Games Development (Art) BA(Hons)

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Start Dates

21 September 2026

Duration

3 years full-time 4 years inc. placement year

UCAS Tariff

120

About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

  • Our course carries the ScreenSkills accreditation, which identifies courses best suited to prepare you for a Creative Industries career.
  • We design our courses around making games, so you’ll have the chance to take part in lots of internal Game Jams as well as external events.
  • We have a newly reopened in-house game development studio with industry-standard equipment where a small number of placements will be available

Accreditation and Professional Links

Recognised connections to give you an extra edge when you graduate. Read More

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. 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.

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.

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. The top five job titles advertised in the UK for graduate roles associated with Games Development (Art) courses are Graphic Designer, Environment Artist, Technical Artist, VFX Artist and Character Artist.*

*Lightcast data extracted from Graduate Career Explorer – job postings from Dec 2023 to Nov 2024 showing jobs advertised associated with a selection of relevant graduate roles.

Career opportunities after the course *

Graphic Designers

Concept Artists

Environment Artists

Creative Artworkers

Character Artists

*Lightcast

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

BBB at A Level (General Studies is not accepted).
DDM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.
120 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications (General Studies is not accepted).
Access to Higher Education Diploma in a subject that is relevant to the course with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.
Merit at T Level.
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 International Entry Requirements page.

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

What will you learn?

Course Details

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.

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.

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.

The aim of this module is to provide you with a range of core transferrable skills that you will need in your studies and, looking further ahead, in your career. The module focuses on broadening your understanding of Computer Games Development/Design by exploring cutting edge technologies, innovation, research and career opportunities in the context of the Games industry. The first part of the module explores the support and resources available to you at the university, leading to the creation of a personal development plan. Building on this foundation, the second part of the module focuses on developing your research and academic writing skills.

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.

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.

This module builds on prior knowledge gained in previous study of game engines. You will be introduced to principles and good practices when designing and prototyping for game building. It will explore how assets and levels may be designed, created, imported and manipulated in (an) industry standard gaming environment(s). The module will then progress your understanding of scripting using an object-based language and will equip you with the skills to script interactions, actions and animations.

You will partake in multiple weeklong game jams, working as part of a team to design, develop and produce a game. The module will allow you to develop your understanding and practical abilities in games production processes on both a technical and professional level, with a strong focus on team and communication skills and encouraging an active approach to individual professional development and team responsibilities. You and your team are expected to conform to professional working standards and follow an agreed code of conduct as part of the module; individual contributions to teamwork and attendance on timetabled sessions contribute to assessment and will be monitored.

This module gives you the opportunity to develop and demonstrate a mix of practical and conceptual skills. The module focuses on the requirements for hard surface modelling techniques and 3D environment creation processes. Studio sessions will be used to introduce and discuss a range of theory and examples of current practice regarding environmental design processes. You will work individually to undertake practical assignments and develop your analysis and production skills through practice; using a combination of digital tools and techniques to produce a portfolio.

This module provides an opportunity for you to develop your understanding of the process, practice and production of visual assets for game production; exploring creative, conceptual and technical approaches to asset production in relation to your field of study. The module will introduce a range of approaches, techniques, and frameworks. You will develop your visual literacy and production skills through practice; using a combination of traditional (paper based) and DCC tools and techniques in the production of an original portfolio.

You will examine the development of character development focusing particularly on the production and planning of 3D characters for games. You will develop the skillset of design and development of characters ranging from conceptual design, sculpting and texturing to final production of rigging for animation and game engine implementation.

This course offers an optional one-year work placement after Year 2.

    This module is driven by you. You are asked to select a problem to solve which is relevant to your degree, and of appropriate scope and depth to be tackled within a timeframe of 30 weeks. Carrying out the project enables you to develop and demonstrate your ability to undertake research, manage time, use your initiative, learn independently, discuss and write convincingly on a subject requiring independent learning. A supervisor will support you throughout your project. You’ll use your existing knowledge and be encouraged to acquire additional skills as you carry out your project. The aim of the project is to suggest a solution to an identified problem. Your final report should describe the aims, scope and motivation of the project, the research you have undertaken, and the technical solution provided, including justification for design and development decisions.

    Teams of approximately 8 students will form a games development team, allocating production roles and responsibilities as per standard games industry studio structure. Working from an agreed design outline, you will develop a professional quality game, to either a publishable standard or in the case of larger titles a vertical slice with the potential to attract publisher investment. You are expected to conform to professional working standards and an agreed code of conduct, this will include polished pitching and proposals, collaborative team working driven via sound project management and structured task assignment alongside an Agile development approach.

    The module encourages an examination of the role of context, pre-production, production and post-production techniques in the commission, design and development of digital game art. A combination of current theory and case studies will provide the context for you to explore a range of analytical frameworks from which to critique contemporary game culture and your own working pipeline and practice. You will then further explore specialised topics and design practice through independent research, defining a suitable brief before synthesising their individual knowledge, conceptual and practical skills into an original body of visual work for a defined context.

    The module provides an opportunity for you to develop and demonstrate the synthesis of practical and conceptual skills for the planning and implementation of complex 3D projects focusing on the creation of 3D worlds and environments. Studio sessions will be used to introduce and discuss a range of theory and examples of current practice relating to the subject. You will work individually to undertake practical assignments. Individual independent research will allow you to demonstrate your understanding and knowledge of a chosen specialist topic.

    Teaching and Assessment

    Discover what to expect from your tutor contact time, assessment methods, and feedback process.

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    Global Professional Award

    At Huddersfield, you’ll study the award-winning Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* — so you’re ready for the career you want, whatever subject you choose.

    Read more
    Interested in a placement?

    Placements

    You’ll have the opportunity to complete an optional placement year (minimum 36 weeks, up to 48 weeks) in Year 3, either in the UK or abroad. This is your chance to gain hands-on experience, develop industry-specific skills, and enhance your career prospects. You’ll apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting while exploring potential career paths.

    Your placement will be monitored, and you’ll be assessed on your achievements, helping you refine your professional skills and prepare for your final year. Our Placement Unit and academic staff have strong industry connections and will support you throughout the process, from finding a placement to making the most of your experience.

    Find Out More
    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.

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

    Where could this lead you?

    Your Career

    Previous graduates from courses in this subject area have gone on to work in a variety of roles such as Technical Content Artist , 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.

    84%
    Percentage of graduates from this subject area who are in work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduation.

    * (HESA Graduate Outcomes 21/22, UK Domiciled).

    How much will it cost?

    Fees and Finance

    £9,790 per year

    This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

    Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

    From January 2027 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

    For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/study/fees/

    £17,600 per year

    This information is for international students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

    Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

    For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/

    Home

    The tuition fee for a placement year is £1000. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

    International

    The tuition fee for a placement year is £3,300. If you go on work experience or work placement, you will need to fund your own travel and/or accommodation costs to and from the placement.  Please be aware that if your placement is outside of the UK, you will still be responsible for your travel and living expenses and may need to consider issues like health care and insurance costs.

    Optional short field trips e.g. one day, are sometimes also arranged. Previous field trips have included Arcade Club and Games Republic Award. The costs of these field trips are heavily subsidised by the school but can sometimes incur a nominal cost and/or deposit of between £5 and £40 depending on the trip.

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    Tuition Fee Loans

    Find out more about tuition fee loans available to eligible undergraduate students.

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    What’s included in your fee?

    We want you to understand exactly what your fees will cover and what additional costs you may need to budget for when you decide to become a student with us.

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    If you have any questions about Fees and Finance, please email the Student Finance Team.

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    What does the univsersity offer?

    Gallery

    Virtual Reality equipment

    Virtual Reality Equipment

    drawing tablet

    Wacom drawing tablet

    playtesting

    Playtesting games

    Computer Games Lab

    Specialist Computer Games Lab

    Game Footage

    Games Development Showreel

    A showreel of the work of our Games Development students

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    Computer Games 3D Design software

    Games Development Showreel

    A further showreel of the work of our Games Development students

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    Explore More

    Games Development - Hear from our Students

    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.

    Undergradute Open Days

    Visit our Undergraduate Open Day to explore our courses, tour the campus, and meet academics and students who can answer your questions.

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    Students using a PC

    Subject-Specific Activities

    Interested in the activites we offer? We have a range of workshops, talks and resources to help inform your future study and career pathways

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    Interview with Dr Duke Gledhill

    Dr Duke Gledhill, Senior Lecturer in Games Development, describes what our Games Development courses are like at the University of Huddersfield.

    More on Games

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    When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by our terms and conditions, Handbook of Regulations and associated policies. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan.

    Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons:

    Changes to a course you have applied for but are not yet enrolled on

    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. 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. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and if you are unhappy with the change we will discuss with you other suitable courses we can transfer your application to. If 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.

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    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 an equivalent range of options to that advertised for the course. We will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

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    We will only make major changes to non-optional modules on a course if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change is a change that substantially changes 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), 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 or a commissioning or accrediting body. We may also make changes to improve the course in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback or to ensure you are being taught current best practice. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff being unable to teach due to illness, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to pandemics, other disasters (such as fire, flood or war) or changes made by the government.

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    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 in accordance with the student protection plan.

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