Games Art Degree BA (Hons)

Program Overview

Teesside University's Games Art BA (Hons) program empowers students to create captivating video game assets through hands-on training in 3D modeling, texturing, and environment production. With a focus on industry-standard techniques and collaboration with game design students, graduates are equipped for successful careers in the game development industry and beyond. The program's emphasis on practical skills and industry connections ensures that students are well-prepared for the competitive gaming landscape.

Program Outline

Games Art BA (Hons)

Degree Overview:

Teesside University's Games Art BA (Hons) program equips students with the skills and artistry to bring video game characters, assets, environments, and more to life. Emphasizing contemporary and historical visual arts across various industries, the course cultivates creative expertise through 3D character sculpting, texturing, hard surface modeling, and other industry-standard techniques. The program's focus on "learning by doing" ensures a hands-on learning experience, preparing students for successful careers in the game development industry.

Outline:

Year 1 Modules:

• Asset Creation for Games: Learn the principles behind modeling and texturing real-time 3D models and 2D textures.
• Environment Production for Games: Gain expertise in researching, planning, and authoring environment assets for game engine integration.
• Games Art Fundamentals: Expand artistic horizons by studying contemporary and historical visual arts.
• Sculpting for Games: Master organic sculpting techniques to create characters and creatures.

Year 2 Modules:

• Character Production: Master industry workflows for authoring film and game-ready characters with ZBrush.
• Games Technical Art: Understand how to build engaging game environments while adhering to performance expectations.
• Hard Surface Modelling: Learn the principles of creating high-quality hard surface models for games.
• Journeyman: Collaborate with other students in simulated game studio production to develop a playable game slice.

Work Placement Year (Optional):

Gain industry experience, networking opportunities, and essential technical and transferable skills by entering the workforce for a year.

Final Year Modules:

• Beta Arcade: Collaborate as a team in a realistic game development environment to build a working game in Unreal 5 or Unity.
• Games Project: Undertake a significant project under faculty guidance, culminating in a written report and live presentation.
• Photogrammetry for Games: Master the creation of high-quality game assets using photogrammetry and procedural workflows.

Assessment:

Assessment methods range from practical projects and portfolio development to written reports and presentations. The final-year project allows students to select their own brief based on individual skills and aspirations.

Teaching:

The program combines lectures and tutorials for a balanced learning experience. Lectures delve into theoretical aspects while tutorials emphasize practical skills development. Additionally, online resources offer extra learning support. Collaborative work with game design students in a simulated game studio environment further reinforces practical skills.

Careers:

Graduates enjoy successful careers as artists, level designers, 3D modelers, and texture artists at renowned game development companies like Electronic Arts, Rockstar North, and Ubisoft. The program also offers valuable skills for digital media careers in film, TV, advertising, and architecture.

Other:

• The program welcomes students with portfolios showcasing basic drawing skills, including life and observational drawing.
• The curriculum incorporates the latest technology, including Unreal 5 and Unity game engines.
• The course integrates with various organizations, offering summer, year-long, and graduate placements with major industry players.
• Teesside University consistently invests in campus improvements, boasting a £280 million modern facility.
• The program enjoys excellent employability, with graduates holding prominent positions at leading game development companies.

Conclusion:

Teesside University's Games Art BA (Hons) provides a comprehensive and engaging experience for students passionate about bringing their creativity to the world of video game development. The program's strong industry connections, emphasis on practical skills development, and access to cutting-edge technology equips graduates for thriving careers in the competitive gaming industry.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

• Full-time
• Entry to 2024/25 academic year
• Fee for UK applicants
• £9,250 a year
• Fee for international applicants
• £17,000 a year
• Part-time
• 2024/25 entry
• Fee for UK applicants
• £4,500 (120 credits)