Games Art

Why study this course?

Our Games Art programme focuses on the visual side of the video game industry, including specialist areas such as concept art, UI, 3D modelling, environment and character design. You will be introduced to the key points in the creative process, from initial concepting through to the production of final assets, as well as the technical skills required to implement these into a working video game.

The Games Art programme has a collaborative group project module with our Games Design and Games Programming courses, so Games Art students can work with programmers and designers to produce commercial quality games. 95% of final year Computer games and animation students at The University of Northampton agreed they were satisfied with the course, while 100% of students agreed that staff have made the subject interesting.*

Other highlights include:

• Up to date workstation hardware and software, including Wacom Cintiqs and Wacom Intuos.

• Opportunities to take part in live projects and competitions.

By studying at the University of Northampton, you can be sure that:

• Our expert academics teach in small groups supported with one to one assistance. Our academics and students form a tight bond, providing individualised support and guidance whilst challenging students academically.

• Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd.

• At UON we guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time, first year students who apply and accept their room offer by June 2026 - and we won't ask for a deposit for September 2026*.

• Students enrolling on this course at Northampton will be provided with their own brand new laptop** to keep at no additional cost. All sports clubs and societies are free to join at Northampton and every essential course text book is available via the library, meaning you won’t have to purchase copies. For more information on this visit our website (northampton.ac.uk/benefits).

• You will experience student life at the University’s £330 million Waterside Campus. Come along to an Open Day and find out more.

The Northampton Employment Promise

In fact, we’re so confident in our careers and employability support that if you achieve at least a 2:2 degree and complete either our Employability Plus Gold programme or achieve a Changemaker Gold Certificate during your time studying with us, but still haven’t secured full-time employment 12 months after graduating, we will secure a three – six month paid internship for you or support you into postgraduate study.

✱ eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/ for more information
✱✱ eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information

Stage 1

• Drawing Fundamentals (compulsory)
• 2D Games Asset Production (compulsory)
• 3D Games Asset Production (compulsory)
• 3D Character Art (compulsory)
• Material Development for Games (compulsory)
• Group Game Project: Fundamentals (compulsory)

Stage 2

• 3D Environment Modelling (compulsory)
• Digital Sculpting Fundamentals (compulsory)
• Group Game Project: Advanced (compulsory)
• 3D Art for Game Engines (compulsory)
• Digiral Sculptin for Character Art (compulsory)

Optional Placement Year
• Learning Through Work (WBL) (designated)

Stage 3
• Art Director Portfolio, Final Major Project (compulsory)
• Professional Practice in Games (compulsory)
• Group Project 3 (Games) (compulsory)
• Visual Studies for Games 3 (compulsory)

Module information is quoted for 2024 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly.

The course is assessed in a number of ways:

• Studio based design projects (continual assessment)

• Portfolio development

• Written assignments

At each stage there will also be a joint group project with students from the BSc Computer Games Development course, resulting in a fully developed game.