Concept Art for Games and Film

Study options

Award

BA (Hons)

Key facts

UCAS code:
I614
UCAS code:
I615
Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Study option:
Full-time
Study option:
Full-time, with a foundation year
Duration:
3 Years
Duration:
4 Years
Start date:
20 September 2021
School:
Digital, Technologies and Arts

Top 25 for Design and Crafts

Guardian League Tables 2021

Industry recognised

Accredited by TIGA, the video games industry body

Excellent facilities

Including HD TV and Green Screen Studios and post-production suites

Concept Art for Games and Film is ideal if you're interested in a career in game arts and concept creation, and have strong drawing and painting skills.

This degree is designed to prepare you for working within the thrilling and rapidly advancing entertainment industry. It’s perfect if you wish to mix the artistic, creative and technical skills required to be a 2D or concept artist in either the games or film industry.

Our academics are experts in painting, life drawing, digital sculpting, 3D modelling, animation, lighting and rendering, digital compositing, digital painting, games scripting, motion capture, cinematography and post-production.

As members of the games industry body TIGA, we provide access to some of the latest technology in game art development. You will use our purpose-built HD TV studio, green screen studios, post-production suites, state-of-the-art digital cinema cameras, HD cameras, motion capture studio, Unreal games engines, and Wacom graphic tablets.

This degree is designed to prepare you for working within the thrilling and rapidly advancing entertainment industry. It’s perfect if you wish to mix the artistic, creative and technical skills required to be a 2D or concept artist in either the games or film industry.

Our academics are experts in painting, life drawing, digital sculpting, 3D modelling, animation, lighting and rendering, digital compositing, digital painting, games scripting, motion capture, cinematography and post-production.

As members of the games industry body TIGA, we provide access to some of the latest technology in game art development. You will use our purpose-built HD TV studio, green screen studios, post-production suites, state-of-the-art digital cinema cameras, HD cameras, motion capture studio, Unreal games engines, and Wacom graphic tablets.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BA (Hons) Concept Art for Games and Film

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BA (Hons) Concept Art for Games and Film

Course content

Throughout the course you will develop the technical and creative skills necessary to become a film or games concept artist. You’ll learn how to combine traditional art techniques with digital painting, 3D modelling and digital sculpting. You’ll be able to choose from VFX options in games and film.

In your second and third years, you will work as a concept artist in a collaborative project with other games students to design and develop a full game. This is an amazing opportunity to experience what it is like working for a real game studio, whilst also receiving guidance and support. You’ll use industry standard software such as Photoshop, Maya and Zbrush.

During your final year, you’ll benefit from guest lectures from games industry professionals. These will provide inspiration for completing your research and portfolio projects. We discuss career development throughout the course to prepare you to work in the film and games sector.

Throughout the course you will develop the technical and creative skills necessary to become a film or games concept artist. You’ll learn how to combine traditional art techniques with digital painting, 3D modelling and digital sculpting. You’ll be able to choose from VFX options in games and film.

In your second and third years, you will work as a concept artist in a collaborative project with other games students to design and develop a full game. This is an amazing opportunity to experience what it is like working for a real game studio, whilst also receiving guidance and support. You’ll use industry standard software such as Photoshop, Maya and Zbrush.

During your final year, you’ll benefit from guest lectures from games industry professionals. These will provide inspiration for completing your research and portfolio projects. We discuss career development throughout the course to prepare you to work in the film and games sector.

Academic year

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Typically the majority of modules are 30 academic credits with a smaller number of 15 credit modules. Each credit taken equates to a total study time of around 10 hours. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity. Full-time students take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6. The full-time course has one start point in September.

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Typically the majority of modules are 30 academic credits with a smaller number of 15 credit modules. Each credit taken equates to a total study time of around 10 hours. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity. Full-time students take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6. The full-time course has one start point in September.

Professional body accreditation

Accredited by TIGA (The Independent Game Developers' Association) as delivering skills relevant to the games industry. TIGA accreditation is applicable to courses meeting any of a wide range of games industry needs, such as programming, art, design and entrepreneurship.

TIGA logo
Games and Visual Effects Showreel 2019

Games and Visual Effects Showreel 2019

Video

Student work from our Games Design, Games Art, Animation, Concept Art, Games Animation, Games Programming, CGI, & VFX courses.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Character Concept Design 1 30 credits
Environment Concept Design 1 30 credits
Life Drawing 30 credits
Show 2 optional modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Character Concept Design 2 30 credits
Environment Concept Design 2 30 credits
Life Drawing 2 30 credits
Show 3 optional modules

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Introduction To Visual Art Skills 30 credits
Photoshop For Games And Animation 30 credits
The Language Of Art And Design 30 credits
Show 2 optional modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Character Concept Design 1 30 credits
Environment Concept Design 1 30 credits
Life Drawing 30 credits
Show 2 optional modules
Year 3 compulsory modules
Character Concept Design 2 30 credits
Environment Concept Design 2 30 credits
Life Drawing 2 30 credits
Show 3 optional modules

Entry requirements

  • Typical UCAS offer: 112 points
  • A levels: BBC
  • BTEC: DMM
  • Typical UCAS Offer: 48 points
  • A levels: A, DD, EEE
  • BTEC: PPP

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

Staffs Uni wins ‘Best Educational Institution’ at TIGA Games Awards

News

Staffordshire University has been named ‘Best Educational Institution’ at the prestigious TIGA Games Awards 2020.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

GO

Facilities

Global Games Jam

We host the UK’s largest Global Games Jam site (Over 200 Jammers!) aimed at cultivating and fostering Innovation, Experimentation, Collaboration.

Our students and members of the general public take part in a three day event developing digital or analogue games in their own teams using our Cadman Studios where our Games and VFX courses are run.

It is a fantastic experience - the opportunity to meet new friends and make games based on a super-secret yearly theme from the Global Games Jam group!

Games and Concept Art Labs

Explore your artistic creativity on the latest games development software in our Games and Concept Art Labs. Our industry quality workstations come complete with Wacom Intuos Pro mediums or 13QHD Cintiq tablets.

Careers

Our graduates have secured employment in roles such as concept artist, illustrator and 2D/3D games artist, including character and environmental artist. Companies include Playground Games, Fireproof Studios, Jagex, Antimatter Games, Testology and Mirror Image Design. Other graduates are working as freelance concept artists within the games and film industries.

Ukie Student Games Conference 2019

Ukie Student Games Conference 2019

Video

The Ukie Student Games Conference included inspiring talks, CV workshops and an exclusive expo area for anyone interested in working in the games industry.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and laboratory practicals. Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 16-18 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and laboratory practicals. Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 16-18 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

Assessment

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills); written English (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy); academic writing (including how to reference); research skills; critical thinking and understanding arguments; and revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management).

Additional support

Our AccessAbility Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Feedback

Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Global Games Jam 2020

Global Games Jam 2020

Video

222 students. 48 hours. Discover what happened when we held the largest Global Games Jam in the UK.

Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and placements where appropriate. Your actual contact hours will depend on the subject area, on the option modules you select and professional body requirements. A typical composition of study time for this course is:

Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and placements where appropriate. Your actual contact hours will depend on the subject area, on the option modules you select and professional body requirements. A typical composition of study time for this course is:

Year 1

12% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
38% of time in independent study
0% of time in placements

Year 2

23% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
77% of time in independent study
0% of time in placements

Year 3

9% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
78% of time in independent study
0% of time in placements

Independent learning

When not attending lectures, seminars, laboratory or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and performance and studio spaces.

When not attending lectures, seminars, laboratory or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and performance and studio spaces.

Year 1

5% practical exams
95% coursework
0% written exams

Year 2

0% practical exams
100% coursework
0% written exams

Year 3

5% practical exams
95% coursework
0% written exams

Fees

For the course starting on 20 September 2021 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 per year of study £14,000 per year of study

For the course starting on 20 September 2021 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate £14,000 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate

UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.

International students: Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course, as long as you complete it in the normal time-frame (i.e. no repeat years or breaks in study).

Not included in the fees:
  • Art and craft materials for your course
  • Art and craft materials for your course
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

If you receive funding from Student Finance you may be eligible to apply for additional benefits. Details can be obtained by visiting: www.gov.uk

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Our students

The most useful facility for me was the industry standard software such as Photoshop, Maya, Zbrush and Unreal Engine. If I was not a student these pieces of software would either cost a lot more or not even be available for me to use, unless I paid some hefty license fees. The fact these programs were available at the uni classrooms and from my home computer, was extremely helpful as there was a lot of work I needed to do outside of lectures.

The staff here have been great - very supportive and helpful whenever you need them. Feedback was always constructive and in depth, I always knew how to change my work to improve it. Every member of staff I had the chance to meet were super friendly and approachable.

Sam Horsley

BA (Hons) Concept Art for Games and Film

I’ve always had a love for games and film and the processes behind them. I’ve also always loved art, so combining the two was ideal for me. I’ve loved character design from a young age and it was something that greatly appealed to me, as well as the opportunity to expand even further on my skills and learn more about the industry I love.

The staff have been wonderful - really understanding and supportive. They were always willing to listen and explain things, and would give wonderful advice that really helped me envision both my projects at university and what career goals I had for the future. I learned a lot of useful skills from my lecturers and feel as though my art has greatly improved with their help!

Molly Swift

Graduate, BA (Hons) Concept Art for Games and Film

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus BA (Hons) Full-time 20 September 2021 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at Staffordshire University, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of Staffordshire University enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

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