MSc Human Resource Management (Top Up)
The MSc Human Resource Management (Top-Up) program at the University of Gloucestershire...
BSc Hons Games Art
Park, Cheltenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
This hands-on degree at the University of Gloucestershire is crafted to transform creative talent into the ability to design stunning characters and immersive worlds that captivate players. Recognizing the growing demand within the commercial games sector, the program focuses on developing a broad range of essential skills required to create visually appealing interactive experiences. Students gain practical experience in purpose-built labs equipped with industry-standard software, including 3ds Max, ZBrush, Substance Tools, Adobe CC, Unity, and Unreal Engine, among others. The course is taught by industry-experienced lecturers with backgrounds working on games for major companies like Sony, Adidas, and Crytek, providing valuable real-world insights. The program is available in full-time (3 years or 4 years with a placement year) and part-time options, offering flexibility for students. Entry to the course is typically by interview, in addition to meeting the UCAS tariff point requirements.
Curriculum: The BSc (Hons) Games Art curriculum provides a comprehensive education in the design and production of game art. Students will initially explore all facets of game art creation and as they progress, they have the opportunity to tailor their modules to align with their specific strengths and career aspirations. The program emphasizes a hands-on, practical approach, underpinned by visual design principles and both traditional 2D and 3D visualization techniques. Core modules in the first year often include 'Games Production', covering fundamental concepts of computer-based game production, and 'Introduction to 3D Modelling' and 'Introduction to Games Art'. The curriculum progresses to more specialized areas such as '3D Animations for Games', 'Digital Sculpting', 'Environment Art', 'Digital Painting', '3D Character Development', and 'Concept Art'. The program also integrates modules focused on professional development, such as 'Professional Awareness', and provides opportunities to work on projects simulating a real-world game studio environment in 'Advanced Group Project'. There is also an 'Individual Research Project' module, allowing students to delve deeper into a topic of their choice. A key feature is the option of a placement year, offering invaluable industry experience.
Research Focus: While primarily a practice-based program, the BSc (Hons) Games Art at the University of Gloucestershire encourages a research-informed approach to creative practice. Students are encouraged to explore and deepen their understanding of conceptual design principles across specialized areas. The 'Individual Research Project' in the final year provides a structured opportunity for students to conduct in-depth research on a chosen topic within the field of games art, allowing them to develop their critical thinking and analytical skills alongside their creative abilities. The emphasis on staying current with industry trends and emergent technologies, as highlighted in some related programs, suggests an underlying research component in the curriculum, preparing students to adapt to the evolving landscape of the games industry.
Industry Engagement: A significant strength of the University of Gloucestershire's Games Art program is its strong links with the industry. The program's lecturers boast extensive professional experience with notable companies, bringing a wealth of practical knowledge and industry insights into the classroom. Students benefit from hands-on practical sessions that utilize industry-standard software, ensuring they are proficient with the tools used in professional settings. The university also offers opportunities for students to engage with live briefs, participate in game jams, showcase their work in creative exhibitions, and attend industry conferences in the UK and potentially overseas. Furthermore, the option of a placement year between the second and final years provides an exceptional opportunity to gain direct work experience within the games industry, build professional networks, and significantly enhance employability. The university's "UoG Connections Promise" also highlights its commitment to helping students make valuable industry contacts.
Global Perspective: While the primary focus of the BSc (Hons) Games Art program is on the UK games industry and its practices, the skills and knowledge acquired are highly transferable to the global market. The use of industry-standard software and the development of a strong portfolio of work prepare graduates for employment opportunities internationally. While specific details on formal international exchange programs for this particular BSc Games Art course were not explicitly prominent in the search results, the general mention of trips to conferences in the UK and overseas suggests a broader awareness of the global nature of the games industry. The program's emphasis on creating visually appealing and engaging interactive experiences is universally applicable across different cultural contexts and gaming markets.
Location
Park, Cheltenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 16600
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
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 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 64.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Gloucestershire offers a range of scholarships designed to support international students in their academic journey. These scholarships are aimed at making education more accessible and affordable, allowing students to focus on their studies and enjoy their time in the UK without financial stress. The university provides several merit-based, need-based, and country-specific scholarships to help ease the cost of tuition fees for international students.
International Scholarships: The University of Gloucestershire offers International Scholarships for students coming from various countries across the globe. These scholarships typically range from £1,000 to £3,000 per year, based on academic achievement and the chosen course of study. The scholarship is automatically awarded to eligible students upon acceptance of their offer to study at the university. These awards are designed to make studying in the UK more affordable and are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Excellence Scholarships: For international students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, the University of Gloucestershire offers Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to students who have achieved exceptional academic results in their previous studies. The Excellence Scholarship can be worth up to £3,000 and is designed to recognize and support high-achieving students who show great potential in their chosen field of study.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, the University of Gloucestershire offers country-specific scholarships to students from certain regions. These scholarships are tailored to students from specific countries, helping to promote international diversity at the university. The scholarships vary in amount, eligibility criteria, and application processes.
Graduates of the University of Gloucestershire's BSc (Hons) Games Art program are well-equipped for a range of creative and technical roles within the thriving computer games industry and related creative sectors. The program's emphasis on practical skills, industry-standard software proficiency, and a strong portfolio development makes graduates highly employable.
3D Artist: A primary career path, 3D Artists are responsible for creating 3D models of characters, environments, props, and other assets for video games. This involves using software like 3ds Max and ZBrush, and a strong understanding of form, anatomy, and design principles.
Environment Artist: Specializing in building the immersive worlds of games, Environment Artists create the 3D environments, levels, and landscapes that players explore. This role often involves a blend of 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, and a keen eye for detail to create believable and engaging settings.
Character Artist: For those passionate about bringing virtual beings to life, a Character Artist focuses on the design and creation of 3D character models, including their sculpting, modeling, texturing, and sometimes rigging for animation.
Concept Artist: Working at the early stages of game development, Concept Artists produce the initial visual designs and illustrations for characters, creatures, environments, vehicles, and props, setting the artistic vision for the game. This role requires strong drawing and painting skills, often using digital tools.
Technical Artist: Bridging the gap between art and technology, Technical Artists support the art team with technical challenges, develop tools and workflows, and ensure that art assets are optimized for the game engine. A combination of artistic talent and technical proficiency is essential here.
Animator: Game Animators create the movement and actions of characters and objects within the game, bringing them to life. This requires a strong understanding of animation principles and proficiency with animation software.
UI Artist: A UI (User Interface) Artist designs the visual elements of the game's interface, including menus, heads-up displays (HUDs), icons, and other on-screen information, ensuring a clear and intuitive user experience.
Texture Artist/Material Author: Specializing in the surface appearance of 3D models, Texture Artists create the textures and materials that define how objects look, including their color, roughness, and reflectivity, using software like Substance Painter and Designer.
Level Designer (with Artistic Focus): While more aligned with game design, a Games Art background provides a strong foundation for Level Designers who are particularly focused on the visual layout, atmosphere, and artistic coherence of game levels.
Freelance Games Artist: Many Games Art graduates choose to work as freelancers, taking on a variety of projects for different game development studios, indie developers, or even in related fields like architectural visualization or animation for film and TV, leveraging their diverse skillset.
