Game Art Design BA (Hons)

About the course

A unique opportunity to experience first-hand what it takes to design successful game art content. The course is a distinctive mix of creativity, talent, and the very latest technology and our students produce work to the highest possible standard.

Reasons to study the Game Art Design degree course at DMU

  • The first industry accredited game art design course in England

  • Our graduates make the games you play (Aliens vs Predator, Assassin’s Creed 2, Colin McRae Dirt, Dead Rising 2, Guitar Hero, Infamous, Killzone 3, Lost Planet 2, Operation Flashpoint 2, Rogue Warrior, Uncharted 2, Warhawk)

  • Leads to successful careers in games, creative visualisation and CGI, including 3D modeller and texture artist, technical artist, visual effects artist, concept artist and GUI artist

  • Two-thirds of our graduates last year got jobs in the games industry within three months of graduating

  • Graduates from accredited courses three times more likely to get a job1

There are three distinct themes fully integrated across three years of study:

Game Production covers the practical development of in-game content by exploring character, environment and vehicle design, including industry standard 3D modelling, mapping, materials, rigging and dynamic effects.

Visual Design develops fundamental industry skills such as good drawing and painting, an understanding of anatomy, an appreciation of form, composition and colour theory, using a range of traditional and digital tools and techniques.

Critical Game Studies explores games, popular culture, film, art, technology and the games industry with a unique blend of guest lectures, seminars and social networking. There are regular guest lectures from professionals including artists, producers, art directors, studio heads and others. Our students are regularly head-hunted by our guests, with internships providing you with a head-start in your career. You’ll graduate with a portfolio demonstrating your capabilities and talents.

1. ‘Graduates from accredited courses three times more likely to get a job’, Game Development|


Key facts

UCAS course code:  W291

Duration:  Three years full-time, six years part-time

Institution code: D26

Entry and admission criteria

2013

A good portfolio and normally:

  • Art and Design Foundation or
  • 260 points with a minimum of 160 points from 2 full A levels and including grade C in Art and Design (AS/A level) or
  • National Diploma MMM or
  • International Baccalaureate: 28+ Points

Five GCSEs grades A* - C including English Language or  Literature at grade C or above. 

We also accept the BTEC  First Diploma plus two GCSEs  including English at grade C or above


Interview and Portfolio

UK applicants with relevant qualifications will be invited to bring their portfolio of work to an open day and interview.

Overseas applicants will be invited to send samples of their work. For further details check our international students portfolio page|.

International Students

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent when you start the course is essential. English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Teaching and assessment

The course has a vibrant studio culture that encourages individuals to achieve their full potential. Teaching is delivered primarily through practical workshops, seminars and lectures. Extensive use is made of web-based tools – including Facebook – to support an enthusiastic course community.

Assessments include regular presentations of artwork and practical projects for peer, tutor and industry critique. You will produce your own portfolio of professional standard work, guided by artists from the game industry and the teaching team. We also have an exchange programme with the University of Advancing Technology in Phoenix, Arizona.

Course modules

Year one

  • Critical Studies
  • Visual Design
  • Game Production

Year two

  • Critical Studies
  • Visual Design
  • Game Production

Year three

  • Game Production, Professional Briefs
  • Game Production, Personal Project

 

Industry links and professional accreditation

The first industry accredited game art design course in England

Graduate careers

Our graduates work for companies such as the BBC, Blitz Games, BMW, Capcom, Codemasters, Code Monkeys, Eurocom, Konami, Razorworks, Rebellion Studios, Rock Star, SEGA, Sony and other games and animation companies. They have worked on games such as Aliens vs Predator, Assassins Creed 2, Colin McRae Dirt, Dead Rising 2, Ford Off-Road, Guitar Hero, Hello Kitty: Big City Dreams, Infamous, Killzone 3, Lost Planet 2, Neverdead, Operation Flashpoint 2, Rogue Warrior, SEGA Rally, Uncharted 2, Warhawk and even their own original IP, including Sodium published by Sony.

Fees and funding

2013 entry

UK/EU Fees: £9000
International Fees: TBC

Learn more about fees and funding information 2013|

Scholarships

Learn more about our Undergraduate scholarships and awards| information.

Facilities

Excellent facilities include a brand new games studio with a range of software and hardware for producing PC game content, and for studying games on PC, PS3, Xbox and next generation hardware as it becomes available. Benefit from a dedicated drawing studio and well-equipped lecture/seminar rooms.

How to apply

Apply through UCAS at www.ucas.com| 

Contact details

For more information please contact:

T: +44 (0) 116 257 7555
E: adh@dmu.ac.uk|

Awards and competitions

Our students have had great success in a variety of competitions, such as Dominance War, Game Artisans Mini-comps, Comicon, 3DTotal and Photoreal challenges. Students have also won places on Blitz Games studio tours, and internships at BMW and the BBC.

Testimonials

“We receive lectures from some of the top games studios in the UK, as well as portfolio advice in helping us get jobs after we graduate”.

Thomas Wicks, BA (Hons) Game Art Design, undertook a one year internship in the BMW Visualisation for Design Department, Munich and is now working for Rock Star North|.


 
Events target area image
Events

At DMU there is always something to do or see, check out our events for yourself.

News target area image
News

DMU is a dynamic university, read about what we have been up to in our latest news section.

Mission and vision target area image
Mission and vision

Read about our mission and vision and how these create a supportive and exciting learning environment.