MSc Finance and Investment Banking
The MSc Finance and Investment Banking program at the University of Hertfordshire is de...
BA in (Hons)3D Games Art & Design (with Placement)
College Lane
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) 3D Games Art & Design program at the University of Hertfordshire offers students a comprehensive education in game art and design, preparing them for careers in the dynamic and rapidly evolving video game industry. This four-year program, which includes an optional placement year, combines artistic creativity with technical skills to equip students with the knowledge and expertise needed to succeed in game development.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) 3D Games Art & Design program covers a wide range of topics relevant to game development, including 3D modeling, texturing, animation, level design, and game mechanics. Students learn to use industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter, and Unreal Engine to create immersive game environments, characters, props, and visual effects. Practical projects allow students to apply their skills in real-world game development scenarios, culminating in the creation of a portfolio of game assets and projects.
Research Focus: Research is an integral part of the BA (Hons) 3D Games Art & Design program, enabling students to explore emerging trends, technologies, and design principles in the video game industry. Students engage in research projects that investigate topics such as game aesthetics, narrative design, player psychology, or virtual reality. Research experiences foster critical thinking skills, creativity, and innovation, empowering students to create engaging and meaningful game experiences.
Industry Engagement: The University of Hertfordshire maintains strong connections with the video game industry, providing students with opportunities for industry engagement and professional development. Through guest lectures, workshops, and industry partnerships, students gain insights into the practices, workflows, and trends shaping the game development landscape. The optional placement year allows students to gain valuable industry experience by working in game studios, indie development teams, or game-related companies, enhancing their employability and industry networks.
Global Perspective: With its diverse student body and international collaborations, the University of Hertfordshire offers a global perspective on game development. The BA (Hons) 3D Games Art & Design program exposes students to a variety of game genres, cultural influences, and global trends in game design and development. Students have the opportunity to collaborate with peers from different cultural backgrounds, participate in international game jams or competitions, and explore diverse gaming cultures, platforms, and markets, enriching their creative practice and broadening their perspective on game design as a global art form.
Location
College Lane
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 14750
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs are typically required to have achieved a minimum overall score of 65% or above in their high school or secondary school qualifications. This may vary depending on the specific course or program.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum score of 72, with a minimum of 17 in each component.
- PTE: A minimum overall score of 59, with no individual score below 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
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 Hertfordshire offers a range of scholarships and financial assistance programs to support international students in pursuing their education. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, encourage diversity, and provide opportunities for students who may face financial barriers.
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to exceptional international undergraduate and postgraduate students who demonstrate academic excellence. It provides a tuition fee discount of up to £4,000 for the duration of the course.
Regional Scholarships: The university offers several scholarships specifically for students from certain regions or countries. These scholarships vary in value and eligibility criteria, providing financial support to students from specific geographic areas.
Merit Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships are available for high-achieving international students. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and provide financial assistance towards tuition fees.
Sports Scholarships: The university encourages talented athletes to pursue their academic and sporting ambitions simultaneously. Sports scholarships are awarded to exceptional athletes who can demonstrate outstanding sporting achievements and commitment to their chosen sport.
Partnership Scholarships: The university has established partnerships with various organizations, institutions, and governments. Through these partnerships, international students may have access to specific scholarships and funding opportunities.
External Scholarships: The University of Hertfordshire also supports students in their search for external scholarships and funding sources. The dedicated scholarships team provides guidance and information on external scholarships that international students may be eligible to apply for.
It is important to note that each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and required documentation.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) 3D Games Art & Design program at the University of Hertfordshire are well-equipped to pursue diverse and exciting career paths within the video game industry.
Game Artist: Many graduates choose to work as game artists, specializing in 3D modeling, texturing, and asset creation for video games. They may create characters, environments, props, and visual effects that bring game worlds to life, working for game studios, indie developers, or outsourcing companies.
Character Designer: Some graduates focus on character design, creating compelling and memorable characters for video games. They develop characters' appearance, personality, and backstory, collaborating with game designers and animators to ensure characters are visually appealing and fit the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics.
Environment Artist: Graduates may work as environment artists, designing and creating immersive game environments, landscapes, and levels. They use 3D modeling, texturing, and level design techniques to build detailed and atmospheric game worlds that enhance players' gaming experiences.
Level Designer: Level designers are responsible for creating gameplay spaces, puzzles, and challenges within video games. They use level design tools and scripting languages to design and implement game levels, ensuring they are engaging, balanced, and aligned with the game's overall design vision.
Technical Artist: Technical artists bridge the gap between art and programming, optimizing workflows, and creating tools to enhance the efficiency and quality of game development. They may specialize in shader development, rigging, animation, or pipeline automation, supporting artists and programmers in creating visually stunning and technically efficient games.
Concept Artist: Concept artists visualize and conceptualize ideas, characters, and environments for video games. They create sketches, illustrations, and digital paintings that serve as visual references and inspiration for the game's art team, contributing to the initial stages of game development and world-building.
UI/UX Designer: UI/UX designers focus on creating intuitive and user-friendly interfaces and experiences for video games. They design menus, HUDs, icons, and interactive elements that enhance players' immersion and facilitate gameplay interactions, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience.
Animator: Graduates may pursue careers as animators, bringing characters, creatures, and objects to life through movement and animation. They create character animations, cinematic sequences, and special effects, using keyframe animation, motion capture, or procedural animation techniques to add realism and personality to game characters and assets.
Game Developer/Designer: Some graduates may become game developers or designers, overseeing the entire game development process from conception to release. They collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to define game concepts, mechanics, and narratives, guiding the development of innovative and engaging video games for a global audience.
Freelance Artist or Indie Developer: Graduates may choose to work as freelance artists or indie developers, creating their own games, assets, or digital content. They may develop and publish indie games, create assets for game marketplaces, or offer freelance services such as concept art, modeling, or animation to game studios and developers.
