and Events Management