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Games Development (Art) BA(Hons)

2024-25 (also available for 2025-26)

It’s not too late to apply for September.
It’s not too late to apply for September.

Start date

16 September 2024

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years inc. placement year

Entry requirements

A Level - BBB

BTEC - DDM

See full entry requirements

Places available (subject to change)

40

About the course

Reasons to study

  1. Shape your future - we encourage you to hone your skills by getting involved in external competitions, we’ve seen students win awards across a variety of categories, which is great for the CV helping you to stand out in the job market.
  2. Get involved - you’ll have chance to take part in lots of internal Game Jams working with different teams to produce a game within a week.
  3. Enhance your employability - you’ll gain the skills of the entire game production cycle using prototypes, concept and artwork, scripting, and playtesting.

From characters to environments, props to vehicles, in both 2D and 3D, good computer game artists create intricate pieces of art through visual storytelling and cohesive design, engaging and immersing players in another world.

If you see yourself as an artist or love the idea of creating the visual elements of a game – also known as game art – this degree is for you. During your studies, you’ll explore what is possible with games art and development, and creative production. You’ll also learn more about conceptualisation, character and environment art, level design and prototyping with game engines.

Our three Games Development courses share a common first year, so you’ll gain a thorough understanding in the basics of the game development process. As the course progresses, you’ll develop a broader appreciation for all art disciplines and, as your understanding evolves, you’ll become more specialised in your chosen area. Producing art and design prototypes, you’ll work both on your own but also in a group setting.

Why study Games Development (Art) BA(Hons) at Huddersfield?

Encouraging you to get creative and ambitious with your designs and develop visionary artwork, our tutors cover environmental design, digital sculpting, and 2D asset creation.

We also aim to introduce new technologies and developments within the games industry, as well as exploring the subject in context, exploring current research, issues, and ideas. Modules include 3D Games Asset Development, Visual Studies (for Video Games), and Games Prototyping 1.

You’ll have the chance to take part in lots of internal Game Jams, and we encourage you to hone your skills by getting involved in external events from the Global Game Jam, Grads in Games and Game Republic, in which previous students have performed highly at. We know the reason you want to study games development is because you want a job in the games industry, we maintain active links with business and industry figures ensuring our course can provide you with the skills to open doors to careers with substantial earning potential, enabling you to shape the life you want in the future.

Game art courses like this one are designed for the real-world; with this one carrying the ‘ScreenSkills Tick’, which identifies courses best suited to prepare you for a Creative Industries career.

As a graduate, you may consider employment in a wide range of sectors, including games design, games visualisation and narrative design. You may also choose to progress your studies further or game art design, exploring advanced courses in game art.

Course detail

Core modules:

Concept Development 1

The module explores methods and practices around concept development and generating ideas for games. We aim to develop your understanding of game concepts, rules and mechanics through evaluation and critique of traditional and computer games, as well as gaining practical skills in the development and refinement or original concepts including formal iterative design methods, design documentation and visual and verbal presentation skills.

Games Team Project 1

The Games industry relies on professionals who work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams. This module gives you an early experience of both developing game assets and working as part of a team in which such artefacts are planned, designed, implemented and evaluated. The module aims to provide you with an understanding of industry best practices within the games industry. This includes reflective and peer assessment of contribution to the team effort. You will gain introductory experience of a product development cycle, technology limitations, and possible future developments relevant to the course.

3D Games Asset Development

The module has been designed to introduce you to the principles of 3D asset creation for current generation video games and integration into games engines. During the module you will examine workflows for specific platforms and technologies, while developing an understanding of the requirements of developing assets to specific design briefs and styles.

Visual Studies (for Video Games)

This is a broad introductory module covering the key theoretical principles of visual design for computer games. Using a broad range of traditional and digital tools you will develop core practical and software skills in design, development and asset production processes.

Games Prototyping 1

The module aims to develop your technical skills and knowledge in game engine prototyping, using a state-of-the-art game engine, to design and develop a game prototype. Practical studio themes will be developed by tutors which are aimed at helping you to gain an understanding of how the theory fits in with computer games design. You will be introduced to the concepts and principles that underpin the creation of game prototypes and will use a visual scripting language to control actions, interactions and animations.

Introduction to 3D and Animation

The module will introduce you to the practical principles and theoretical knowledge of creating digital 3D characters. Examining a broad range of applications for 3D production and optimisation for games development you will create your own characters, from introductory models to complete character production pipeline.

Entry requirements

BBBat A Level (General Studies is not accepted).

120 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications (General Studies is not accepted).

Merit at T Level.

DDM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.

  • Access to Higher Education Diploma in a subject that is relevant to the course with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.
  • 120 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.
  • A Foundation course in Art and Design: Distinction.

In addition, GCSE English Language or Literature and Maths at grade 4 or above, or grade C or above if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our Where are you from information pages.

For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

Games Development


Undergraduate Games Development Video

Our Games Development courses share a common first year, so you will gain a thorough understanding in the basics of the game development process, including how to plan, design and create game ideas and concepts. Learning to produce design prototypes, concept and artwork, scripting and playtesting all to learn the skills of the entire game production cycle.

Placements


This course offers you the chance to undertake an optional placement in Year 3. This opportunity helps you to build on the knowledge and skills developed on the course. You will be employed by the company for 12 months, but the actual number of weeks worked will be dependent on the annual leave entitlement you are given in line with the placement company’s policy.

The placement year is a valuable tool that can enhance your employability and help you to develop as an individual. It is acknowledged that graduates with industry experience are generally much more attractive to employers.

Our Placement Unit will be on hand to support you in finding suitable placement opportunities, through timetabled and drop-in sessions as well as by appointment. They will assist you with preparing your CV and with interview techniques. They'll also be in contact with you during your placement so that you'll be fully supported while you gain the experience that employers value so highly.

The Placement Unit team are regularly in contact with local and national companies.You can find more information on placements here.

Alternatively, if you are a student from within the UK, you could consider starting your own small business by applying for the Enterprise Placement Year in conjunction with the University’s Enterprise Team. You’ll have the opportunity to benefit from business advice, mentoring and networking sessions. Find out more information on the Enterprise Placement Year.

The games industry is extremely competitive, and studying at The University of Huddersfield prepared me with a foundational skillset to get noticed and to land my first role.

None

James Witcomb, Computer Games Design, Associate Game Design Director, Criterion Games

Student Work

Your career


Previous graduates from courses in this subject area have gone on to work in a variety of roles such as Technical Content Artis , Functional Tester, Lead Environment Artist, Senior Test Specialist and Senior Producer in organisations including Playstation, Rockstar Games, IBM, Codemasters and Jagex.

Additionally, you may gain skills that are transferable to other industries and may be able to pursue any career that requires a good honours degree. You could go on to further study and the University has many options available for postgraduate study (including postgraduate teacher training) and research which may interest you.

*85.9% of undergraduate graduates from the School of Computing and Engineering who are in work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduation (HESA Graduate Outcomes 20/21, UK domiciled graduates).

 

85.9%* Graduates employed

Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you'll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you'll soon discover that you're never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey. Find out more about all our support services.

A wide range of resources are also offered within the School of Computing and Engineering, which provides you with support in a variety of areas. These include:

Student Guidance Office: Students can book an appointment with a Guidance Adviser at any time during their studies; we are here to help with navigating any challenges they may face while studying. Our Advisers are skilled in providing advice and guidance to students on a range of issues including personal circumstances and academic issues and can help students to understand University regulations. The Guidance Team also offer study skills appointments to support with developing academic skills, such as; research and project planning, referencing and paraphrasing, essay writing, critical thinking, understanding assessments and to develop Maths skills. The team also encourage students to develop effective study habits such as good time management to meet deadlines by supporting with planning and organising work schedules.

Personal Academic Tutor (PAT): You will be allocated a PAT who will be an academic based in the School of Computing and Engineering. You will be offered the opportunity to meet with your PAT at various points throughout the year. PATs are there to help you get the most out of your time at University, to discuss academic progress so that you can achieve your best and to direct you towards appropriate support services such as wellbeing and finance.

Student Support Office: A one stop shop for students studying within the School. The team deal with every aspect of student life from enrolment, module queries, timetabling, exams, assessments, course-related committees and graduation. They are the first place to go with any query, and they can also signpost to other support networks.

Technical Support: Technicians support our students across each department. Based in our labs with different specialisms and knowledge they are on hand to provide support, guide and advise where students can access our technician’s expertise/knowledge during lectures and seminars as well as during self-study. An IT Support Helpdesk is also available to all students within the School of Computing and Engineering to help troubleshoot any computer issues/problems or to loan hardware and software.

Important information

We will always try to deliver your course as described on this web page. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below.

Changes to a course you have applied for

If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

Cancellation of a course you have applied for

Although we always try and run all of the course we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will contact you to discuss other suitable courses with us we can transfer your application to. If we notify you that the course you have applied to has been withdrawn or combined, and you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

We will always try to deliver your course and other services as described. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below:

Changes to option modules

Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have a range of options to choose from and we will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

Major changes

We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change in this context is a change that materially changes the services available to you; or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.

For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but this may not always be the case. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation with affected students. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

Termination of course

In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include transferring to a suitable replacement course for which you are qualified, being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered, or claiming an interim award and exiting the University. If you do not wish to take up any of the options that are made available to you, then you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the course without liability to the University for future tuition fees and you will be entitled to a refund of all course fees paid to date. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by a framework of regulations, policies and procedures, which form the basis of your agreement with us. These include regulations regarding the assessment of your course, academic integrity, your conduct (including attendance) and disciplinary procedure, fees and finance and compliance with visa requirements (where relevant). It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to abide by them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you will also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to. You should read these carefully before you enrol. Please note that this information is subject to change and you are advised to check our website regularly for any changes before you enrol at the University. A person who is not party to this agreement shall not have any rights under or in connection with it. Only you and the University shall have any right to enforce or rely on the agreement.

The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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