Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BA (Hons)
Games Art
Create immersive worlds that captivate players. Develop creative, technical, and professional skills to become a games artist in an exciting global industry.
Course overview
-
WG24 -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
21 Sep 2026
Worlds where art, imagination, and technology collide
Games art sits at the cutting edge of creativity, blending visual storytelling, design theory, and powerful digital tools to create immersive worlds players can explore, inhabit, and remember. On this course, you’ll develop artistic confidence, technical fluency, and industry awareness, preparing you to thrive in the fast-moving world of games and interactive media.
You’ll learn by doing – experimenting, refining, and pushing your creative boundaries – while building a professional portfolio that showcases your individual style, technical ability, and career direction.
As part of your course, you’ll:
- Apply core principles of design, composition, and visual storytelling to games art and digital media
- Develop practical 2D/3D visualisation skills using industry-standard tools and professional workflows
- Build and showcase a distinctive personal portfolio that reflects your creative identity and career ambitions
- Explore the ideas, influences, and contexts behind games art to understand how it operates within cultural, technical, and production environments
- Learn how digital assets are created, optimised, and implemented within game engines and visualisation technologies
- Undertake in-depth academic and practice-based research within your chosen area of specialism
Follow us on social media
Follow us on X @games_leeds to discover standout student work, creative projects, and the latest course updates.
Prepare for your study
Before your first lecture, you’ll complete a series of motivating summer projects designed to sharpen your skills, spark ideas, and help you start thinking like a games artist from day one.
Informed by industry
Your learning is shaped by the real world of games development. Developed in consultation with industry partners including Rockstar Leeds and Team17, this course ensures your skills, workflows, and creative thinking align with current and emerging industry practices.
You’ll graduate with a strong, industry-informed skill set focused on professional creative production, ready to step confidently into studio environments.
Inspired learning
Your learning will be hands-on, ambitious, and results-driven, guided by experienced staff who bring together theory, practice, and industry insight.
Strong industry links mean you’ll have opportunities to build your professional network while you study. You’ll attend major annual events such as the Game Republic Student Showcase, the Vertex 2D/3D Art Conference (London), and the Yorkshire Games Festival. You’ll also benefit from guest lectures by leading creatives, including Disney Animator Aaron Blaise, giving you direct insight into the world’s top studios and artists.
Specialist facilities
You’ll work in dedicated creative spaces using the same tools trusted by professionals. With access to software including ZBrush, 3ds Max, Maya, Substance Painter, Adobe Creative Suite, alongside HD screen-based drawing tablets, you’ll have everything you need to reach your creative potential.
Opportunities of tomorrow
Leeds Beckett University is an Unreal Engine Academic Partner, preparing you for careers in real-time 3D, interactive media, virtual production, and emerging creative technologies. Through the Academic Partner Program, you’ll benefit from access to enterprise-level software, premium service subscriptions, Marketplace credits, and opportunities that support ambitious creative projects.
Why study the BA (Hons) Games Art course at Leeds Beckett University?
- Networking opportunities – connect with professionals through guest lectures and events, featuring studios such as Rebellion, Ubisoft, Atomhawk, and Disney Animator Aaron Blaise
- Industry-shaped curriculum – developed in consultation with Rockstar Leeds and Team17, ensuring your learning reflects real studio practice
- Graduate with impact – showcase your work to leading employers at the end-of-year degree show
- Learn from experienced practitioners – you’ll be taught by staff with extensive expertise in design theory, creative practice, and professional workflows
- Immerse yourself in industry – course and industry trips, including the Yorkshire Games Festival, place you at the heart of the games community
Explore videos and blogs
Student Work | Creative Technologies Explore student work from our Creative Technologies subject area. Curious about what you could create at Leeds School of Arts? Join us at one of our Leeds Beckett University Open Days to find out more.
Leeds School of Arts ‘When I feel like I’m sinking’ is a poem to mark the opening of the Leeds School of Arts building at Leeds Beckett University. Recited by the poet and Leeds Beckett graduate, Zodwa Nyoni, this short film showcases the creative work produced by our Performing Arts, Music and Sound, Filmmaking, and Creative Technologies students and graduates.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
112
points required
If you’re unsure how to work out your UCAS points we have a UCAS Tariff Calculator which will do it for you. All you need to do is enter your qualifications and let the UCAS Tariff Calculator do the maths.
We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
Entry requirements
112
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 112 points required.
(Minimum 72 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies.).
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
GCSEs
GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade 4 or above (Grade C for GCSEs taken before 2017) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points.T Levels
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points, including a C or above on the core.Scottish Awards
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade B or above.Irish Leaving Certificate
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 subjects at higher level of which at least 3 must be grade H3 or above.International baccalaureate
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
How we assess your application
At Leeds Beckett we look for students who demonstrate a good knowledge, curiosity and passion for your chosen course and would benefit from the University’s learning environment.
We aim to give every student a fair chance to progress and succeed on their chosen course and we recognise that your grades may not always reflect your true potential. Therefore, when assessing your application, we will consider the following:
- Your completed qualifications (such as GCSEs, A Levels, and their equivalents).
- Your predicted grades in future examinations.
- Your personal statement.
Our offers
All our offers are made by trained professionals who are committed to making offers that are appropriate to each applicant, regardless of their background.* They have the discretion to vary the level of offer to ensure every student with the potential to succeed at Leeds Beckett receives an offer that is achievable for them. This could mean that you may receive an offer to study on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff.  Your offer will be based on our belief that you are capable of benefiting from, and successfully completing, your course. We believe that it is people who think differently, independently, people with ‘unlike-minds' that make big things happen.
*We operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we consider a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria may be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff.
Our contextual admissions criteria are:
- Home postcode is in an area where few people go to University (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area. This can be checked on the Office for Students website).
- Declared disability on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part-time applicants).
- Over the age of 21 on the 1st of September before the course starts.
- Declared as a care experienced on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part-time applicants).
Our place as an Anchor Institution
To further strengthen our position as a key provider of education and training for West Yorkshire we apply an Anchor Institution Policy in our admissions process. Students who apply to us from any of the five Local Authority areas in West Yorkshire (BD, HD, HX, LS, WF) may be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points.  
Our commitment to your creativity
We ask all successful applicants to attend an on campus session with Leeds School of Arts. Why? Because we want to invest in YOU! This is an opportunity to use our fantastic facilities, meet the academic staff who will teach you, and meet students you will study with. You will also take part in taster sessions, specific to your area of study, all of which will help strengthen your professional skills.
Mature Applicants
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our 'Recognition of Prior Learning' policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable. All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade 4 in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
International baccalaureate
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
There are no traditional exams on this course.
What you'll learn
Gain the fundamental skills to become a digital artist and designer. This module will give you the tools to communicate visually using digital and non-digital methods. You'll practise a blend of technical and expressive drawing skills, such as life drawing, drawing from life, mark-making, technical drawing, perspective, composition, light and shade, and colour theory. By studying documentation and how everyday objects are constructed, you'll begin to understand the importance of observing the world around you.
This module introduces the key principles, rule systems and techniques used in game design. You'll study the pipeline of developing a game idea and taking it through to a pitch. This process will include creating a narrative hook, developing the mechanics, researching – inside and outside of the games industry - and designing the game for its intended audience. You'll share your ideas through a design document and presentation.
In this introductory module, you'll learn how to take a theme or idea from initial concept through to a finished 3D environment. You'll explore iterative and informed design processes, developing an understanding of how research, reference, and cultural context shape effective environment design. Through sketching both interiors and exteriors, you'll build strong visual foundations before progressing to digital workflows. By the end of the module, you'll understand the fundamentals of digital environment painting and gain experience modelling environments and assets using appropriate 2D and 3D software.
Understand how to create and produce character designs for use in computer games. This module will introduce you to the process of taking a theme or core idea from paper-based development to a 2D and 3D visualisation. You'll learn how to critically research and develop ideas around core and cultural themes. This module will cover the process of sketching characters and applying appropriate anatomical reference of subjects to underpin design methodology. Finally, you'll study the 2D digital process of rendering characters in Photoshop, as well as workflows involved in modelling assets in 3D sculpting packages.
What you'll learn
Develop the flexibility to produce a comprehensive body of work, within your area of interest. You'll explore roles within industry, as well as noteworthy practitioners and begin to experiment with creative visualisation methods that align with your key interests. Building on the art and design principles taught in year one, you'll develop a portfolio of work containing substantial evidence of visual artefacts. Your portfolio will be a culmination of the techniques you've learned and applied to individual practice.
Explore the intersection of historical, contemporary and speculative approaches to cultures that influence and emerge from computer games. This module will encourage you to understand the bias in your own practice and interests. You'll critically consider the ways social and technical shifts shape aspects of culture, including aesthetics, narrative, game mechanics, power, audiences, customs and politics. You'll gain a sense of your position within gaming cultures and wider cultural histories, building your confidence to experiment.
This module will teach the pipeline of production for game assets, characters and environments, including taking premade assets into a suitable game engine. You'll begin to understand the design and production process to create these assets. In addition, you'll be able to understand the lighting and rendering processes as they relate to a game engine.
What you'll learn
This module will build upon the special areas of interest developed in the portfolio module in year two. It will enable you to focus on the specific outputs needed to take the next step into full industry employment. During this module, you should have a specialist area of interest and be aiming to produce 4-6 pieces of finished work within it. This could be a series of matte paintings, digital sculpted models, or a selection of environment dioramas in any style and in a genre of your choosing. They must be underpinned by detailed reference and iteration, and this reference and iteration should be present for every final piece.
Evaluate your own work, and the work of the broader creative community. This module will enable you to undertake rigorous research around an area of the games art and design industry. Your research should be driven by an area of industry that interests you and your career aspirations. You'll critically reflect upon your own practice, that of your peers and the creative practice as a whole.
Experience what it's like to work on a real-world industry brief. In this module, you'll specialise in an area such as character, environment, asset, creature, or vehicle design, producing a focused body of work that reflects professional practice. You'll learn how to interpret briefs, manage constraints, and identify creative opportunities, developing work that balances artistic vision with industry expectations. Ultimately, this module helps you refine your practice while building confidence, adaptability, and a portfolio aligned with the demands of the creative industries.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘placement’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree and will extend the length of your course by an additional year.
Students who choose the placement route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.
Fees and funding
£9,790
UK
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
Placement Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee, which is yet to be confirmed.
£16,840
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
Placement Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2526.Fees and funding
£9,790
For students entering in 2026
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
Placement Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee, which is yet to be confirmed.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- All Adobe software and various 3D modelling packages are free to use from home with your student login.
- Game engines such as Unity3D and Unreal Engine are free to download.
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Optional Costs
- Course educational visits. Costs will vary.
- Zbrush digital sculpting software.
- Graphics tablet for home use.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£16,840
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
Placement Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2526.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- All Adobe software and various 3D modelling packages are free to use from home with your student login.
- Game engines such as Unity3D and Unreal Engine are free to download.
Optional Costs
- Course educational visits. Costs will vary.
- Zbrush digital sculpting software.
- Graphics tablet for home use.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that an education at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us for undergraduate study, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship or bursary to help with the cost of university. To find out if you are be eligible visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
We also offer a range of non-repayable scholarships for international students. To find out if you may be eligible visit our scholarships for international students page and select your home country from the drop-down list.
BA (Hons) Games Art Positioned at the intersection of art and technology, this course will provide a practical and creative exploration in the production of art for games. You will engage prior to arrival through a series of stimulating summer projects, designed to prepare you for first year at the university.
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Student work
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Career prospects
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Student life
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
What does creativity mean to you? At Leeds School of Arts creativity lays behind everything we do. Find out what this word means to just some of our students.
Describe your experience of studying at Leeds Beckett What’s it like studying at Leeds School of Arts and Leeds Beckett University? Some of our students share their thoughts.
Explore Leeds Beckett
Step inside our immersive 360° virtual tour and discover cutting-edge facilities, dynamic learning spaces, and everything our campus has to offer.
Why Leeds?
With great music venues, culture, shopping and parks – we’ve got it all. Voted no.1 student city in the UK* and the Best Place to Live in the North and Northeast**.
*StudentCrowd, Best Student Cities UK, 2024
**The Sunday Times Best Place to Live guide, 2024.
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