BA (Hons) Computer Games Art

FOUNDATION (YEAR 0) DESIGN & CREATIVE BUSINESS
This 30-week course is designed to equip you with the academic skills and subject knowledge needed to progress on to study at undergraduate level. You’ll develop a unique portfolio of work throughout the course, helping you to progress onto a degree in any creative subject.

Stage 1
The first stage covers the key areas related to your degree programme and will focus on either creative design or business. You’ll learn the theoretical knowledge and debates surrounding these disciplines and the historical and international contexts which underpin them. You will also begin to build the foundations for studying at degree level.

Stage 2
This stage builds on the key research, analytical and reflective skills built in Stage 1. You will also have the opportunity to explore specialist areas of study and focus on your chosen path within the creative arts or business.

Stage 3
You’ll undertake a self-directed, specialist project which will synthesise and conclude your newly learned knowledge. The Final Major Project consists of three units which include advanced language and study skills needed for progression onto an LCCA design or creative business undergraduate degree.

Year 1 (Level 4)
In your first year, you’ll build a foundation in visual storytelling, 3D modelling and the principles of creating game worlds. You’ll learn how to design immersive experiences, experiment with industry-standard tools and collaborate in a studio-style setting that mirrors professional practice.

Games Design Concepts and Visual Storytelling
In this module, you’ll explore the building blocks of game design, from rules and goals to pacing and player motivation. Using UEFN, you’ll design and test new game islands, while studying how visual storytelling shapes player emotions, engagement and community.

Games Studio Practice 1
Here, you’ll collaborate with Computer Games Design students to plan and prototype an original game. Through paper and digital prototyping, you’ll gain hands-on experience of teamwork and the early stages of professional game development.

Introduction to 3D Asset Creation for Games
You’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of 3D modelling for games using industry-standard software. You’ll develop skills in modelling, texturing, shading and basic rigging while learning workflows that prepare you for more advanced asset creation.

Lighting, Textures and Materials
In this module, you’ll explore how lighting, textures and materials shape the look and feel of game environments. You’ll study real-time and baked lighting, experiment with techniques like HDR and GI, and refine your texturing and UV mapping skills to create cohesive visual styles.

Year 2 (Level 5)
In your second year, you’ll expand your creative and technical skills in environment, character and asset design. You’ll refine your 2D and 3D practice, experiment with advanced tools and techniques, and continue working in multidisciplinary teams to take game projects from concept through to a refined stage of development.

Games Environments: 2D Art and 3D Modelling
In this module, you’ll explore how traditional art principles and 3D modelling combine to create immersive environments. You’ll develop 2D skills in shape, form, light, and composition, while learning to balance realism and stylised expression in 3D spaces.

Games Studio Practice 2
Here, you’ll again collaborate with Games Design students to design, prototype and test an original game. Through rapid and iterative prototyping, you’ll take a concept to a more advanced stage, gaining insight into how professional studios manage development cycles.

Vehicles and Weapons Modelling
You’ll learn advanced hard surface modelling techniques to create detailed vehicles and weapons. Working with tools such as Substance Painter, you’ll master subdivision, scripting and procedural modelling, while exploring optimisation and real-time rendering for professional-quality results.

Games Characters: 3D Modelling and Digital Sculpting
In this module, you’ll design and model 3D characters while exploring the cultural and psychological aspects of character creation. You’ll study anatomy, proportion and gesture, and consider how stereotypes and player psychology influence design decisions in the industry.

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6)
In your final year, you’ll bring together everything you’ve learned to produce professional-standard projects and build a portfolio that showcases your creative identity. You’ll refine your technical expertise, explore advanced areas such as creature design or organic environments, and graduate with the confidence to step into the games industry.

Games Studio Practice 3
Here, you’ll collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to design, develop and test a game during the production phase of the development cycle. You may create a new game or refine a previous project, focusing on technical prototyping and producing a vertical slice to demonstrate quality and features to potential stakeholders.

Final Year Project and Professional Portfolio Curation
Your final project will allow you to define and complete a major piece of work that reflects your academic and professional interests. Alongside this, you’ll curate a professional portfolio that highlights your strengths in games art and positions you for future opportunities.

Games Creatures Design and Modelling
In this module, you’ll design and model unique creatures that enhance storytelling and immersion in games. Starting with concept art and ideation, you’ll move into advanced 3D modelling and sculpting, mastering organic forms and intricate detailing to bring your creatures to life.

OR

Organic 3D Environments
Here, you’ll explore how to design natural landscapes and lifelike ecosystems for games. You’ll develop skills in terrain generation, texturing, foliage and tree creation, applying these techniques to build immersive environments that captivate players and enhance gameplay.

A degree in Computer Games Art equips you with the creative and technical skills to step into a variety of roles across the industry. With your portfolio and experience, you’ll be ready to explore positions such as:

Games Artist
Environment Artist
Character Artist
Hard Surface Modeller
Games UI Artist
Games Tester