Games Development (Art) BA(Hons)

About the course

From characters to environments, props to vehicles, in both 2D and 3D, good computer game artists create intricate pieces of art through visual storytelling and cohesive design, engaging and immersing players in another world.

If you see yourself as an artist or love the idea of creating the visual elements of a game – also known as game art – this degree is for you. During your studies, you’ll explore what is possible with games art and development, and creative production. You’ll also learn more about conceptualisation, character and environment art, level design and prototyping with game engines.

Our three Games Development courses share a common first year, so you’ll gain a thorough understanding in the basics of the game development process. As the course progresses, you’ll develop a broader appreciation for all art disciplines and, as your understanding evolves, you’ll become more specialised in your chosen area. Producing art and design prototypes, you’ll work both on your own but also in a group setting.

The top five job titles advertised in the UK for graduate roles associated with Games Development (Art) courses are Technical Artist, Character Artist, UI Artist, Games Testers and Game Designers.*

*Lightcast data – job postings from May 2022 to May 2023 showing jobs advertised associated with a selection of relevant graduate roles.

Why study Games Development (Art) BA(Hons) at Huddersfield?

Encouraging you to get creative and ambitious with your designs and develop visionary artwork, our tutors cover environmental design, digital sculpting, and 2D asset creation.

We also aim to introduce new technologies and developments within the games industry, as well as exploring the subject in context, exploring current research, issues, and ideas. Modules include 3D Games Asset Development, Visual Studies (for Video Games), and Games Prototyping.

You’ll have the chance to take part in lots of internal Game Jams, and we encourage you to hone your skills by getting involved in external events from the Global Game Jam, Grads in Games and Game Republic, in which previous students have performed highly at. We know the reason you want to study games development is because you want a job in the games industry, we maintain active links with business and industry figures ensuring our course can provide you with the skills to open doors to careers with substantial earning potential, enabling you to shape the life you want in the future.

Game art courses like this one are designed for the real-world; with this one carrying the ‘ScreenSkills Tick’, which identifies courses best suited to prepare you for a Creative Industries career.

As a graduate, you may consider employment in a wide range of sectors, including games design, games visualisation and narrative design. You may also choose to progress your studies further or game art design, exploring advanced courses in game art.

Entry requirements

In addition, GCSE English Language or Literature and Maths at grade 4 or above, or grade C or above if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

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