Matthew Syrett

Course Leader/Senior Games Art Lecturer

Digital, Tech, Innovation & Business

I have developed an extensive background in 3D art, specialising in environment and prop modelling for games and interactive media. My professional journey has involved leading and collaborating on a diverse range of projects, including developing VR training applications, working in virtual production, and building detailed 3D football stadiums for mobile. I also have experience running my own indie studio where we released a game for Xbox and PC. I have also delivered live experiences for clients in the metaverse, showcasing the technical and artistic possibilities of 3D design, from concept development to final asset creation.

In addition to my industry experience, I have spent 10+ years teaching at the university level, including significant experience as a course leader for postgraduate programs. In this role, I have overseen curriculum development, supported faculty, and guided student cohorts through advanced studies. My teaching practice combines hands-on technical instruction with critical exploration of digital art, preparing students to excel in both academic and professional settings.

View portfolio.

Professional memberships and activities

  • Teaching Fellow FHEA
  • Unreal Engine Certified Instructor
  • BAFTA Games Member

Academic qualifications

  • PGCERT Higher Education Teaching, Anglia Ruskin University
  • MA Animation and Special Effects Sheffield Hallam University
  • BA Computer Games Modelling and Animation, University of Derby

Expertise

  • Specialist in Materials and Surfacing, Lighting, Props and Environment Art
  • Integration of art assets into game engines.
  • Industry engagement and networking
  • Course design for undergrad and postgrad

Research interests

  • PCG for Game Art
  • Game Art education
  • College outreach and Industry partnerships in Game Development

Teaching

Undergraduate

  • 3D Asset Development
  • Level Art And Visual Storytelling
  • Principles Of Textures And Materials
  • Modular 3D Game Environments
  • Organic 3D Game Environments
  • Junior Collaborative Games Development
  • Advanced Environment Art
  • Games, Art, and Concepts Live Brief And Employability
  • Games Development Project
  • Senior Collaborative Games Development

Masters

  • Game Development Practice
  • Games Research Methods
  • Professional Careers in Games Development
  • Games Development Industry Project
  • Industry Trends And Innovations

Publications

Thompson, Tommy & Syrett, Matthew. (2018). 'Play your own way': adapting a procedural framework for accessibility. FDG '18: Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on the Foundations of Digital Games. 1-7. 10.1145/3235765.3235818.

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025

TIGA Best Games Institution 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021