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BA (Hons)Computer Games (Art)

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Starting in2024
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UCAS code: G450
Institution code: S30
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps

Why study a computer games (art) degree at Solent University

With a key focus on core game art skills, professionalism and portfolio building, this degree prepares you for an exciting career at the forefront of the gaming industry.

  • Top0
    in the UK for teaching for computer games and animation studies (NSS 2023)
  • Top0
    in the UK for learning opportunities for computer games and animation studies (NSS 2023)
  • 0%
    of students feel IT resources and facilities support their learning well (NSS 2023)
  • Many of our graduates have gone on to work at AAA studios in the UK and across the world. These include Rockstar Games, Epic Games, Frontier Developments, Codemasters, Airship Interactive, and Sumo Digital.
  • For the past five years we have had finalists in both Sumo Digital Grads for Games competitions, including overall Character Category winners.
  • Benefit from access to high-end hardware and software, including Unreal Engine 5, Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter and Designer, and Marvellous Designer.
  • Develop projects with students on other gaming courses at Solent.
  • Gain industry insight from guest lecturers who are industry professionals and experts.
  • Take part in a wide range of extracurricular activities with our video games academy, game jams, end of year graduate show and freelancing through our in-house creative agency, Solent Creatives.

Course overview

During your studies you will be taught how to develop game ready assets for computer games and real-time simulations. A key focus is on guiding you on how to successfully combine the traditional and technical skills required to produce computer games art. The work you create in each module contributes to your overall portfolio.

Students benefit from free access to our dedicated high-spec computer games lab where they can make use of industry-standard software, including Unreal Engine 5, Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3ds Max, Adobe Suite (including Adobe Substance Painter, Adobe Substance Designer and Photoshop), Marvelous Designer and Maxon ZBrush.

Using these facilities, students build up a varied portfolio of creative work. From character models and level design to environment rendering and textures, this portfolio helps students to demonstrate their competencies to potential employers.

At Solent, our excellent industry links play a key part in student development, and past students have had the opportunity to work on live briefs for real clients. In addition, our academic team is formed of expert professionals who have wide-ranging experience in the gaming industry.

Any questions?

Contact UK admissions

Email: admissions@solent.ac.ukCall: 023 8201 5066

Contact international admissions

Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066

Student work

Our creative degrees allow our students to develop a critical eye for design with a knowledge of different design approaches and problem solving techniques. Take a look at some of the great work they produce.

Course features

  • Foundation year available

    If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years

  • Specialist facilities

    This course has access to specialist facilities

  • Further studies

    After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent

  • Top-up option

    If you have an appropriate Level 5 qualification, you can top it up to a degree in just a year

  • Study abroad

    You have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our partner universities for a semester on this course

Who is this course for?

This degree is for students who want to create computer games artwork.  Applicants should have a portfolio of traditional or digital artwork, and some awareness of the game art production processes.  It would be advantageous to have some experience of 3D modelling software and/or a game engine.  The course is suited to applicants who are interested in the intersection of artwork with technology,  

What does this course lead to?

A key focus of this degree is on providing skills and opportunities to build a game art portfolio suitable for gaining employment.  Students are encouraged to research and engage with current production techniques, and to consider ways in which they can futureproof their skillsets.

These skills will help students build portfolios suitable for gaining entry level roles for careers as; Environment Artists, Character Artists, Technical Artists and Game Animators.

Many of the skills learned on the BA (Hons) Computer Games (Art) degree are also transferable to related fields, such as Arch Viz, VFX, CGI and VR/AR.

Solent stories

Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.

Read more stories
Facilities were outstanding. We had access to the most up-to-date technology and software used in the gaming industry.

Headshot of Ziyi Yang

Ziyi Yang

Environment Artist

Meet the team

The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.

Facilities

During your studies you’ll have access to our dedicated computer games lab with industry-standard hardware and the latest software, including Adobe, Autodesk and Epic’s world-class Unreal Engine toolset.

Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.

    International opportunities

    Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.

    Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.

    For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.

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