FdA Game Art

The Conservation and Education Centre at the former Bristol Zoo Gardens site remains open to students.

You will have private access to the zoo grounds during lectures, to carry out your observations and data collection, but as more animals are moved, this will gradually be carried out at the Bristol Zoo Project. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Games Art Course Description

Our Game Art Foundation Degree programme is an exciting two-year course based in Bristol at our University Centre Wise campus. The course is focused on providing you with the relevant skills to become a game artist, build a thorough portfolio ready to land your first job.

This foundation degree programme will develop professional skills required to create innovative and captivating game content. You will also gain valuable knowledge on how to succeed in the games industry using industry-standard software, methods, and pipelines. Software used includes Unreal Engine game development software; Autodesk Maya 3D modelling software; ZBrush sculpting software; Photoshop image-editing software; Substance Suite and Ableton audio editing software.

Within the course, you will focus on well-established visual elements of games. You will develop your drawing and design skills with intent on applying these to related elements, such as concepting; character and environment art and 3D modelling. Complementing this learning, you will study emerging and specialist areas within the games industry, providing you with insight into the latest trends, preparing you skillset for jobs now and in the future.

Combining creativity with emerging and established technology, you will be part of a foundation degree offering innovation, imagination, and employability at its heart.

Once you have completed this two-year Game Art Foundation Degree programme you can top-up your qualification by completing our BA (Hons) Game Art and Production.‍

What projects will I work on?

The Game Art Foundation Degree programme is split into 9 modules over two years. Year 1 will ground you in creative design, development and production; alongside, 3D modelling and the fundamentals of game art. Year 2 builds on the skills learned and extends your knowledge base. You will tackle advanced game art practices; alongside extended 3D modelling, sculpting and rendering.

Why SGS Higher Education and University Centre?

We have dedicated specialist tutors and smaller class sizes offering you the support you need to help develop at the pace that’s right for you. Alongside this, we have opportunities for industry professionals providing bespoke lectures within different disciplines.

Get Kraken, our in-house studio offers an exciting opportunity for you to work in a real studio alongside your studies. If selected, you will become part of the team designing and developing a game to be released in the 2nd year of the course! We are part of Bristol Academy of Media (BAM) so can offer collaboration between the two departments: Games and Media. This helps expand the reach of the course and provides the opportunity to learn about the wider avenues surrounding the technologies used. Alongside your study you will have the opportunity to get involved in our Sports Academy. Whether you're a top-level athlete or you just want to give something a go, you can get involved with our sports academies, the competing arm of SGS Sport. Students can 'bolt on' a sports academy alongside their full-time study programme

Understanding the Games Industry

The games industry is rapidly growing globally. Within the UK, over 44 million people play video games; the industry employs over 47,000 people; and is worth upwards of £4 billion. On completion

of the course you can top up to get a BA (Hons) in Game Art and Production or work within the games industry as a freelancer, indie developer, or in a AAA company. Previous students now work for Auroch Digital, Flaming Fowl Studios, Flix Interactive, Double Eleven and many more.

"I cannot recommend this degree highly enough"

"I truly believe I would not have prospered and succeeded to find that course that I am now so enthusiastic about without the constant aid and support of the lecturers as well as the abundance of support that the University Centre has to offer. I like that the classes are smaller as it allows the friendly lecturers to focus on us as individuals and explain what is needed to pass in full detail whilst leaving enough room to research on our own. I cannot recommend this degree highly enough."

Kyle

FdA Game Art

Study Modules

GA4001

Creative Design, Development and Production Techniques for Video Games

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This module aims to introduce you to the theory and practical aspects of design, development, and production of video games, including but not limited to physical prototyping, digital prototyping and the initial stages of the production pipeline. You will enhance your knowledge and understanding of video games and genres as well as development and production methodologies. You will also have the opportunity to explore a range of creative approaches and evolve technical skills using industry standard software.

Assignment: 30% (1,500 words or equivalent)

Practical Assessment: 70 % (3,000 words or equivalent)

GA4003

Introduction to 3D Modelling and Game Graphics

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This module will introduce you to the industry tools and techniques that are involved in 3D Modelling and Texturing for video games. You will focus on asset modelling and texturing for game content in order to create modular components to build game environments.

Portfolio: 50% (2250 words or equivalent)

GR4001

Fundamentals of Game Art

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In this module, students will develop a rigorous approach to the acquisition of fundamental game art skills. The module will provide the opportunity for extensive practice of traditional drawing and digital painting techniques. Learners will, under direction and supervision, produce studies from life, imagination, and reference, collected from a variety of sources. These will inspire self-reflection and inform the creation of refined concept art portfolio pieces.

Portfolio: 70% (3150 words or equivalent)

Written Essay: 30% (1350 words or equivalent)

PM4002

Digital Design Fundamentals

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This module will introduce fundamental skills and aims to build competency with industry-standard software. Students will develop essential techniques and knowledge in relevant programmes widely used in professional digital design applications.

100% Portfolio

GR5004

Advanced 3D Modelling & Texturing

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By the end of this module, you will have further developed the skills introduced in the level four 3D modelling and texturing tasks. There will be a clear focus on low to hi-poly asset modelling and texturing for game content. You will use these techniques to create sculpted organic components and more advanced texturing techniques.

50% Portfolio 3000 words (or equivalent)

GA5008

Game Production

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This module will simulate a small ‘Games Studio’ environment where you will work in a team comprised of students from multiple discipline pathways. Building on both interpersonal and technical skills, you will negotiate roles and create a production plan to develop an artefact, which will then form the basis for critical reflection. You will work in your teams under the supervision of staff, to create a vertical slice of a game experience product to include mechanic behaviour, artistic representation and user experience.

30% Presentation 2400 words (or equivalent)

70% Portfolio 3600 words (or equivalent)

GR5002

Advanced Game Art Practices

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In this module, students will have the opportunity to refine their skills and expand their knowledge of industry practices, by exploring more advanced techniques of visual communication and game art creation. Learners will operate with limited supervision and apply own artistic direction. They will use peer and tutor feedback to assist in visual problem solving and adapting to an intended audience. The module will guide the continued, extensive practice of both traditional and digital art techniques, culminating in the creation of a refined, skilfully developed collection of portfolio pieces.

Portfolio: 70% (4200 words or equivalent)

Written Essay: 30% (1800 words or equivalent)

GA5005

Sector-based Work Placement

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This module aims to prepare you for the industry through practical experience in a sector relevant placement, comprising 20 hours. There will be a clear focus on industry expectations, personal reflection and wider employability skills, ensuring you are prepared to enter the job market and successfully progress with your career.

Portfolio: 100% (3000 words or equivalent)

GA5002

Emergent Technology

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The module aims to develop your research abilities and investigative skills in the context of emergent technologies and industry trends. Exploring the production pipeline and production processes you will have an opportunity to explore various innovations and trends in the sector providing you with a platform to make informed discoveries which can then be experimented within. This experience will be reflective of the industry structure and expectations in both content and practical application.

Portfolio: 100% (3,000 words or equivalent)

Course Video

Stephen Barton

Subject Area Lead & Programme Lead for Computer Game Design Development, Game Art & Production, CDO Get Kraken Games

*This programme is subject to validation and delivery approval by the University of Gloucestershire.

APPLICATIONS FOR SEPT 2024 ENTRY ARE NOW CLOSED FOR THIS COURSE.APPLY VIA UCAS FOR FULL-TIME STUDY_(FULL-TIME)APPLY ONLINE FOR FULL-TIME STUDY_(FULL-TIME)APPLY ONLINE FOR PART-TIME STUDY_{(PART-TIME ONLY)}

Campus:

University Centre WISE

Level:

Foundation Degree

Full-time Duration:

2 Years

Full-time Fee (Per Year):

£8,500

Part-time Duration:

4 Years

Part-time Fee (Per Year):

£4,250

UCAS Application Code:

GA80

UCAS Entry Tariff:

Entry Requirements

The minimum UCAS tariff entry points from a level 3 qualification, GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4. Please submit a portfolio to be reviewed by Programme Lead. Once your portfolio has been reviewed, you may be invited for an interview. Mature students over 24 without the relevant qualifications will be required to demonstrate previous experience and evidence of academic ability.

CONTACT ADMISSIONS

Awarded by the University of Gloucestershire Awarded by the University of Arts London

Course info last updated:

April 14, 2025

Full-Time

Part-Time

Delivery Format

The delivery format for your degree-level programs is primarily face-to-face and in-person sessions. However, there may be some hybrid sessions offered occasionally, mainly for flexibility purposes, such as tutorials or for larger events like visiting lecturers. Additionally, it's mentioned that all degree programs are well-supported by Virtual Learning Environments, which include Teams or Google Classroom.

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