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Games Development (Art) BA(Hons)

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    Overview

    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

    To find out if you’re eligible to start this course in September 2025 and get more information on how to apply, please see our Clearing pages or call our Clearing Helpline on 0333 987 9000.

    If you’re interested in studying this course in September 2026, please view the 2026-27 course information.

    Course Detail

    Core modules:

    Concept Development 1

    The module explores methods and practices around concept development and generating ideas for games. We aim to develop your understanding of game concepts, rules and mechanics through evaluation and critique of traditional and computer games, as well as gaining practical skills in the development and refinement or original concepts including formal iterative design methods, design documentation and visual and verbal presentation skills.

    Games Team Project 1

    The Games industry relies on professionals who work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams. This module gives you an early experience of both developing game assets and working as part of a team in which such artefacts are planned, designed, implemented and evaluated. The module aims to provide you with an understanding of industry best practices within the games industry. This includes reflective and peer assessment of contribution to the team effort. You will gain introductory experience of a product development cycle, technology limitations, and possible future developments relevant to the course.

    3D Games Asset Development

    The module has been designed to introduce you to the principles of 3D asset creation for current generation video games and integration into games engines. During the module you will examine workflows for specific platforms and technologies, while developing an understanding of the requirements of developing assets to specific design briefs and styles.

    Your Game Development Journey

    The aim of this module is to provide you with a range of core transferrable skills that you will need in your studies and, looking further ahead, in your career. The module focuses on broadening your understanding of Computer Games Development/Design by exploring cutting edge technologies, innovation, research and career opportunities in the context of the Games industry. The first part of the module explores the support and resources available to you at the university, leading to the creation of a personal development plan. Building on this foundation, the second part of the module focuses on developing your research and academic writing skills.

    Games Prototyping 1

    The module aims to develop your technical skills and knowledge in game engine prototyping, using a state-of-the-art game engine, to design and develop a game prototype. Practical studio themes will be developed by tutors which are aimed at helping you to gain an understanding of how the theory fits in with computer games design. You will be introduced to the concepts and principles that underpin the creation of game prototypes and will use a visual scripting language to control actions, interactions and animations.

    3D Character Development

    The module will introduce you to the practical principles and theoretical knowledge of creating digital 3D characters. Examining a broad range of applications for 3D production and optimisation for games development you will create your own characters, from introductory models to complete character production pipeline.

    Core Modules:

    Games Design and Development 2

    This module builds on prior knowledge gained in previous study of game engines. You will be introduced to principles and good practices when designing and prototyping for game building. It will explore how assets and levels may be designed, created, imported and manipulated in (an) industry standard gaming environment(s). The module will then progress your understanding of scripting using an object-based language and will equip you with the skills to script interactions, actions and animations.

    Team Project (Games)

    You will partake in multiple weeklong game jams, working as part of a team to design, develop and produce a game. The module will allow you to develop your understanding and practical abilities in games production processes on both a technical and professional level, with a strong focus on team and communication skills and encouraging an active approach to individual professional development and team responsibilities. You and your team are expected to conform to professional working standards and follow an agreed code of conduct as part of the module; individual contributions to teamwork and attendance on timetabled sessions contribute to assessment and will be monitored.

    3D Environment and Hard Surface Production

    This module gives you the opportunity to develop and demonstrate a mix of practical and conceptual skills. The module focuses on the requirements for hard surface modelling techniques and 3D environment creation processes. Studio sessions will be used to introduce and discuss a range of theory and examples of current practice regarding environmental design processes. You will work individually to undertake practical assignments and develop your analysis and production skills through practice; using a combination of digital tools and techniques to produce a portfolio.

    Visual Design for Games

    This module provides an opportunity for you to develop your understanding of the process, practice and production of visual assets for game production; exploring creative, conceptual and technical approaches to asset production in relation to your field of study. The module will introduce a range of approaches, techniques, and frameworks. You will develop your visual literacy and production skills through practice; using a combination of traditional (paper based) and DCC tools and techniques in the production of an original portfolio.

    3D Digital Sculpture and Character Creation

    You will examine the development of character development focusing particularly on the production and planning of 3D characters for games. You will develop the skillset of design and development of characters ranging from conceptual design, sculpting and texturing to final production of rigging for animation and game engine implementation.

    This course offers an optional one-year work placement after Year 2.

    Core modules:

    Individual Project

    This module is driven by you. You are asked to select a problem to solve which is relevant to your degree, and of appropriate scope and depth to be tackled within a timeframe of 30 weeks. Carrying out the project enables you to develop and demonstrate your ability to undertake research, manage time, use your initiative, learn independently, discuss and write convincingly on a subject requiring independent learning. A supervisor will support you throughout your project. You’ll use your existing knowledge and be encouraged to acquire additional skills as you carry out your project. The aim of the project is to suggest a solution to an identified problem. Your final report should describe the aims, scope and motivation of the project, the research you have undertaken, and the technical solution provided, including justification for design and development decisions.

    Team Project (Games)

    Teams of approximately 8 students will form a games development team, allocating production roles and responsibilities as per standard games industry studio structure. Working from an agreed design outline, you will develop a professional quality game, to either a publishable standard or in the case of larger titles a vertical slice with the potential to attract publisher investment. You are expected to conform to professional working standards and an agreed code of conduct, this will include polished pitching and proposals, collaborative team working driven via sound project management and structured task assignment alongside an Agile development approach.

    Advanced Visual Design for Games

    The module encourages an examination of the role of context, pre-production, production and post-production techniques in the commission, design and development of digital game art. A combination of current theory and case studies will provide the context for you to explore a range of analytical frameworks from which to critique contemporary game culture and your own working pipeline and practice. You will then further explore specialised topics and design practice through independent research, defining a suitable brief before synthesising their individual knowledge, conceptual and practical skills into an original body of visual work for a defined context.

    Advanced 3D (Design and Production)

    The module provides an opportunity for you to develop and demonstrate the synthesis of practical and conceptual skills for the planning and implementation of complex 3D projects focusing on the creation of 3D worlds and environments. Studio sessions will be used to introduce and discuss a range of theory and examples of current practice relating to the subject. You will work individually to undertake practical assignments. Individual independent research will allow you to demonstrate your understanding and knowledge of a chosen specialist topic.

    This course has been developed to focus on practical skills underpinned by technical theory. You will be taught through a series of lectures, tutorials, studio-based teaching and practical sessions. An average of 20%* of the study time on this course is spent with your tutors (either face to face or online) in lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions etc.

    Assessment is varied and includes coursework, presentations and demonstrations, as well as formal examinations. There are opportunities for group working, in addition to individual assessments.

    Your module specification/course handbook will provide full details of the assessment criteria applying to your course.

    Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.

    *based on the course structure for 2025 entry as at December 2023.

    Further information

    The teaching year normally starts in September with breaks at Christmas and Easter, finishing with a main examination/assessment period around May/June. Timetables are normally available one month before registration. As this is a full-time course, you may have to attend every day of the week.

    Your course is made up of modules and each module is worth a number of credits. Each year you study modules to the value of 120 credits, adding up to 360 credits in total for a bachelor’s qualification. These credits can come from a combination of core, compulsory and optional modules but please note that optional modules may not run if we do not have enough students interested.

    If you achieve 120 credits for the current stage you are at, you may progress to the next stage of your course, subject to any professional, statutory or regulatory body guidelines.

    1. The University of Huddersfield has been rated Gold in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. We were the only university in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West to achieve Gold ratings in all three aspects of the TEF among those announced in September 2023. In fact only 13 Universities, out of the 96 that were announced in September 2023, were Gold in all three ratings.

    2. Further proof of teaching excellence: our staff rank in the top three in England for the proportion who hold doctorates, who have higher degrees, and hold teaching qualifications (HESA 2024). So, you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.

    3. We are first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 22 since 2008 (2023 data).

    4. We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award, recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).

    At Huddersfield, you'll study the Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* so that you gain valuable qualities and experiences that could help you to get the career you want, no matter what your field of study is. On completion of the Award, you'll receive a GPA certificate from the University of Huddersfield, alongside the specialist subject skills and knowledge you gain as part of your degree, which may help to set you apart from other graduates.

    Giving students access to the Global Professional Award is one of the reasons the University won ‘Best University Employability Strategy’ award at the National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2021. Find out more on the Global Professional Award webpage.

    *full-time, undergraduate first degrees with a minimum duration of three years. This does not include postgraduate, foundation, top-up, accelerated or apprenticeship degrees.

    Placements

    This course offers you the chance to undertake an optional placement in Year 3. This opportunity helps you to build on the knowledge and skills developed on the course. You will be employed by the company for 12 months, but the actual number of weeks worked will be dependent on the annual leave entitlement you are given in line with the placement company’s policy.

    The placement year is a valuable tool that can enhance your employability and help you to develop as an individual. It is acknowledged that graduates with industry experience are generally much more attractive to employers.

    The Placement team support you in finding suitable placement opportunities, through timetabled and drop-in sessions as well as by appointment. They will assist you with preparing your CV and with interview techniques. They'll also be in contact with you during your placement so that you'll be fully supported while you gain the experience that employers value so highly. They are regularly in contact with local and national companies. You can find more information on placements here.

    The games industry is extremely competitive, and studying at The University of Huddersfield prepared me with a foundational skillset to get noticed and to land my first role.

    None

    James Witcomb, Computer Games Design, Associate Game Design Director, Criterion Games

    Games Development

    Our Games Development courses share a common first year, so you will gain a thorough understanding in the basics of the game development process, including how to plan, design and create game ideas and concepts. Learning to produce design prototypes, concept and artwork, scripting and playtesting all to learn the skills of the entire game production cycle.

    Virtual Reality Equipment
    Wacom drawing tablet
    Playtesting games
    Specialist Computer Games Lab

    Discover more about the course

    Your Career

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    Professional Links & Accreditations

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    Career Support

    Check out the personalized guidance we offer students.

    Further Study

    Learn about pursuing a masters or PhD here post-graduation.

    Research Excellence

    See how our innovative research shapes what you'll learn.

    Student Support

    Discover all the support available so you can flourish.

    Important information

    We will always try to deliver your course as described on this web page. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below.

    Changes to a course you have applied for

    If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

    Cancellation of a course you have applied for

    Although we always try and run all of the course we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will contact you to discuss other suitable courses with us we can transfer your application to. If we notify you that the course you have applied to has been withdrawn or combined, and you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

    Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

    We will always try to deliver your course and other services as described. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below:

    Changes to option modules

    Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have a range of options to choose from and we will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

    Major changes

    We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change in this context is a change that materially changes the services available to you; or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.

    For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

    Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but this may not always be the case. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation with affected students. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

    Termination of course

    In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include transferring to a suitable replacement course for which you are qualified, being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered, or claiming an interim award and exiting the University. If you do not wish to take up any of the options that are made available to you, then you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the course without liability to the University for future tuition fees and you will be entitled to a refund of all course fees paid to date. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

    When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by a framework of regulations, policies and procedures, which form the basis of your agreement with us. These include regulations regarding the assessment of your course, academic integrity, your conduct (including attendance) and disciplinary procedure, fees and finance and compliance with visa requirements (where relevant). It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to abide by them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you will also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to. You should read these carefully before you enrol. Please note that this information is subject to change and you are advised to check our website regularly for any changes before you enrol at the University. A person who is not party to this agreement shall not have any rights under or in connection with it. Only you and the University shall have any right to enforce or rely on the agreement.

    Equal opportunities

    The University of Huddersfield is an equal opportunities institution. We aim to create conditions where staff and students are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, age, race, caste, class, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, family responsibility, trade union activity, political or religious belief, or age. Please visit our website to see our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy

    Data protection

    The University holds personal data on all enquirers, applicants and enrolled students. All such data is kept and processed in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Legislation. The University’s Data Protection Policy and Privacy Notices are available on the University website.

    Students’ Union membership

    Under the 1994 Education Act, students at all UK universities have the right to join, or not to join, the Students’ Union. There is no membership fee. If you choose not to join you have the right not to be disadvantaged; however, you are not entitled to vote, take part in elections, or hold any office. The following arrangements apply in order that non-Union members are not disadvantaged: Non-members are welcome to take part in the activities of Affiliated Clubs and Societies on payment of the appropriate subscription. However, they may not vote or hold office in the society or club. Union members may be offered a discounted subscription. Non-members are free to use Union facilities on the same basis as members. Welfare, catering and shops are available to non-members as well as members. Union members may be offered a discounted price.

    The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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