BA (Hons) Game Art Bachelor's degree at Falmouth University

In this module, you'll be introduced to the techniques and styles used in the creation of concept art for games. You'll explore colour theory and composition, digital painting, storyboarding and graphic design principles while learning about contemporary and historical trends in the history of game art. You'll also gain an understanding of common visual communication models used in the making of concept art.

Undertaking a series of practical sessions, including life drawing classes, you'll learn the core principles of character art, while gaining an understanding of anatomy and proportion. You'll then apply these principles to the development of your own character art and explore methods of character sculpting within the game development pipeline.

This module introduces you to the basic principles of environment art for games. You'll undertake a series of practical assignments, exploring key techniques in 3D art, scene setup, modelling, UV mapping, texture creation, materials and shading. You'll then apply these methods to produce high-definition assets for use in the game development pipeline.

Strengthening your understanding of concept art and visual culture, in this module you'll undertake practical assignments to develop your 2D art skills. You'll learn where concept art fits within the development pipeline, as well as explore methodical approaches of making concept art - such as semiotics. You'll also develop key skills in using industry-standard software, digital tools and materials, including collage and digital speed painting to produce effective visual designs.

Building on your knowledge of creating character art for games, you'll sharpen your skills in figurative art, anatomy, line, tone and proportion through life drawing sessions. You'll also develop your technical and artistic skills in 3D character development using a range of software and digital tools.

Through a series of practical sessions, you'll develop the skills to create technically accurate and exciting environment art for games. In addition, you'll learn about hardware limitations, export-based pipeline, and baking methodologies for game assets, including texturing techniques, rendering, lighting and shadows.

Working in a multi-skilled team, you'll devise a concept for a digital 'world creation' project. You'll also develop a broader understanding of key game art principles, including world-building and exploratory concept work, prototyping, pre-production, and the early phases of production.

In this module, you'll bring your existing understanding of concept art and visual culture into a game production context. Working in a team, you'll develop your 2D skills and explore new and experimental media. You'll also develop your proficiency in using industry software and tools to improve your skills in collage and digital speed painting as well as explore new 3D approaches to making concept art.

Deepening your knowledge of character art for games, you'll continue to use a combination of digital tools and life drawing sessions to sharpen your observational skills in anatomy and proportion. You'll also advance your knowledge of game development pipelines and processes, including using the iterative development model as a method to critically evaluate your own work.

You'll research and experiment with a range of techniques and practices in the creation of environment art for games. With guidance from your tutor, you'll choose an area of focus and produce a research brief proposal. You'll then create a portfolio and a written analysis of your own work.

This module will focus on using practice-based research as a tool to develop your practical production skillset, as well as build skills in pipeline and workflow research. You'll choose an area of game art or animation practice to research and identify appropriate technical pipeline resources and workflow examples to inform your development. Research of your chosen production pipeline will be evidenced through a written report and portfolio of work.

Working in a multi-skilled team, you'll continue to develop your 'world creation' project that you started during the previous study block. You'll deliver content in line with production milestones and prepare to release your product and reach your target audience.

In this module, you'll work on a self-devised portfolio piece with a view to submitting it to an industry competition. From researching to execution, you'll hone your skills and gain confidence as you develop your project within your chosen specialism. Experimenting with different techniques, you'll build your portfolio and create a piece of work that conforms to industry norms.

With your career in mind, you'll develop a commercial awareness and entrepreneurial mindset. You'll explore employability options, including researching the skills required to set up your own business, establish yourself as a freelancer, or for use as an employee in a business or organisation.

Deepening your knowledge of enterprise opportunities within the industry, you'll receive mentoring on how to apply for work in industry, including CV and portfolio advice to help you graduate with an industry-ready portfolio.

In this module, you'll explore the role of a technical artist and where they fit in the game production pipeline. You'll also delve into the different aspects of technical art, including production processes, tools, 2D, 3D, procedural modelling and VFX.

You'll critically examine the current climate of contemporary games and digital culture, while exploring cultural and technological changes that are likely to influence the future of the games industry. In doing this, you'll confront a range of issues relating to sustainability and ethical production, equality and civil rights, and personal identity and ideology.

At this stage of your Game Art degree, you'll deliver a substantial collaborative project. Working in a multi-skilled group, you'll design and build a digital product or service. Contexts vary, but the project might include enterprise solutions, mobile apps, installations, games, web applications, robots, immersive experiences or software development tools.

You'll begin your foundation year by working collaboratively with others to explore themes of the future. You'll take risks, experiment through play and be supported to break through barriers.

You'll take subject-specific workshops and develop essential technical and practical skills in your area of study. You'll also enhance your analytical and organisational abilities.

You'll enhance your creative and practical skills in your subject specialism by responding to typical industry briefs, underpinned by focused research and experiments. You'll also gain industry insights through guest lectures and workshops.

You'll develop your unique identity in your specialism through the production of a self-initiated body of work. Your final project will be the bridge to your next year, fully supported by evaluative reviews and critical analysis of the work you have created.