Course details
UCAS Code
305D
Year of entry
2023, 2024
Duration
3 YRS (FT) 6 YRS (PT)
UCAS Tariff
80-112
Institution Code
G53
Location
Wrexham
Course Highlights
Award-winning
lecturers
Access
to industry-standard software and techniques
Strong links
with industry and professional bodies
Why choose? this course?
This skill-based degree is ideal for those wishing to pursue a career in the game art and associated design industries. The degree explores all key aspects of game art production processes using a variety of techniques from 2D concepts to 3D production on screen. This includes 3D modelling, sculpting, level design and mixed screen-based media.
You will:
- Have the opportunity to collaborate with game developers and enterprise students.
- Have access and utilise industry standard software and techniques, as well as working with Unreal Engine
- Be guided and supported by an award-winning team of lecturers on live projects
- Be given the chance to apply for funding, attend EGX trade fair, and enter competitions to showcase your portfolio.
- Gain experience in the design skills and techniques used to bring projects from concept to screen through digital painting, 3D modelling, 3D sculpting, 3D animation and game engine.
- Develop a mix of design and technical skills like environment/character design and creation, 3D modelling, texturing, level design, level creation, live briefs, and games production.
- Gain a sound knowledge of game and concept art, with an emphasis on innovation, design and creativity rather than the programming and technical aspects of the gaming industry.
- Use the latest industry-standard software.
- Have the opportunity to get hands-on work with industry professionals on real-world projects to help develop your skills and experience.
- *Study a course that is part of a subject area rated 3rd in the UK and 1st in Wales for satisfaction with teaching, and 2nd in the UK and 1st in Wales for satisfaction with the course in the Computer Science and Information Systems subject league tables, The Guardian University Guide 2022.
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Key course features
- Enjoy the benefits of close industry engagement with regular visits, notable guest speakers, presentations, discussion groups and social events.
- Gain valuable experience and insight into the game development process and the management of an independent game studio.
- Benefit from a personal mentor with games development experience to help develop your skills and knowledge.
- Have access to our in-house business incubation centre and the latest tools and technology in a specialist game development studio.
- Develop a professional game art portfolio and critical employability skills.
- Develop your professional, communication, and entrepreneurial skills so that you are well equipped to enter a diverse and rapidly changing industry.
- Strong links with industry and professional bodies such as Skillset, NAHEMI and various associations. Our Creative Futures modules play host to a large range of visiting guest speakers from the creative industries.
- There are industry-focused visits to gain first-hand insight into how creative media companies function and the variety of employment opportunities that are available in the development of your career aspirations. There are also other study trips to festivals and Video Game expos.
- Opportunities to enter competitions.
- Our purpose-built Centre for the Creative Industries features specialist facilities, such as our TV studio with green screening, and software such as Maya, Mudbox, Unreal Engine 4, Substance Painter/Designer and Creative Cloud for creating Game Art and playable levels.
- There is strong pastoral care within a friendly creative community with an emphasis on team building and collaborative work. Contact time with tutors is high with enthusiastic and supportive staff who are knowledgeable, research-active practitioners.
- *Study a course that is part of a subject area rated 3rd in the UK and 1st in Wales for satisfaction with teaching, and 2nd in the UK and 1st in Wales for satisfaction with the course in the Computer Science and Information Systems subject league tables, The Guardian University Guide 2022.
- *Study a course that is part of a CHA3 subject group ranked 2nd out of Welsh universities for the teaching on my course in the National Student Survey 2022.
- *Study a course that is part of a CHA3 subject group ranked 3rd out of Welsh universities for overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2022.
What you will study
This degree is primarily designed for those who want to pursue a career in the game art and associated design industries. It explores all key aspects of game art production processes, drawing upon your imagination and using a variety of techniques from 2D concepts to 3D production on screen, including 3D modelling, sculpting, level design and mixed screen-based media. Emphasis is placed on your personal and professional development, communication and entrepreneurial skills so that you are well equipped to enter a diverse and rapidly changing industry.
YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4)
MODULES
- History & Context (20 Credits)
- Game Design and Interaction (20 Credits)
- Game Asset Development (20 Credits)
- Game Industry & Agile Production Methodologies (20 Credits)
- Sketch to Sculpt (20 Credits)
- Game Environments & Narrative Design (20 Credits)
- Game Asset Production*
- Game Design & Interaction*
- Game Industry & Agile Production Methodologies*
- Character Design and Digital Sculpting*
- Game Design Workshop*
- Game Environments and Narrative Design*
YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)
MODULES
- Critical Thinking (20 Credits)
- Characters in Context (20 Credits)
- Environment Modelling (20 Credits)
- Creative Futures; Making a Living (20 credits)
- Virtual Reality: Level Design and Creation (20 Credits)
- VFX for Video Games (20 Credits)
- 3D Modelling & Animation for Game Engines*
- Real-time Environmental Art for Game Engines*
- Digital Sculpting for Game Engines*
- Group Project*
- Serious Games Technology*
- Indie Studio Management and Game Production*
YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6)
MODULES
- Dissertation (20 Credits)
- Creative Futures: Professional Practice (20 Credits)
- Negotiated Practice (40 Credits)
- Game Art Degree Project (40 Credits)
- Advanced 3D Modelling & Animation*
- Game Design, Marketing and Monetisation*
- AAA Asset Production*
- Future Technologies*
- Project*
*from September 2024
The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.
Entry requirements & applying
The academic requirements for the course are 80-112 UCAS tariff points at GCE A-level or equivalent. Appropriate AS-Level and Level 3 Key Skills qualifications will also be taken into account.
The programme welcomes applications from anyone who can demonstrate a commitment to the subject and the potential to complete their chosen programme successfully. This can be established by showing appropriate academic achievements or by demonstrating that they possess the knowledge and ability equivalent to the academic qualifications.
Candidates may be interviewed and asked to display a portfolio of their work. Experience may also be taken into consideration depending on the extent and depth of such subject knowledge. Students from overseas, or who are unable to attend an interview, are asked to send their portfolio of work digitally for consideration.
Teaching & Assessment
This course is portfolio focused and as such, there are no formal exams. Students will focus on developing technical and theoretical skills via practical assignments and research & development activities.
Assessment methods include the production of digital (and non-digital) games, writing technical and academic reports, compiling, and analysing production data, giving presentations, writing code, producing 3D models and audio files.
At higher levels of the course, students must also provide statistical evidence of work hours with supporting evidence as part of key assessment outcomes.
TEACHING AND LEARNING
On this course teaching and learning is designed to support students from a variety of backgrounds with diverse needs and to promote the supportive learning environment and pastoral care the School of Art and Design provides. Timetabling is developed to help learning, teaching and assessment methodologies and provide clear and effective feedback to students.
There is strong support for students with learning differences and who can also receive additional help from support assistants through Student Support Services.
The programme is structured to enable you to work in a multidisciplinary manner, to be flexible and enable you to develop individually. This is supported by a personal tutor/tutorials system that provides you with guidance throughout all aspects of the programme.
Wrexham University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.
We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.
In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.
Career prospects
Our Careers & Employability service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.
Emphasis is placed on your personal and professional development, communication, and entrepreneurial skills, so that you are well equipped to enter a diverse and rapidly changing industry.
Our graduates have gone on to work for companies like the BBC, Channel 4, S4C, and Disney, working on titles such as A Bug’s Life, The Corpse Bride, Frankenweenie and the Harry Potter series games.
Career opportunities exist in all areas of game art including:
- Concept artists
- Storyboard artists
- Freelance artists/animators
- Character designers
- Game artists
- Interactive developers
- Environment and background artists
- Freelance visualisers
- Model making
- Set design
- Digital media texture art
- Digital painting
- Compositing
- Lighting
- Rigging
- Visual effects
- Post-production
Our degree also allows you to gain a range of transferable skills that can lead to a variety of employment opportunities. Further study opportunities are also available at MDes / MA or PGCE level.
On completion of the BA (Hons) Game Designs, students have the opportunity to study our MA Game Art.
Fees & funding
You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.
Wrexham University’s tuition fees for 2023/24 for a full-time undergraduate degree course are £9000 per year.
The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the FAQs.
Programme specification
Accommodation
If you’re looking for a place to stay while you study then take a look at our accommodation pages to get more information on your options, including our on-campus halls of residence Wrexham Village.
International
If you are applying as an European / International Student, and live outside of the UK, you should make your application through our online application system, Centurus.
For information about the university’s entry requirements for EU/international students, please visit our international section.
