Program Overview

Computer Games Modelling and Animation with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

Course Description

This cutting-edge course gives you vital insights into the latest industry practice and sets you up for a dynamic career in the computer games industry. You will build the skills and knowledge you need to apply for an exciting range of specialized 3D art roles.

Study Options

• Full-time: 4 years
• UK fee: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International fee: £16,900 per year (2025/26)
• UCAS points: 72 (September 2025 entry)
• UCAS code: GG703F
• Start date: September
• Location: Derby Campus

Why Study Computer Games Modelling and Animation at Derby?

• Build the skills and knowledge you need to apply for an exciting range of specialized 3D art roles
• Learn how to use Maya, Photoshop, Substance, Unreal Engine 4, and ZBrush as your core set of tools
• Have access to facilities equipped for games development, including our XR (cross-reality) lab kitted out with specialist equipment
• Spend an optional year on industrial placement as part of your studies – a great experience that really sets you apart in the job market
• Benefit from the expertise of our teaching team who have fantastic links with industry
• Create a game as a team in your final year as part of the Game Development module

Facilities

• Computer Games Labs: These spaces are home to our specialist software access and hardware facilities. Software includes Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3Ds Max, Substance, Houdini, ZBrush, Photoshop, Unreal Engine, Unity Engine, and Steam.
• XR Lab (cross-reality): This dedicated space is for mixed-course games development as well as providing a flexible space for visualization and other projects. The lab provides specialist games and visualization hardware, including Vive Pro Eye headsets, Rifts, and Wacom drawing tablets. There are eight workstations outfitted with 2080 graphics cards so you can approach raytracing projects and AI workloads.
• CAVE Lab: This impressive lab provides data visualization hardware. The pod contains a 270-degree 3D projection set up allowing multiple users to experience a shared virtual environment. Workstations with Tesla graphics cards for data processing and AI projects are also available.
• Makerspace: Get ready to turn your ideas into prototypes! The space includes a whole host of equipment, including 3D printers, CNC machines, and a laser cutter to bring your product to life. It's also a great space to collaborate with students from across the University.

What You Will Study

• Foundation Year
• Year 1
• Year 2
• Optional Placement Year
• Year 3

Core modules:

• Introduction to Design
• Scholarship for Technologists
• Technology Project
• Image Basics
• Basic Modelling Skills

How You Will Learn

• You will study three modules per semester, each delivered through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions where you will learn to work with Maya, Photoshop, ZBrush, and Unreal Engine 4.
• Your year on work placement will take place between stages two and three of your studies.

How You Will Be Assessed

• Assessment is 100% coursework through a mixture of group and individual assignments.
• In the final year, 25% of your assessment will be for a personal project.

Who Will Teach You

• Roisin Hunt, Programme Leader

Careers

• The computer games industry needs specialists with a powerful combination of skills, so this degree makes you highly employable.
• Having completed the program, you will be capable of creating and animating 3D art in a real-time environment using the very latest techniques.
• You will also be able to demonstrate your flair and originality to prospective employers.
• In addition, you will discover that the skills you have developed can be transferred to a range of different industries such as film and visualization.
• Previous graduates have gone on to work for companies such as Epic Games, Bloc Digital, Jaguar Land Rover, Bulkhead Interactive, Sumo Digital, Ubisoft, and Rockstar Games.

Entry Requirements

• UCAS points: 72
• A Level: DDD
• T Level: Pass
• BTEC: MMP
• GCSE: GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
• Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 0, Merit: 30, Pass: 15
• English language requirements: IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

Fees and Funding

• UK: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International: £16,900 per year (2025/26)

Additional Costs and Optional Extras

• Software: Z Brush and Adobe Creative Cloud via university labs. Maya, Substance Suite, Unreal Engine 4 - available for free download at home
• Study trips: previously EGX Birmingham £15, Harry Potter World £35
• Industry speakers
• Wacom PTH-651-ENES Intuos Pro Graphics Tablet - from £229.99 (This is the model recommended by the College - others are available)
• Printer consumables approx. £100 per annum
• Recommended to purchase a portable hard drive approx. £50 -£100
• Personal computer with high-end graphics card for game development outside of University (Prices vary but on average £1500)