BA (Hons)
Game Art
(with foundation year)

• Includes a foundation year to prepare you for further years of study.
• Strong links with industry and professional bodies such as Skillset, NAHEMI and various associations. Our Creative Futures student conference plays host to a large range of visiting guest speakers from the creative industries.
• There are Industry-focused visits to gain first hand insight into how creative media companies function and the variety of employment opportunities that are available in the development of your career aspirations. There are also other study trips to festivals and Video Game expos.
• Opportunities to enter competitions.
• Our purpose-built Centre for the Creative Industries features specialist facilities, such as our TV studio with green screening, and software such as software such as Maya, Mudbox, Unreal Engine 4, Substance Painter/Designer and Creative Cloud for creating Game Art and playable levels.
• There is strong pastoral care within a friendly creative community with an emphasis on team building and collaborative work. Contact hours with tutors is high with enthusiastic and supportive staff who are knowledgeable, research-active practitioners.

This degree is primarily designed for those who want to pursue a career in the game art and associated design industries.

It explores all key aspects of game art production processes, drawing upon your imagination and using a variety of techniques from 2D concepts to 3D production on screen, including 3D Modelling, sculpting, level design and mixed screen based media.

Emphasis is placed on your personal and professional development, communication and entrepreneurial skills so that you are well equipped to enter a diverse and rapidly changing industry.

Year 1 (Foundation Year)

The foundation year will introduce you to the key elements of art and design, including design practice, applied and fine art.  You will explore the creative thought process relating to various art and design disciplines, developing your ability to put ideas down on paper quickly.  There will be a range of practice assignments which will increase your recognition of strong ideas and original concepts.

Modules

• Introduction to Art and Design
• Introduction to Applied Art
• Introduction to Fine Art
• Creative Thinking

Year 2 (Level 4)

Modules

Introductory Subject Studies - Concept Art and 2D Sprites

This module forms an introduction to game art, Starting with concept art and leading on to 2D sprite sheets. Gaining skills in Adobe Photoshop and 2D platform game assets. The module also explores the language of drawing and design and the relationship between visual language, use of media and the communication and expression of ideas and information.

Principles and Processes - 3D Modelling

This module will introduce you to the key principles, design methodologies and practice relating to game art and ultimately 3D modelling. This module offers the opportunity to produce a body of work that can be used in following modules with the production of a ‘Modular Pack’. You will explore theoretical and practical design processes through research and problem solving with consideration to target audience.

Ideas and Concepts - 3D Sculpting

This module focuses on the vital skills of visual research, the methods and processes used in generating character concepts. This module will cover the character design process from sketch, to digital painting to 3D sculpt. Gaining skills in Adobe Photoshop and Autodesk Mudbox.

Media and Techniques - Level Design – Unreal Engine 4

This module is designed to encourage creative exploration and experimentation of a Game Engine (Unreal Engine 4).  You will use ideas and concepts and apply  technical skills and techniques, that explore the boundaries of what is current practice within game art and Level design.

Contextual Studies 1

This module introduces you to a range of core debates, discussions and practices underpinning the cultural and critical themes in contemporary art & design practice. Historical precedents and paradigms relating to subject specialisms are introduced within the wider context of art & design discourse.

The social and cultural role and impact of art & design is discussed in relation to the context of technological innovation and its interrelationship with studio practice. Emphasis is placed on the development of critical understanding and analysis. 

Creative Futures 1

This module provides an opportunity whereby relevant and appropriate transferable skills and graduate qualities can be developed, consolidated, recorded and assessed through the keeping of professional development files or personal online blogs. It will also introduce you to various areas of the art design and media industries and provide an understanding of career opportunities, the employment market and how you might function within it.

*Please note the below modules are for 2019 entry only

• History & Context: VFX*
• Creative Futures: Professional Studio Practice*
• Concept Art Fundamentals*
• Asset Modelling*
• Sketch to Sculpt*
• Gameplay Design*

Year 3 (Level 5)

Modules

Contextual Studies 2

This module will enable you to stimulate curiosity, integrate critical theory and apply research methodologies into your studio practice. This provides you with an opportunity to build on your ability to analyse your own work and that of others, and to contextualise your studio practice in relation to emerging themes in art & design.  It consolidates the ability to direct research, to engage in debate, and to articulate ideas through a variety of outcomes.  You are introduced to conceptual ideas and theories as a foundation for further enquiry at level 6. 

Creative Futures 2

This module extends your awareness and appreciation of professional practice, an understanding of the employment market and how you might function within it. You will also be encouraged to undertake professionally led briefs and enter competitions as part of this module and will be looking at career opportunities, entrepreneurship and how you can promote yourself.

3D Modelling

This module broadly introduces students to new and more challenging areas of practice that will encourage the utilisation of advancements in new technology in the outcome of their work. Ideas will be explored and developed creatively to produce designs that will demonstrate creative thinking as well as extending practice through using advanced software techniques in the production process.

3D Sculpting

This module introduces the utilisation of new and challenging areas of practice in 3D sculpting. Outcomes will be differentiated from assignments set within each students design results. Ideas will be explored and developed creatively to produce designs that will demonstrate creative thinking as well as extending practice through using advanced software techniques in the production process.

Specialist Study

This module enables you to consolidate your existing skills and develop work in your chosen design discipline. You will acquire new competences in design methodology and creative practice through specialist study. It aims to extend your theoretical knowledge and technical experience in areas that can facilitate and enrich your design direction. It also aims to extend and complement other theoretical and practical work at this level and enables you to produce sustained pieces of work in preparation for your negotiated studies at level 6. You will have greater responsibility for the direction of your work and the opportunity to develop your choice of media in the interpretation of finished work.

• Critical Thinking
• Creative Futures: Business Fundamentals*
• Character Design*
• Environment Modelling*
• Virtual Reality: Level Design and Creation*
• VFX for Video Games*

*Please note the below modules are for 2019 entry only

Year 4 (Level 6)

Modules

Contextual Studies 3

This module provides the opportunity for you to benefit from an extended period of independent research and critical study identified and agreed upon at the end of level 5.  The content of this offers the opportunities to support and inform studio practice set against the wider context of art and design practice. You will be expected to show an understanding and awareness of the subject, identify, discuss and analyse appropriate materials relevant to the subject of study.  You will need to be able to demonstrate the capacity to sustain a range of intellectual and practical skills commensurate with expectations for this level of study.

Creative Futures 3

This module is designed to enable you to liaise with professional bodies within specialised areas of the art design and media industries and where appropriate, work to professional standards on realistic briefs. It provides a framework for extending professional practice and can also include industrial experience in a relevant area relating to your choice of programme.

Negotiated Study 1

You will in negotiation, plan, implement and bring to a conclusion, a body of work. You will set your own aims and objectives and will prioritise your learning development according to your own aspirations. A clear and logical progression will be required throughout the negotiated study period. The quintessential theme to be communicated by the responsible tutors is that a negotiated study module celebrates the learner’s achievements and learning during undergraduate study. Where it is relevant desirable and appropriate, you will be encouraged to undertake work experience, commissions or other external activities compatible with your established working process within the module structure. 

Negotiated Study 2

The ability to synthesise the various elements which make up the ‘design process’ and to respond appropriately and creatively is essential in preparing for life as a professional designer / creative practitioner outside the support of education. You will in negotiation, plan, implement and bring to a conclusion, a body of work in your specialist area of game art. You will set your own aims and objectives and will prioritise your learning development according to your own aspirations. Where it is relevant desirable and appropriate, you will be encouraged to undertake work experience, commissions or other external activities compatible with your established working process within the module structure.

*Please note the below modules are for 2019 entry only.

• Research & Application*
• Creative Futures: Entrepreneurial Practice*
• Negotiated Practice*
• Game Art Degree Project*

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

BA (Hons) Game Art (four years including foundation year)

UCAS code: 305G

Our general entry requirement for the foundation year is 48 UCAS tariff points but all applications are considered individually and we consider work experience, vocational training/qualifications as well as motivation and potential to succeed.

The programme welcomes applications from anyone who can demonstrate a commitment to the subject and the potential to complete their chosen programme successfully. This can be established by showing appropriate academic achievements or by demonstrating that they possess the knowledge and ability equivalent to the academic qualifications.

All candidates will either be invited to the university for an informal conversation, or where this is not practical, via a portfolio of recent work in hard copy or by digital representation.

In addition to the academic entry requirements, all applicants whose first language is not English or Welsh must demonstrate English language proficiency.

If you have studied in another European country, please check the Entry Requirements for your qualification.

International Students - BA (Hons) Game Art (four years including foundation year)

If you are an international student please visit the countries page and select your country to see the relevant academic and English language entry requirements.

There are no set exams. Assessment is continuous and relates to all aspects of the programme, providing more carefully defined emphasis on formative assessment and feedback on your coursework throughout the academic year. We will advise you on your level of attainment and direct you towards a strategy for further progression as you complete assignments and modules.

There are varied formats of assessment to encourage your learning through group seminars, critiques and tutorials. This can be through group interaction with critical analysis where you will submit a range of work including design sheets, finished artwork, 3D work, screen based work, technical/ production files, journals, essays and audio-visual presentations. There are reviews of work at key points before Christmas and before Easter and this provides time for you to reflect on your progress prior to a final or summative year end assessment.

Teaching and learning

Wrexham Glyndŵr University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

On this course teaching and learning is designed to support students from a variety of backgrounds with diverse needs and to promote the supportive learning environment and pastoral care the School of Art and Design provides. Timetabling is developed to help learning teaching and assessment methodologies and provide clear and effective feedback to students. Contact hours are 16 per week in year 1, 14 per week in year 2 and 12 per week in year 3.

There is strong support for students with learning differences and who can also receive additional help from support assistants through Student Support Services.

The programme is structured to enable you to work in a multidisciplinary manner, to be flexible and enable you to develop individually.  This is supported by a personal tutor / tutorials system that provides you with guidance throughout all aspects of the programme

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work.

 Our student support section has more information on the help available.

The Careers & Zone at Wrexham Glyndŵr University is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

Emphasis is placed on your personal and professional development, communication and entrepreneurial skills, so that you are well equipped to enter a diverse and rapidly changing industry. Our graduates have gone on to work for companies like the BBC, Channel 4, S4C, Disney, Molinare, McKinnon & Saunders, Passion Pictures, Asylum Models and Effects, EA Games and Traveller’s Tales, Splash Damage, taking leading roles such as senior designers, working on titles such as A Bug’s Life, The Corpse Bride, Frankenweenie and the Harry Potter series games.

Career opportunities exist in all areas of Game Art including: concept artists, storyboard artists, freelance artists / animators, character designers, game artists, interactive developers, environment and background artists, freelance visualisers, model making, set design, digital media texture art, digital painting, compositing, lighting, rigging, visual effects and post-production.

Our degree also allows you to gain a range of transferable skills that can lead to a variety of employment opportunities. Further study opportunities are also available at MDes / MA or PGCE level.

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

For 2018/19, Wrexham Glyndŵr University’s tuition fees will be £9,000 per year for a full time undergraduate degree course.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the FAQs section of those pages. 

You can see the full programme specification here.