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Video Game Digital Art - BA (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2024/25 Entry.
September 2024 — UCAS code W642
The BA Video Game Art undergraduate degree course responds to the growing demand for skilled, team-orientated, reflexive graduate professionals ready to succeed. Interactive entertainment and video games development are key sectors for contemporary culture, economic growth and employment locally in the Midlands, nationally and globally....
64 points required
Calculate UCAS pointsClearing places available
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City Centre
- Award BA (Hons)
- Start date September 2024
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Games, Film and Animation
- Faculty Faculty of Arts, Design and Media
This course is:
Open to International Students
Overview
Clearing 2024
64 points (or equivalent) is the minimum you will need to be considered for this course in Clearing.
Use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to work out your points.
[00:00:02] Speaker 1 When you're on the course, you find yourself doing stuff that you don't think you would do. So it's an open book. Before I went onto this course, I was doing a lot of fine art, so it was completely different and I thought I might struggle a bit. I might not grasp the digital side of things, but then a couple of weeks in and I was already using the digital tablets, I first originally thought I wanted to go into currencies and concepts, but through my journey I've realised that I'm definitely more of a animator and the course has allowed me to try everything.
The BA Video Game Art undergraduate degree course responds to the growing demand for skilled, team-orientated, reflexive graduate professionals ready to succeed.
Interactive entertainment and video games development are key sectors for contemporary culture, economic growth and employment locally in the Midlands, nationally and globally.
This accelerated two-year course offers a studio simulation in our on-campus lab, which will take place over the summer term of the course. The workplace simulation approach of our School of Games, Film and Animation has been championed by the influential 2009 Livingstone Next Gen Report, which cited us as a national best practice example for developing new talent for the games industry.
What's covered in this course?
The course covers both core and technical art skills. It starts with helping you develop your art production skills, so expect to be using a variety of software packages from Blender to Photoshop. Once we’ve covered the fundamentals we’ll move onto supporting you develop your technical and digital art skills. You will focus on 2D and 3D graphics covering, texturing, user interface design, environment art, character art, and art pipelines for interactive products.
Your first position in the video game industry
Building upon your core and technical art skills, in the first year you will be tasked with a specific role within our simulated game development studio over the summer term. This experience gives you the opportunity to apply the knowledge and professional practices you’ve learnt on the course in a safe and supportive environment. Typically for these projects you’ll be using industry-standard game development tools such as Unity and Unreal. These summer projects have in the past been mentored and supported by external partners such as Rare, Rockstar, Playground Games and Codemasters. The work you’ll produce during these summer modules can act as excellent portfolio pieces, demonstrating your ability as both a professional artist and effective team member.
Putting you in control of your final project
Throughout the two years of your course, you will be provided with a structured programme of learning, which will encourage you to choose your specialism that will steer your career in the Video Game Industry. The course culminates with a project you define yourself which targets your chosen specialism, such as character art, vehicle art, environment art or user interface (among others). You will be encouraged to collaborate or propose your own solo project to create another video game project for your portfolio.
Teaching takes place in a modern campus based in Birmingham City Centre where you’ll be provided with studio space to complete projects and access to the software you’ll need for the duration of the course.
You will be taught by staff with significant experience in the video game development industry, having worked with game developers including, Free Radical Design, Codemasters, Freestyle Games, Sega and EA Games.
Real experience
So, by the time you graduate, a whole year before most students, you’ll have two years of tangible, games development studio experience under your belt and have acquired the foundations to begin your career in the video game industry.
"I have been fully supported throughout my journey to become a professional artist. I found the practical, studio simulations to be particularly useful as they both helped me in my art practice and gave me tangible production and development experience." Mark Sutcliffe, 2014-16
Why Choose Us?
- This fast-track programme provides a rare opportunity to secure a BA (Hons) degree in only two years.
- Teaching is delivered by our team of industry practitioners, who collectively have over 100 years of video game industry experience, having worked on franchises such as EA’s ‘Battlefield’, Codemaster’s ‘Formula 1’ and Sega’s ‘Sonic’. They have also taught, trained and mentored students, graduates and practitioners, who are now successful industry developers, working at studios and publishers which include Ubisoft, Microsoft and Rockstar North.
- During the two-year course you’ll work on numerous projects with periodic input from industry partners. Previous partners and mentors have included Codemasters, Pixel Toys, Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe, Microsoft’s Rare Studio and Rockstar North.
- On the course you’ll learn a range new skills and art disciplines relevant and appropriate for careers in the field of video game development, such as concept, environment, character, GUI and animation.
- BCU are winners of 'best educational initiative and talent development' at the TIGA Games Industry Awards 2023 and the Innovative Teaching Award at the TIGA Games Education Award 2023.
- Top 5 in the UK for Animation and Games Design (Guardian League Table 2024).
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation.
Next Open Day: 28 September 2024
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2024/25.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
64 points (or equivalent) is the minimum you will need to be considered for this course in Clearing.
Use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to work out your points.
Essential requirements
120 UCAS tariff points
Applicants will also need to submit a good portfolio.
If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2024
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 2 years
- £11,100 in 2024/25
- Apply via Clearing
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2024
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 2 years
- £17,710 in 2024/25
Places available to start in September 2024
If you'd like to start this course full-time this September, you can apply through Clearing.
International and part-time students can apply online as normal using the links above.
Want to start in September 2025? You can start your application via UCAS now.
Portfolio guidance
If you receive an offer to study this course, you will be required to submit a portfolio. We ask that this is submitted within four weeks of receiving your offer.
Please see our portfolio guidance page for tips on putting your portfolio together.
Portfolio guidance
If you receive an offer to study this course, you will be required to submit a portfolio. We ask that this is submitted within four weeks of receiving your offer.
Please see our portfolio guidance page for tips on putting your portfolio together.
Personal statement
UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
- Course choice - Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
- Career plans - If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
- Work experience - Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
- School or college experience - Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
- Non-accredited skills or achievement - eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Worried about Personal Statements?
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
Course in Depth
Year one
During the first year, teaching methods may include practical sessions, lectures and group debates, featuring input from both University staff and guest lecturers from industry, providing you with a wide range of practical knowledge and insight.
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 180 credits):
The purpose of this module is to give you the opportunity to learn and then apply fundamental art techniques and methodologies. Students will work individually to produce a sketch book based upon a defined theme. Sketching can be used to develop ideas at various stages of the design process. For example, to establish an overall form and using perspective drawings and construction lines can assist the artist in developing ideas by considering how the object will look from various different views. The work students will be given mirrors creative industry advice about art practice and will require an element of research and skill application.
The practical nature of the module will enable students to apply knowledge gained and in applying the art theory, students will have to examine a range of foundational art techniques required by all creative industries. In industry artists spend much of their time tackling complicated design briefs. Therefore, employers desire artists with highly developed problem solving and practiced art foundation skills.
The purpose of this module is to give students an up-to-the-moment introduction to the working methodologies of 2D video game production. This module allows students to experience the challenge of completing the research, concept and development phase of a 2D video game project.
Working in small art teams, students will research appropriate art styles and comparative game products to define their own unique art style. The focus of the module will be on 2D game development disciplines, for example; 2D environment, concept, 2D character, GUI/UX and sprite animation.
The purpose of this module is to give students to opportunity to learn and then apply fundamental 3D modelling techniques and texturing methodologies. Students will work individually to produce a game ready 3D prop asset for use within a game engine.
The purpose of this module is to give you an up-to-the-moment introduction to the working methodologies of 3D video game production. This module allows you to experience the challenge of completing the research and development of 3D video game environment assets.
Working in small art teams, you will research appropriate production workflows and shade creation methodologies to define and develop your own unique game environments. The focus of the module will be on 3D game development disciplines, such as 3D environment, prop, texture and lighting.
The module is an opportunity to learn and critically reflect on the skills of collaboration by enabling you to create an interdisciplinary project with students from complementary disciplines.
You will be tasked with completing a project over a short development / production period. This project may be set either by an academic or course industry-partner.
Year two
During your second year, there will be a further opportunities to learn from guest lecturers.
You will undertake one major project module, where you will go through the process of scoping, defining and pitching the creation of your own project, which may include your own art assets, a new product, or even working with an industry partner to respond to a brief they have set.
If you are creating your own product, you may wish to partner up with the students with complementary skills such as programming, design, production and business.
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 180 credits):
The purpose of this module is to give students to opportunity to learn and then apply fundamental 3D sculpting and texturing methodologies for game character development. Students will work individually to produce a game ready 3D character bust/asset for use within a game engine.
The purpose of this module is to give students an up-to-the-moment introduction to the working methodologies of 3D video game character art production and this module allows students to experience the challenge of completing the research and development of a 3D video game character asset.
Working individually, students will research appropriate production workflows and retopology creation methodologies, to define and develop their own unique game characters. The focus of the module will be solely on the 3D game development disciplines of character artist. This is due to the complexity and distinct specialisation that this role has within industry.
The purpose of this module is to give students the opportunity to learn and then apply fundamental 3D animation techniques and skinning methodologies for game character development. Students will work individually to produce an animation ready, 3D game character asset for use within a game engine.
The module is an opportunity to learn and critically reflect on the skills of collaboration &/or your own professional practice. The module enables you to create either an interdisciplinary project with students from complementary disciplines or your own self-defined project.
The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and theoretically informed research project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. It is important that we can support you appropriately, so you will be guided towards choosing a research topic which is relevant to your discipline and in which your lecturers have expertise. The outcome may take the form of a written dissertation or a practice-based portfolio.
Download course specification
Download nowThe course is structured around teaching you new skills and allowing you, where and when possible, the freedom to experiment and experience putting your new skills into practice through stakeholder-directed live projects.
Typically, this means modules are split into taught modules and studio-based project modules.
Taught modules
In the taught modules the focus is on your personal development as a professional artist. You will take modules which focus on the development of skills for specific roles within the sector.
Studio-based project modules
The BA (Hons) Video Game Digital Art course is all about providing you with the crucial experience-based learning you'll need for your career. To this end during the summer term, you will be required to attend an in-house studio simulation. During this placement, you will be required to attend full-time and have opportunity to use development tools such as Unity and Unreal.
Assessment
This is a two-year accelerated undergraduate degree course with professional game development studio experience embedded as part your learning journey.
You'll be assessed in a variety of different ways, including practical project work – both group and individual – presentations, written reports and practical portfolios.
Assessment is embedded into the course, which will mean your learning experience isn't constantly interrupted by assessment. You are also assessed on your work within a project delivery team while you are based in our simulated in-house studio environment.
On the course, you'll be taught by staff that include established industry professionals with a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm, who are experienced at recognising and responding to the rapidly changing demands the industry.
Projects
At the beginning of every module you will be given a project brief. Throughout the module you will then have taught sessions to help you fulfil the brief, followed by tutorials to monitor your progress and give you guidance and feedback.
Below is an example* from the 2D Art Production module. Please note, this is just an indicative brief and the actual briefs may vary every year.
Overview: Ghosts & Goblins – MetalSlug – Rygar – create a contemporary classic
Take ONE of these classic games and create concepts for an updated version for the Target Hardware – PC, Tablet (iOS, Android). It must include the following key features: a main Character, multiple enemies, environments (at least THREE GUI elements), pre-visualisation and art style.
You have three art styles to choose from for your updated game: Scooby Doo (Original), Loony Toons or Steven Universe. Please pick ONE art style and after analysis/research, create a Style Bible for your new game. This art style must be used to inform future art production decisions.
Employability
Enhancing your employability
Courses within the School of Games, Film and Animation are built upon workplace simulation and industry-standard work, ensuring you behave less like a student and more as a professional, gaining the workplace experience and attributes you need.
As well as gaining course-specific skills, you could also gain broader tools through our Graduate+ programme, which will help enhance your employment options by helping with careers development, employability activities, volunteering and part-time work experience.
Leading up to and upon graduation
At the end of your studies you’ll complete a final major project, this project may lead you to working directly with a client. This direct contact will give you the experience, confidence and freedom to put into action all you’ve learned on your studies. Allied with this course-specific experience, you will also have access to a range of support staff and services from the University’s Careers Service, who can help with:
- Reviewing CVs, covering letters and application forms
- Career planning and decision making
- Preparing for interviews and assessment centres
- Developing portfolios
- Networking with employers
- Advice about self-employment and entrepreneurship
Graduate stories
Students progress into roles with video game development, wider interactive entertainment and creative art roles, working as technical, concept, environment, character and VFX artists, or technical and character animators. Our graduates have gone on to work for many major game development studios.
By focusing on portfolio creation and ensuring that you have a dedicated arts practice, you can achieve your career goals. Through commitment and hard work, Scott was able to find work in his chosen disciplines soon after graduating.
Scott Woodhams
Technical Artist, MediaTonic Games
“A typical day involves implementing artists’ work into the game, fixing any graphical issues and creating art, whether that’s through 3D modelling or painting in Photoshop. I enjoy the problem solving part of my role the most and the job-like structure of the course made the transition into industry really smooth for me. All the art skills and knowledge I learned are indispensable in my day to day activities. I wouldn't be able to do this job without it.”
International
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Details of the entry requirements for our courses
- Some of the good reasons why you should study here
- How to improve your language skills before starting your studies
- Information relevant to applicants from your country
- Where to find financial support for your studies.
Facilities & Staff
![Curzon with Millennium Point and Parkside](https://cphfcrflaa.cloudimg.io/_bcuimages/rbthe-curzon-building-exterior23727-133222348237522809.jpg?auto=format&fm=jpg)
![Games, Film and Animation facilities](https://cphfcrflaa.cloudimg.io/_bcuimages/rbnti-sub-brand-photoshoot-201819428-133225928212277197.jpg?auto=format&fm=jpg)
![Games, Film and Animation facilities](https://cphfcrflaa.cloudimg.io/_bcuimages/rbnti-sub-brand-photoshoot-201819404-133225927981904807.jpg?auto=format&fm=jpg)
![Games, Film and Animation facilities](https://cphfcrflaa.cloudimg.io/_bcuimages/rbnti-sub-brand-photoshoot-201819273-133225927791923546.jpg?auto=format&fm=jpg)
Our School of Games, Film and Animation is based in the Curzon Building, a £63 million development, located on our City Centre campus.
We help you learn a specific discipline such as digital marketing, programming or art and put that discipline into practice by offering flexible teaching space, dedicated development studios and open access work areas for group projects, as well as course-specific facilities.
Our staff
Shaun Magher
Course Director BA (Hons) Digital Animation, BA (Hons) Video Game Digital Art and MA Feature Film Development
Shaun has spent 30 years working as a Director, Creative Director and Animation Director within the UK and International Film and Television industries. A graduate from St Martins school of Art (1985) and the National Film and Television school (1989).
More about Shaun