Program Overview

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Games Art with Foundation BA Honours

Overview

Our degree courses with Foundation year offer the opportunity to prepare you for advanced study before you progress onto a full honours degree at the University of Westminster. Whether you do not feel ready for degree-level study, don’t have the right qualifications, want to change your subject specialism or return to study after an absence from education, we aim to encourage a broad range of students to undertake our Foundation year in order to progress onto their full honours degree with us.

Course Summary

Our foundation year in Art and Design is designed to provide you with an introduction to our range of subject areas, and to prepare you for the discipline of your choice. It will give you the opportunity to explore new ideas, opening up new perspectives on the key debates within the field. It begins in the first semester with the development of fundamental Art and Design skills, as well as practical exploration across all of the disciplines in our Art and Design foundation programme. In the second semester, you are encouraged to specialise in your own discipline and are supported by our experienced staff team as you prepare your work for an end of Foundation year public exhibition. You will also benefit from workshops in our high-end facilities, and from working with leading academics who will encourage you to become a confident and creative thinker. Your practical development is accompanied by modules in both semesters on foundational academic skills – skills that will be essential as you progress to your chosen full degree.

On successful completion of the foundation year, you will be able to move on to study for the Games Art BA Honours degree for a further three years.

The Games Art BA will provide you with the creative and technical skills needed to make games come to life. You’ll be prepared to become a games artist who can concept and develop unique and engaging visual experiences, across a wide range of creative industries and emerging technologies.

Course Structure

The Games Art BA and Games Design BA begin with a shared first year, before branching into specialised pathways. These pathways, along with a variety of optional modules, provide you with the opportunity to customise your degree and expertise according to your interests and career objectives.

You’ll have the opportunity to learn from industry professionals throughout the course. You can also benefit from our industry links by opting to complete a work placement year or expand your educational experience by studying aboard between Years 2 and 3.

Subjects of Study

• Foundation
• Year 1
• Year 2
• Placement year
• Year 3

Core Modules

• Critical Thinking in a Changing World
• Explorations in Art and Design
• Extended Project in Art and Design
• Fundamentals of Art and Design
• Introduction to Academic Practice
• Themes in Art and Design

Optional Modules

• 2D Computer Animation
• Drawing Explorations
• Typographic Explorations
• Elective

Credit Level 4

• 2D Game Art & Design
• 3D Asset Creation
• Creative Industry Skills
• Environment Art and Design
• Game Engines and Mechanics

Optional Modules

• 2D Computer Animation
• Drawing Explorations
• Typographic Explorations
• Elective

Credit Level 5

• 3D World Creation
• Character Design and Development
• Concepting for Games
• Collaborative Game Development

Optional Modules

• Branding and Identity
• Extended Reality for Creatives
• Interactive Texts and Narratives
• Stop-Motion Animation
• UX/UI Design
• VFX for Film and Games
• Visual Storytelling
• Web Design
• Elective

Credit Level 6

• Games Portfolio
• Major Project (Games Art)
• Professional Practice

Optional Modules

• Critical Enquiry for Creatives
• Designing Narrative Experiences
• Digital Arts Experimentation
• Entrepreneurship for Creatives
• Elective

Programme Recognition

The course has membership of The Independent Game Developers Association Limited (“TIGA”) which gives students on this course the opportunity to enter relevant categories of the TIGA Games Industry Awards and TIGA UK Games Education Awards categories, as well as the opportunity to access membership only event(s).

Entry Requirements

UK

• A Levels – DD (48 UCAS Tariff points)
• T levels – 48 UCAS Tariff points
• International Baccalaureate – 48 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
• BTEC Extended Diploma – PPP
• BTEC Diploma – MP
• Access – 48 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course

In addition to one of the above, you should have:

• GCSE English Language grade 4/C - IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths Pass - IB Pass

If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.

International

• International Baccalaureate – 48 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
• We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
• We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.

English Language Requirements

• If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
• If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.

Portfolio Guidance

• Number of recommended portfolio pieces: 10 (minimum) to 15 (maximum) images of art, design or media work to reflect your course of interest.
• What to include in your portfolio submission:
  • We accept drawing and painting, graphic design and illustration, photography, printmaking and digital prints, sculpture and installations, moving image, 3D and product design.
  • Film, video and animation files should be uploaded on YouTube or similar website and links should be provided as part of your Portfolio.
  • If you include moving image, then there should be a maximum of 3 video files – and each file must be no longer than 3 minutes duration. Please ensure that all files are in common formats, e.g. PDF; Word, .DOCX, etc.
• How to structure your portfolio:
  • Please compile all items of your portfolio into a single file (preferably PDF), or you may wish to create a simple portfolio website, and send us the link. Some DOs and DON’Ts:
    • DO provide a single PDF file uploaded to our system. If your file is too large try reducing the file size or upload to Google Drive or DropBox and upload the link to your file instead.
    • DO make an online portfolio website on Wix, Blogger or similar with link uploaded to our system, if you prefer this format rather than an uploaded file.
    • DON’T upload your portfolio to our system as many separate files – this makes it difficult for us to view your work.
    • DON’T use any platform that requires log-in, password, or an account to view – for example Tumblr, Instagram.

Fees and Funding

UK

• UK tuition fee: £9,535
• Please note that if you defer your place, the first year’s tuition fees will be those of the academic year in which you enrol, which may be higher than the fee shown for this year.
• Fees are subject to UK Government Parliamentary procedure.
• Find out how we set our tuition fees.

International

• International tuition fee: £17,600
• When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase International tuition fees.
• Please note that if you defer your place, the first year’s tuition fees will be those of the academic year in which you enrol, which may be higher than the fee shown for this year.
• Find out how we set our tuition fees.

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application.
• Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
  • Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
  • Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
  • Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision

Supporting You

• Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
• Study support – workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
• Personal tutors – support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
• Student advice team – provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
• Extra-curricular activities – volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more

Course Location

• Harrow is our creative and cultural hub, home to most of our arts, media and digital courses. It houses state-of-the-art facilities for every discipline, including project and gallery spaces, film studios, creative labs, collaborative learning spaces, and the Westminster Enterprise Network.
• Harrow Campus is based in north-west London, just 20 minutes from the city centre by train.