MSc Accounting and Finance
The MSc Accounting and Finance course at the University of Northampton offers a compreh...
BA(Hons) Games Art
Waterside
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Games Art program at the University of Northampton, UK, is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue careers in the fast-growing field of game art and design. This undergraduate degree combines artistic creativity with technical expertise, preparing students to become proficient game artists capable of creating compelling visuals for video games and interactive media.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Games Art program is structured to cover a wide range of topics relevant to game art and design. Students study fundamental art principles such as drawing, painting, digital imaging, and 3D modeling, as well as specialized topics such as character design, environment art, animation, and concept art. They also learn how to use industry-standard software tools and game engines to create assets and interactive environments for video games. The curriculum may include modules on game design theory, narrative storytelling, user experience (UX) design, and game production processes to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the game development pipeline.
Research Focus: The University of Northampton emphasizes a research-focused approach within its BA (Hons) Games Art program, encouraging students to explore contemporary trends, technologies, and best practices in the game industry. Students have the opportunity to conduct research projects on topics such as game aesthetics, art direction, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), procedural generation, and emergent gameplay. They may also analyze existing games, study influential game artists, and investigate the cultural, social, and ethical implications of game art and design.
Industry Engagement: The BA (Hons) Games Art program promotes industry engagement through various initiatives aimed at preparing students for careers in the game industry. Students have the opportunity to participate in industry-led workshops, guest lectures, and studio visits, where they can learn from professionals working in game development studios, animation companies, and digital media agencies. The university also collaborates with industry partners to provide students with internship opportunities, work placements, and live projects, allowing them to gain practical experience and build professional networks in the game industry.
Global Perspective: The University of Northampton encourages a global perspective within its BA (Hons) Games Art program, recognizing the international nature of the game industry and the diversity of gaming cultures around the world. Students have the opportunity to explore global game markets, study games from different countries and regions, and engage with diverse player communities. The university may also offer study abroad programs, international exchange opportunities, or collaborations with international game studios to expose students to different game development practices, cultural influences, and market trends.
Location
Waterside
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 14750
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs at the University of Northampton are typically required to have a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their secondary school or equivalent qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 70, with at least 17 in Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 65 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.
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.
The University of Northampton offers various scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships aim to recognize outstanding academic achievements, promote diversity, and provide assistance to those who may face financial constraints.
International Scholarships: The university offers a range of international scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships are merit-based and provide partial tuition fee waivers. The eligibility criteria, award amounts, and application processes may vary.
Chancellor's Scholarships: The Chancellor's Scholarships are prestigious awards offered to high-achieving international students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and potential. These scholarships provide a significant reduction in tuition fees and are highly competitive. Eligible students are automatically considered for this scholarship based on their application for admission.
Country-Specific Scholarships: The University of Northampton also offers scholarships specifically tailored to students from certain countries or regions. These scholarships may be in partnership with governments, organizations, or educational institutions from those countries. The eligibility criteria, application process, and award amounts may vary depending on the specific scholarship.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Some academic departments at the university may offer subject-specific scholarships to international students. These scholarships are typically based on academic excellence in a particular field of study. Students pursuing specific courses or disciplines may be eligible for these scholarships.
External Scholarships and Funding: In addition to the university's own scholarships, international students can also explore external funding options, such as government scholarships, corporate sponsorships, and charitable organizations. The university's international office or scholarship team can provide guidance and information on external funding opportunities available to international students.
It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may change from year to year.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) Games Art program at the University of Northampton, UK, are equipped with a diverse skill set and specialized knowledge in game art and design, opening up a variety of exciting career opportunities in the gaming industry and related fields.
Game Artist: Graduates can pursue careers as game artists, creating visually stunning artwork for video games. They may specialize in character design, environment art, concept art, 2D/3D asset creation, texture painting, or visual effects, contributing to the overall look and feel of games across different genres and platforms.
3D Modeler: Graduates can work as 3D modelers, specializing in creating high-quality 3D models of characters, props, and environments for games. They use software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, or ZBrush to sculpt, texture, and animate 3D assets, ensuring they meet the technical and aesthetic requirements of game development projects.
Texture Artist: Graduates can specialize as texture artists, focusing on creating textures and materials for 3D models used in games. They use software such as Substance Painter, Adobe Photoshop, or Quixel Mixer to paint and manipulate textures, adding detail, realism, and visual interest to game environments and characters.
Animator: Graduates with a passion for animation can pursue careers as game animators, bringing characters, creatures, and objects to life through movement. They use animation software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, or Adobe Animate to create character animations, cutscenes, and interactive sequences that enhance the player experience in games.
UI/UX Designer: Graduates can work as UI/UX designers, specializing in designing user interfaces and user experiences for games. They collaborate with game designers and developers to create intuitive menus, HUDs (heads-up displays), navigation systems, and interactive elements that enhance gameplay, accessibility, and player engagement.
Concept Artist: Graduates can pursue careers as concept artists, visualizing and designing characters, environments, and key visual elements for games during the early stages of development. They create sketches, mood boards, and digital paintings to communicate artistic concepts and inspire the art direction of games.
Level Designer: Graduates can work as level designers, creating immersive and engaging game levels, environments, and puzzles for players to explore and interact with. They use level design software such as Unreal Engine, Unity, or Hammer Editor to layout spaces, place assets, and script interactive gameplay elements.
Technical Artist: Graduates can specialize as technical artists, bridging the gap between art and programming in game development. They optimize art assets for performance and memory efficiency, develop shaders and visual effects, and implement art pipelines and tools to streamline the game development process.
Game Tester/QA Analyst: Graduates can start their careers as game testers or quality assurance (QA) analysts, testing games for bugs, glitches, and usability issues. They provide feedback to developers, help identify and resolve technical and gameplay issues, and ensure the overall quality and polish of games before release.
Freelance Artist/Entrepreneur: Graduates can work as freelance artists or entrepreneurs, offering their services as independent contractors to game development studios, animation companies, or digital media agencies. They may create custom artwork, provide consulting services, or develop their own indie games and interactive projects, showcasing their talent and creativity to a global audience.
