Start date:September
Institutional code:O10
UCAS code:IW62
Duration:3 years
Course type:Full Time
Fees per year 2024/25 entry:£7,500 Full Time
Fees per year 2025/26 entry:£8,000 Full Time
Additional costs per year:May include equipment such as a computer, portable storage, drawing equipment (fine liners, marker pens, pencils etc.), sketchbooks and cost of colour and specialist printing. Non-residential trips and gallery visits may require travel costs and entrance fees.
Delivery Method:Face-to-face via Lectures, Seminars and Tutorials
BA (Hons) Games Art and Concept Design, validated by the University of Central Lancashire
Our BA (Hons) Games Art and Concept Design course offers you the chance to become proficient in both creative concept art and the final 3D models that go to make today’s exciting next generation CGI, video games and more. The course has a focus on games art, digital asset production and its associated disciplines.
You will gain valuable practical, theoretical and vocational experience in the application of digital art technologies toward a range of exciting and creative outcomes. With the support of staff that know the creative industries, you will develop a portfolio of work that demonstrates a range of technical and creative skills, using the latest industry standard software.
Modules are designed to deliver core skills such as drawing and modelling and you are encouraged to become more visually aware through the investigation and interpretation of the world around you. Further modules will introduce you to digital sculpting, digital painting, 3D modelling and vector graphics.
In the first year of the course you will be introduced to core disciplines through staff led projects, practical workshops, software tutorials, lectures and external study visits. Imaginative exploration forms the core of the first year, together with research, development and technical skills towards project specific outcomes. Studio modules combine theory, practical art production and professional development across all three years.
Year 1 content includes: 2D and 3D software skills, drawing and modelling, research and critical analysis, understanding the creative industries, concept creation and more.
In year two, you will explore the emergent nature of digital imaging and build upon the knowledge gained in year one. The modules in year two aim to find a balance between experimentation and professional working methods through staff led workshops and your own self-directed investigation and creative work. At this level, portfolio work is produced with professional rigor demonstrating your capabilities within the field of concept art and technical asset production.
Year 2 content includes: Additional 2D and 3D software skills, a range of concept art creation, incorporating traditional techniques and materials, awareness of current games industry practice and issues and more.
The final year of the course emphasises the rigour and quality required to develop a high level of focused and flexible thinking. This will involve the production of a coherent and comprehensive body of work, culminating in a final degree exhibition.
At honours level your project work will be self directed following tutor approval and will be devoted to a highly personalised methodology and production strategy. This will demonstrate your ability to analyse, evaluate and reflect on knowledge from your experience and scholarship.
Year 3 content includes: investigating the creative industries and pathways available, further refining and applying your creative and software skills, analysing the landscape and future of the games industry and your place in it, production of high quality, creative and challenging games art and concept designs.
The industrial practice elements of the course curriculum have been designed in consultation with our current industrial partners, including people from across the creative industry. Experienced specialists and practitioners provide guest lectures and workshops and, through our industry contacts, you may be placed within games companies or the wider digital creative industries. In addition, we offer all students work related study through industry led assignments.
The course prepares you to work within a wide range of areas and roles within creative industries. This is an ever evolving area to work within but may include: CGI/3D artist, texture artist, concept artist, environment modeller, animator, character artist, storyboard artist, 3D product visuals, architectural concepts and more.
Upon completion of this degree, students may choose to further their education and progress to a masters qualification, other additional training or an internship.
Teaching and assessment methods include: demos and practical workshops, lectures, seminars, group work, guided reading, tutorials, projects, work-related learning and independent study. Assessment will be continuous throughout the course and based upon a series of exciting and relevant creative projects.
In your final year a more independent ethos is fostered. You will be expected to plan your own learning with support from module tutors culminating in the completion of your honours project.
Games Art and Concept Design students can take full advantage of our Digital and Creative Studios. There you will have access to the latest software for the creation of the next generation of video games, 3D assets and concept art. You will use powerful computers equipped with digital painting, modelling and sculpting software, all located in a modern and vibrant creative environment.
96 UCAS points.
Entry onto the BA (Hons) Games Art and Concept Design course will be via a successful portfolio interview and relevant design qualifications; either a BTEC National Diploma, A Levels or an equivalent qualification in a relevant area.
Students are also accepted who have appropriate non-standard entry qualifications and/or relevant experience. Please contact the Admissions Tutor for more information.