If you want to create the amazing visual elements that are seen in games, our Games Art degree will provide you with the skills you need for a career as a 3D artist. This course follows our brand-new pathways structure, allowing you to specialise in a particular area of the field of games art, and covers everything from environment and character creation to props, vehicle and weaponry design.
Throughout the course, you’ll study 3D modelling, digital sculpting, texturing, observational drawing and character design. You’ll learn how to apply the fundamentals of art and design theory and contextual art studies to your practical art skill development. You will also be encouraged to develop your own artistic workflow. In the second year of study you can choose to specialise in one of the following areas of games art, gaining a more focused expertise and making yourself more employable in specific roles:
Character
Environment
The course is designed in collaboration with the games industry. We are members of TIGA, and industry sponsored state-of-the art games design studio. What’s more, games studios visit the University on a regular basis for industry talks and workshops, so you’ll have the opportunity to build contacts for your future career.
What you’ll do
During the foundation year you will be introduced to the language of art and design and how this relates to games art techniques. You will begin to learn specific visual arts skills as well as different mechanisms for creating digital art such as Photoshop and Adobe.
During your first year of the three year program, you’ll learn 3D modelling and texturing using a physically-based rendering (PBR) workflow for environment assets in the Unreal games engine. You’ll develop your understanding of art and design principles including: light, colour, shape, form, volume and anatomy through life drawing and fundamental art skills. You’ll cultivate your artistic eye to make use of light, colour and composition in games contemporary media.
In Year 2 you will have the option to choose a specialist pathway and focus your module choices around a particular area. Depending on your choices, you can learn digital sculpting techniques to create game characters using ZBrush, or create environments using a combination of ZBrush, 3DS Max, Photoshop and the Unreal engine. You’ll also develop an understanding of game production by being a games artist for a group games development project.
In the final year of your degree, you’ll continue to develop your portfolio with advanced 3D modelling. If you’re a character artist you’ll be able to specialise with creature sculpting. We will guide you in developing specialist skills for your individual career path, which will be vital in securing your first job. You will also be a senior member of a collaborative games development team which will prepare you for working in the industry.
Course features:
3D Modelling for Games
Environment Art Production
Character Art Production
Fundamental Art Skills for Games
Character Concept Design
Life Drawing
Art Direction for Games
3D Hard Surface Modelling
Materials and Texture Generation
Collaborative Game Development and Testing
Individual Games Technology Project
Games Art Portfolio Development
For an up-to-date module overview, please refer to the website. Graduate destinations Our past graduates have achieved worldwide success, securing jobs in games studios around the globe. One graduate was Lead Character Artist at Naughty Dog, working on The Last of Us, before moving to Avalanche Studios in New York. We also have artists at Playground Games, Codemasters, Dovetail Games and Sumo Digital.
Course Details - Modules
Modules are not listed for this Course.
Course Details – Assessment Method
Assessment Methods are not listed for this Course.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application Codes
Course code:
I742
Institution code:
S72
Campus Name:
Staffordshire University (Stoke Campus)
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Foundation
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 48 UCAS points
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Minimum Further Information are not listed for this Course.
English language requirements
Test
Grade
AdditionalDetails
English Language Entry Requirement Information are not listed for this Course.
Unistats information
Student satisfaction :
91%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs):
60%
Go onto work and study:
85%
Fees and funding
England
9250.0
Year 1
Northern Ireland
9250.0
Year 1
Scotland
9250.0
Year 1
Wales
9250.0
Year 1
Channel Islands
9250.0
Year 1
EU
14000.0
Year 1
International
14000.0
Year 1
Additional Fee Information
Additional Fee Information are not listed for this Course.
Provider information
College Road
Address2 are not listed for this Course.
Address3 are not listed for this Course.
Stoke on Trent
ST4 2DE
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