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Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BA (Hons)
Games Art
Develop the practical and critical skills to become an expert digital artist within the games design and creative entertainment industries.
Course Overview
-
WG24 -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
16 Sep 2024
Explore design in the intersection between art, gaming and technology.
As part of your course you’ll:
- Apply the fundamentals of design theory to game art and related visual media
- Develop practical 2D/3D visualisation and compositional skills
- Establish your practice in the form of a personal portfolio
- Understand the application of critical studies in relation to game art and what is required when working on the production of digital assets within game engine and visualisation technologies
- Undertake personal, detailed academic and practical research in relation to your specialised subject area
- Validate your creative process through your dissertation and portfolio of work
Follow us on social media
Follow us on Instagram @leedsbeckettgames and on Twitter @games_leeds for additional course updates and student work.
You’ll engage with a series of stimulating summer projects before your course starts, designed to prepare you for first year of study.
Informed by an intellectually stimulating and challenging academic environment and developed in consultation with industry, including game studio and publisher Team17 and Rockstar Leeds, you’ll build a strong practical skillset focused on developing your creative practice.
Your learning will be results-driven, taught by staff with a wealth of experience in the principles, theory and application of design. Our strong links with industry will give you opportunities to start building your professional network whilst you study.
Your attendance at annual events such Games Republic, London’s Vertex 2D/3D art conference and guest lectures by leading practitioners such as Disney Animator Aaron Blaise will give access to the world's best creatives.
Specialist facilities
Within specialist facilities, software such as ZBrush, 3ds Max, Maya, Substance Painter, Adobe Creative Suite and HD screen-based drawing tablets, will provide you with the opportunity to reach your creative potential.
Why study Games Art at Leeds Beckett University...
- 13th in the UK for Animation and Game Design**
- Networking opportunities – you’ll have plenty of chances to come together with industry, and our guest lectures have included Rebellion, Ubisoft, Atomhawk and Disney Animator Aaron Blaise
- Rockstar Leeds and Team17 consulted on the development of this course, so your learning will prepare you for working in industry
- Showcase your work in front of leading employers at the end of year degree show
- Learn from industry professionals with a wealth of experience in the principles, theory and application of design
- Course and industry trips such as the Yorkshire Games Festival will help to immerse you in the industry
**2024 Guardian League Subject Tables
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 applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
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.
Our commitment to help every student succeed
Leeds Beckett University is committed to ensuring that every student with the potential to succeed at our University is able to do so regardless of their background. For this reason we operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we take into account a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria will be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff (above).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).
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 C 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.
Teaching & Learning
What you'll learn
During this introductory module, you'll learn how to take a theme or an idea, from concept, through to finished 3D render. You'll be guided through the importance of iterative and informed design practices as you begin to relate to the field of environment design.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
This module will give you your first taste of working on an industry brief. You'll specialise in one of the following areas: character, environment, asset, creature, or vehicle design as you produce an indicative body of work in this area.
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.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘sandwich’ 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, typically making your course four years in total.
Students who choose the sandwich 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 & Funding hellooo
£9,250
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1385.
£16,000
International 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2400.Fees & Funding
£9,250
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1385.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.
£16,000
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2400.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.
13th
in the UK for Animation and Game Design
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.
Student work
Leeds School of Arts Leeds School of Arts encourages individuality, inspires creativity, and creates impact.
Leeds School of Arts Festival 2020 Graduates from Architecture, Art and Design, Creative Technologies, Film, Music and Sound and Performing Arts present work that responds to an evolving world and challenges our preconceptions about the future.
Moving on up
Leeds Beckett climbs 40 places in the Complete University Guide 2024
Your future in our hands
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.
As a former Rockstar Games Environment Artist (Grand Theft Auto V, Red Dead Redemption II) I understand the importance of all game art disciplines and how they contribute towards immersive storytelling. While studying with us you'll learn key art fundamentals, from perspective and anatomy drawing to composition, tonal drawing and silhouette study, to name a few. Furthermore, you'll create compelling 3D environments and characters using state-of-the-art equipment, software and game engines. Over the years we have built up good relationships with employers who provide guest lectures and frequent our showcases.
Marielle Reuser
Senior Lecturer
Marielle Reuser
Senior Lecturer / Leeds School Of Arts
With 10 years of experience working in the games industry, Marielle Reuser is a practicing digital artist whose work can be seen in AAA video games including Red Dead Redemption II.
Career Prospects
Your future career is our business. That's why we offer further study opportunities across all our subject areas. Our postgraduate courses are a great way to enhance the skills you have already learnt, benefit from our links with industry and give you a CV that will catch the eye of employers.
On graduating from this course, you will be a critically and intellectually informed practitioner. You will be an expert in the creative production pipeline, how to problem solve, and tell visual stories from conception through to completion. Within that process, you will be confident in your ability to select and evaluate the best ideas for development and be practised at working collaboratively. Your transferable skillset will give you the option to work across the creative media and digital entertainment sectors.
- Art director
- Creature designer
- Environment designer
- Character artist
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.
Our Graduate Promise
We have a dedicated team of people who will support you with all aspects of your career planning, from day one until 18 months after you graduate.
Getting you career ready is an integral part of your university life and this is embedded throughout your lectures and seminars. Outside of your course there is a wide range of support available to help you achieve your career goals, including:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Interview skills and assessment centres
- Connecting with employers and organisations
Your Beckett experience
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.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed.
Still thinking about your uni choices? Discover Uni has official information to help you decide. They provide statistics for courses taken from national surveys and data collected from universities about their students.
