Games Art BA (Hons)

UCAS code I741

Duration

3 Years

4 Years

4 Years

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

With our Games Art degree, you will be able to get to grips with everything from environment and character creation to props, vehicle and weapon design.

If you want to create the amazing visual elements that are seen in games, our Games Art degree will provide you with the skills you need for a career as a 3D artist.

Throughout the course, you will study 3D modelling, digital sculpting, texturing, observational drawing and character design. You will also learn how to art direct your work as you apply the fundamentals of Art and Design theory to your coursework and skill development. Developing your own artistic workflow in the creation of your career portfolio is highly encouraged and supported during your study.

During your second and third years we provide you with the opportunity to choose from career specialisms within different pathways of study. This helps you to create a curated portfolio ready for the industry.

You can choose to specialise in the following pathways:

Character Art:

  • Specialise in creating fantastic game ready creatures and characters using ZBrush and Marvelous Designer.

Environment Art:

  • Specialise in world building and crafting detailed environments that immerse the player using the Autodesk creative suite, ZBrush, Substance, Houdini, Speed Tree and the Unreal Engine

 

If you want to create the amazing visual elements that are seen in games, our Games Art degree will provide you with the skills you need for a career as a 3D artist.

Throughout the course, you will study 3D modelling, digital sculpting, texturing, observational drawing and character design. You will also learn how to art direct your work as you apply the fundamentals of Art and Design theory to your coursework and skill development. Developing your own artistic workflow in the creation of your career portfolio is highly encouraged and supported during your study.

During your second and third years we provide you with the opportunity to choose from career specialisms within different pathways of study. This helps you to create a curated portfolio ready for the industry.

You can choose to specialise in the following pathways:

Character Art:

  • Specialise in creating fantastic game ready creatures and characters using ZBrush and Marvelous Designer.

Environment Art:

  • Specialise in world building and crafting detailed environments that immerse the player using the Autodesk creative suite, ZBrush, Substance, Houdini, Speed Tree and the Unreal Engine

 

If you want to create the amazing visual elements that are seen in games, our Games Art degree will provide you with the skills you need for a career as a 3D artist.

Throughout the course, you will study 3D modelling, digital sculpting, texturing, observational drawing and character design. You will also learn how to art direct your work as you apply the fundamentals of Art and Design theory to your coursework and skill development. Developing your own artistic workflow in the creation of your career portfolio is highly encouraged and supported during your study.

During your second and third years we provide you with the opportunity to choose from career specialisms within different pathways of study. This helps you to create a curated portfolio ready for the industry.

You can choose to specialise in the following pathways:

Character Art:

  • Specialise in creating fantastic game ready creatures and characters using ZBrush and Marvelous Designer.

Environment Art:

  • Specialise in world building and crafting detailed environments that immerse the player using the Autodesk creative suite, ZBrush, Substance, Houdini, Speed Tree and the Unreal Engine

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

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

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

Course content

During your first year you will learn the fundamentals of 3D modelling and texturing for use in a real-time games engine, Unreal Engine. You will learn art and design principles, art direction, visual art theories and will develop an understanding of shape, form, volume and anatomy through life drawing and fundamental studies. You will build up your core skills as an artist, whilst learning the technical aspects of creating and texturing 3D models for real-time video games.

In the second year you will develop an understanding of games production through being a games artist for a group game development project. You will also have the chance to tailor the course to your future career ambitions by selecting from a range of pathway modules and specialising in:

  • Character Art
  • Environment Art

In the final year of your degree, you will continue to progress your skillset and further develop your portfolio skills with our final pathway modules, games art project and advanced 3D modelling. We will guide you in developing specialist skills for your individual career path, which will be vital in securing your first job. You will also be a senior member of a collaborative games development team which will prepare you for working in the industry.

Academic year

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Typically the majority of modules are 20 academic credits with a smaller number of 40 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.

During your first year you will learn the fundamentals of 3D modelling and texturing for use in a real-time games engine, Unreal Engine. You will learn art and design principles, art direction, visual art theories and will develop an understanding of shape, form, volume and anatomy through life drawing and fundamental studies. You will build up your core skills as an artist, whilst learning the technical aspects of creating and texturing 3D models for real-time video games.

In the second year you will develop an understanding of games production through being a games artist for a group game development project. You will also have the chance to tailor the course to your future career ambitions by selecting from a range of pathway modules and specialising in:

  • Character Art
  • Environment Art

In the final year of your degree, you will continue to progress your skillset and further develop your portfolio skills with our final pathway modules, games art project and advanced 3D modelling. We will guide you in developing specialist skills for your individual career path, which will be vital in securing your first job. You will also be a senior member of a collaborative games development team which will prepare you for working in the industry.

Academic year

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Typically the majority of modules are 20 academic credits with a smaller number of 40 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.

During your first year you will learn the fundamentals of 3D modelling and texturing for use in a real-time games engine, Unreal Engine. You will learn art and design principles, art direction, visual art theories and will develop an understanding of shape, form, volume and anatomy through life drawing and fundamental studies. You will build up your core skills as an artist, whilst learning the technical aspects of creating and texturing 3D models for real-time video games.

In the second year you will develop an understanding of games production through being a games artist for a group game development project. You will also have the chance to tailor the course to your future career ambitions by selecting from a range of pathway modules and specialising in:

  • Character Art
  • Environment Art

In the final year of your degree, you will continue to progress your skillset and further develop your portfolio skills with our final pathway modules, games art project and advanced 3D modelling. We will guide you in developing specialist skills for your individual career path, which will be vital in securing your first job. You will also be a senior member of a collaborative games development team which will prepare you for working in the industry.

Academic year

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Typically the majority of modules are 20 academic credits with a smaller number of 40 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

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

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

Computing and Digital Technologies

Blog

Read the latest games design blog from Computing and Digital Technologies

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 where available.

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 where available.

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 where available.

Year 3 compulsory modules
Year 3 compulsory modules
Dta Industrial Placement 120 credits

Entry requirements

112-120 UCAS Tariff points

  • GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

All applicants are individually assessed via a portfolio review. Check out our top tips for what to include in your Games Art portfolio

  • Typical UCAS Offer: 48 points
  • A levels: A, DD, EEE
  • BTEC: PPP

All applicants are individually assessed via a portfolio review. Check out our top tips for what to include in your Games Art portfolio

112-120 UCAS Tariff points

  • GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

All applicants are individually assessed via a portfolio review. Check out our top tips for what to include in your Games Art portfolio.

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.

Facilities

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.

Games Labs

Our world-class games development studios are fully equipped with the latest industry-standard software and hardware to give you a professional design and programming experience.

Laser scanning

Our Smart Zone hosts a range of laser and structured light scanners. These enable students to create digital reconstructions of objects as small as a breadcrumb, to entire buildings.  Read more

Find out more about our Visualisation and Simulation studio

Careers

Our past graduates have achieved worldwide success, securing jobs in games studios around the globe. One graduate was Lead Character Artist at Naughty Dog, working on The Last of Us, before moving to Avalanche Studios in New York. We also have artists at Playground Games, Codemasters, Dovetail Games and Sumo Digital.

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

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.

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.

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 such as reading, note-taking and presentation skills
  • written English, including punctuation and grammatical accuracy
  • academic writing and how to reference
  • research skills
  • critical thinking and understanding arguments
  • revision, assessment and examination skills
  • time management

Additional support

Our Student Inclusion 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.

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.

Fees

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BA (Hons)-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,535 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BA (Hons)-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,535 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate £16,750 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BA (Hons)-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,535 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

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.

Our students

The lecturers are great – they always push you to do the best.

To anyone considering the Games Art course at Staffs I couldn’t recommend it more. The lecturers are great – they always push you to do the best and the subject matter is so interesting. If you want to be a character artist, there’s modules there. It goes beyond just the modules – there’s life drawing classes and there’s such a variety of different things you can be learning.

Ryan Jackson

BA (Hons) Games Art

If you aspire to work as a Games Artist, Staffordshire University is a great choice to help you achieve your goals.

Will Crighton

Games Art student

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus BA (Hons) Full-time 22 September 2025 Apply now

Rules and regulations

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

Students of University of Staffordshire 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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