MSc Human Resource Management (Top Up)
The MSc Human Resource Management (Top-Up) program at the University of Gloucestershire...
BSc Hons Games Art (Placement)
Park, Cheltenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Games Art (Placement) at the University of Gloucestershire is a four-year undergraduate degree that combines in-depth academic study with a full year of professional experience. This program is specifically designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to create visually stunning characters, environments, and assets for the computer games industry. The additional placement year, typically undertaken between the second and final academic years, provides an invaluable opportunity to apply classroom learning in a real-world setting, contributing to actual game development projects. The program is delivered through practical experience with supporting lectures and workshops, allowing students to develop a strong portfolio of work using industry-standard software such as 3ds Max, ZBrush, Substance Tools, Adobe CC, Unity, and Unreal Engine. Entry to this program is generally by interview, alongside meeting the specified UCAS tariff points.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BSc (Hons) Games Art (Placement) mirrors that of the standard BSc (Hons) Games Art for the first two years, providing a solid foundation in core game art principles and techniques. Students will explore a wide range of topics including 3D modelling, animation, digital sculpting, material and texture authoring, interface design, character art, and concept art. The third year of the four-year program is dedicated to the placement year, where students will work full-time in a relevant industry setting. Upon returning for their final year, students will undertake advanced modules, including an 'Individual Research Project' and an 'Advanced Group Project' which often simulates a professional studio environment. The knowledge and experience gained during the placement year are expected to significantly inform and enhance their final year studies and project work.
Research Focus: The BSc (Hons) Games Art (Placement) program, while heavily practical, does encourage a research-informed approach to game art creation. The 'Individual Research Project' in the final year, undertaken after the placement, provides a key opportunity for students to delve into a specialized area of interest within games art. The experience gained during the placement year can significantly influence the direction and depth of this research, allowing students to explore real-world challenges and emerging trends they encountered in the industry. The program fosters a critical understanding of the games industry and the artistic principles that underpin successful game art, encouraging students to analyze existing games and develop their own innovative approaches based on both practical experience and theoretical knowledge.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a cornerstone of the BSc (Hons) Games Art (Placement) program. The dedicated placement year provides the most significant and direct form of industry experience, allowing students to work alongside professionals in a game development studio or a related company for a full year. The University of Gloucestershire has established links with various companies, and the placement year offers students the chance to contribute to real projects, gain valuable work experience, and build a professional network. Beyond the placement, the program's lecturers bring extensive industry experience to their teaching, providing students with current and relevant insights. The curriculum also incorporates 'live briefs', 'game jams', and opportunities to attend industry events, further enhancing students' exposure to the professional world of game development. The "UoG Connections Promise" further underscores the university's commitment to facilitating industry connections for its students.
Global Perspective: The skills and portfolio developed during the BSc (Hons) Games Art (Placement) program are highly transferable in the global games industry. While the placement year is typically within the UK, the experience gained working in a professional environment is universally valuable. The program's use of industry-standard software and its focus on developing a strong, professional-level portfolio equip graduates to compete for jobs internationally. Furthermore, an understanding of the diverse global market for video games is implicitly fostered through the study of the industry as a whole. Graduates with the added experience of a placement year are likely to be particularly attractive to international employers, demonstrating a higher level of practical experience and professional readiness.
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 (Placement) program are exceptionally well-prepared for a wide array of careers within the competitive and expanding games industry and beyond. The integrated placement year provides a significant advantage, equipping graduates with invaluable real-world experience and a professional network.
3D Artist: The placement year provides practical experience in creating high-quality 3D models for games, making graduates highly desirable for roles as 3D Artists specializing in characters, props, or environments. This hands-on experience with industry pipelines and software gained during the placement will set them apart.
Environment Artist: With a year's experience contributing to actual game worlds during their placement, graduates are strongly positioned for roles as Environment Artists, building immersive and visually compelling game levels with a deeper understanding of optimization and technical considerations.
Character Artist: The placement can offer a focused opportunity to work on character creation, from high-poly sculpting to game-ready models, making graduates highly attractive to studios seeking dedicated Character Artists with proven practical skills.
Concept Artist: While the placement is more practical, the program’s emphasis on concept art, combined with the industry exposure during the placement, can lead to Concept Artist roles, where graduates can leverage their understanding of game art production in their design work.
Technical Artist: The placement year is particularly beneficial for aspiring Technical Artists, offering the chance to work directly with game engines, tools, and workflows, and to understand the technical challenges faced by art teams in a professional setting.
Animator: Graduates with a passion for bringing movement to games can leverage their placement experience to secure roles as Animators, having potentially worked on animation pipelines and character rigging in a professional studio.
UI Artist: The placement may involve contributing to the user interface, giving graduates an edge when applying for UI Artist positions, with practical experience in designing intuitive and visually appealing in-game interfaces.
Texture/Material Artist: A placement provides significant hands-on experience in creating and implementing textures and materials for game assets, making graduates highly competent and competitive for Texture or Material Artist roles.
Junior Game Designer (with Artistic Strength): The understanding of game art and the development pipeline gained during the placement, combined with their artistic skills, can open doors to Junior Game Designer roles, especially in studios where a strong visual sense is valued.
Freelance Games Artist: The professional experience, portfolio development, and industry contacts made during the placement year provide an excellent foundation for graduates who wish to pursue a career as a Freelance Games Artist, offering their specialized skills to various clients in the UK and internationally.
