COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA (Hons) Games Art degree provides a comprehensive three-year journey through the creative and technical aspects of game art, beginning with foundational skills and advancing to industry-level specialisation. In the first year, students focus on essential art and development skills, gaining a broad overview of the game development lifecycle. They explore game studies, the cultural and political context of games, and begin working with key software and pipelines. Practical modules include environment building, understanding materials and shaders, and developing basic art techniques. Collaboration is a key element, with students working alongside peers from related courses such as Games Development, Games Programming, and Games Design on shared modules, fostering a multidisciplinary perspective early in their studies.In the second year, the focus shifts toward the creation of professional-quality game art assets. Students explore how research informs concept development and asset building, with attention given to AAA titles, independent games, and tabletop experiences. Technical skills are expanded through training in key art asset technologies, including character design, environment creation, and procedural art methods. Emphasis is placed on designing assets that convey mood and enhance player engagement. Students also gain insight into the various specialist roles available within the games art industry, helping them to define their career direction.In the final year, students consolidate and refine their technical and creative abilities. They dedicate time to producing a final major project that showcases their personal style, industry understanding, and practical skills. This work serves as a portfolio centrepiece, demonstrating readiness for professional employment. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to experiment, collaborate, and develop their artistic voice, ensuring they graduate not only with technical proficiency but also with a clear understanding of their place within the broader games industry.