COURSE CURRICULUM

This computer games art course provides students with the artistic, technical and professional skills required to create high-quality visual content for the games industry. In the first year, students develop a strong foundation in 3D modelling, texturing, lighting and rendering through the 3D Essentials module, while Creative Concept Development focuses on visual communication, drawing skills, idea generation, design concepts and storyboarding. Motion Principles introduces animation fundamentals and the laws of physics required to create realistic movement using industry-standard software, while Technical Art develops expertise in game engines, asset integration, visual effects, shaders, lighting, particle systems and visual scripting for immersive game environments. During the second year, students advance their skills through Digital Sculpting for Games, creating anatomically accurate characters and creatures for applications ranging from visual effects to AAA games. The Enterprise Challenge module provides experience working with real clients, allowing students to develop products or services while managing project objectives, schedules and presentations. Games Art Pipeline explores professional workflows for researching, designing and creating real-time game assets, while Procedural Content Creation introduces automated tools and techniques that improve productivity and efficiency within game development pipelines. Students may also undertake an optional work placement year to gain valuable industry experience, strengthen technical and transferable skills and improve graduate employment prospects. In the final year, the Beta Release module places students in a simulated professional development team to create a polished game prototype suitable for publication. Emerging Issues examines new technologies and techniques that improve realism and graphical quality while encouraging consideration of ethical, social and global factors affecting the industry. The Final Project enables students to undertake independent research and creative development, producing innovative solutions for clients or personal projects while building a professional portfolio for careers in games art and digital media.