PhD Game Art and Animation

PhD Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Prospective PhD applicants are expected to hold a taught Masters degree in a relevant subject area. The university typically requires a minimum of 65% as the standard for academic performance in the completed Masters program.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS Requirement: An overall IELTS score of 6.5 or 7.0 is required, with no individual band score falling below 6.0.
• TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 92 on the TOEFL is accepted, with no sub-score in any section falling below 20.
• PTE Requirement: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 59.

Students must provide:

• Academic marksheets & transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• A personal statement - SOP
• Passport
• Other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some PhD courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Abertay University offers several types of scholarships for international Ph.D. students, each with its own criteria and benefits. 

Merit-Based Scholarships: Awards based on academic excellence, research potential, and achievements. Merit-based scholarships aim to attract high-achieving students to contribute to the university's research community.

Research-Specific Scholarships: Some scholarships are dedicated to students undertaking research in specific fields. These may align with the university's strategic research priorities or emerging academic disciplines.

Partnership Scholarships: Collaborative initiatives between Abertay University and external partners may result in specific scholarships. These aim to strengthen ties with organizations, industries, or governments.

Graduates of Abertay University's PhD in Game Art and Animation program are well-positioned to embark on diverse and exciting career paths within the gaming and entertainment industry. With a unique blend of advanced artistic skills and innovative research capabilities, they are equipped for impactful roles in the evolving world of game art and animation.

Lead Game Artist: PhD holders can aspire to become lead game artists, taking on pivotal roles in game development studios. They lead art teams, oversee the visual direction of game projects, and ensure the cohesive integration of art assets into the gaming experience.

Character Designer: Graduates may specialize as character designers, contributing their artistic expertise to create memorable and visually compelling characters. They work on character concepts, designs, and animations, infusing life into the virtual worlds of games.

Animation Director: Those with a focus on animation can pursue roles as animation directors. They lead animation teams, define animation styles, and ensure that character movements and interactions align with the narrative and gameplay dynamics.

Virtual Reality (VR) Artist: With a growing emphasis on immersive experiences, graduates can explore careers as VR artists. They create visually stunning environments and assets that enhance the immersive quality of virtual reality games and experiences.

Concept Artist: PhD holders may excel in roles as concept artists, contributing to the early stages of game development. They visualize and conceptualize game ideas, environments, and characters, providing the artistic foundation for the entire game design process.

Art Director in Game Development: Graduates can aspire to become art directors, guiding the overall artistic vision of game development projects. They collaborate with teams to ensure artistic consistency, quality, and alignment with the creative direction of the game.

Augmented Reality (AR) Content Creator: Those interested in emerging technologies can explore careers as AR content creators. They design visual elements that seamlessly blend digital content with the real world, contributing to the advancement of AR gaming experiences.

Storyboard Artist: PhD holders may specialize as storyboard artists, translating game narratives into visual sequences. They play a crucial role in pre-visualization, helping teams conceptualize and plan the visual storytelling elements of games.

Game Cinematographer: With expertise in visual storytelling, graduates can pursue careers as game cinematographers. They frame scenes, create dynamic camera movements, and contribute to the cinematic quality of game narratives.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Visuals Specialist: Those interested in the intersection of AI and visuals can explore roles as specialists in using AI to enhance visual elements in games. They contribute to the development of AI-driven graphics and procedural content generation.

Educator in Game Art and Animation: Graduates can contribute to education by becoming educators in game art and animation. They may become professors or instructors, passing on their knowledge to the next generation of game artists and animators.

Independent Game Artist/Animator: Entrepreneurial graduates may choose to establish themselves as independent game artists or animators. They can create their own game projects, collaborate with indie game developers, and showcase their artistic talents on various platforms.

Continuous Professional Development: Remaining continuous learning, graduates can attend industry conferences, workshops, and networking events. They can also contribute to the gaming community through publications, presentations, and participation in industry discussions, establishing themselves as thought leaders in the dynamic field of game art and animation.