Games Animation, Modelling and Effects - BSc (Hons)

The Games Animation, Modelling and Effects (GAME) BSc course is an innovative undergraduate degree that will provide you with the creative skills needed by the games industry. As an artist you will develop your computer graphics skills, both artistically and technically. You'll learn about subjects including modelling, rigging, animation, texturing, lights/cameras, visual effects (VFX) and rendering.

A number of core modules are provided as part of the degree, to enable game artists and game programmers to work together so they can achieve common goals: such an approach is fundamental to the workflow within the games industry. In addition, both groups will also work with each other using their specialist art/programming skills to design and produce joint collaborative games. Successful completion of the course will prepare artists for a range of positions from concept, technical, texture and VFX artist to character/model builder, animator and graphic designer.

Designed with computer games professionals, as well as games industry body TIGA - this innovative degree will enable artists to develop their computer graphics skills, both artistically and technically - including modelling, rigging, animation, rendering, texturing, lights/cameras and visual effects (VFX).

With this undergraduate degre, you'll gain an excellent education in the area of games design and development. Each module has been designed with your computer games career in mind. As well as exploring specialist artistic skills (concept artwork, 2D/3D assets, character models, animation, textures, VFX and rendering) you'll also develop problem solving, communication skills, and an awareness of the ethical responsibilities that a technical artist must consider.

There will also be opportunities for artists to collaborate with programmers on joint projects, as well as internships with external clients, giving you the chance to build up your portfolio and gain hands-on experience. Guest lecturers will be available to supplement course delivery by providing specialists knowledge and expertise. There are also many placement opportunities and we have a strong list of professionals from games companies who visit us to share their tips, techniques and knowledge. This undergraduate degree:

• Is relevant to the needs of the computer games industry, with the focus on exposing you to the latest developments in creative technologies for computer games (animation, modelling, graphic design, and effects)
• Develops your analytical and practical skills, associated with the design and implementation of graphics for computer games from an artistic perspective
• Enhances your creative and technical skills, to fully prepare you for design/creative careers within the computer games industry.

Assessment

You will be assessed primarily by coursework assignments, with on-going formative assessments during class. Formative assessments will be a regular feature of the semester, encompassing peer review, with opportunities for QA (Quality Assurance), detailed feedback and guidance from tutors.Coursework, presentations and group work will require students to:

• Model and provide optimal solutions for a given scenario
• Demonstrate an understanding of application work flow
• Present verbal and written reports on development and application-based approaches to problem solutions.

Assessments such as unseen examinations generally won't be used in the course (with the exception of a small component in one of the Level 4 modules - 3D Modelling).

Entry requirements

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, students should have:

• A minimum of grades CCD in three A levels, one of which must be from a relevant subject (or a minimum of 88 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, e.g. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/Diploma; or Advanced Diploma; or Progression Diploma; or Access to HE Diploma of 60 credits)
• GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C/grade 4 or above (or equivalent)

If you do not have traditional qualifications or cannot meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing the Media and Communications Extended Degree. Applicants with relevant professional qualifications or extensive professional experience will also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

After the course

This degree programme prepares you for a range of job roles, including concept artist, technical artist, graphics designer to technical asset artist, character/model builder, texture artist, character animator, environment artist, VFX artist etc. Examples of what former students have gone on to do in game design, art, animation and testing industries can be seen on our blog.