BA (Hons) Game Art Bachelor's degree at the University of Derby

This module provides a introduction to 3D modelling within the context of game development and digital entertainment. You will develop core skills in creating and manipulating 3D assets using industry-standard software. The module covers basic modelling techniques, material application, and rendering workflows, with reference to practices used in games and related creative industries. Although not exclusively focused on games, the module includes game-specific techniques and considerations to help you understand how 3D assets are integrated into interactive environments. You will also explore the creative production pipeline, learning how to translate ideas into digital 3D forms. Considerati

Assessment: Coursework

This introductory module introduces you to 3D animation, focusing on the essential principles that bring characters and scenes to life. You will learn to animate using professional 3D software, applying the Principles of Animation to create expressive, believable motion. Through guided exercises and creative projects, learners will develop a strong foundation in both the artistic and technical aspects of animation. Module learning outcomes On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: Create key framed animations using 3D animation software Demonstrate the application and understanding of core animation principals Module content An introduction to core animation principals and

Assessment: Coursework

This module introduces the fundamental principles of Game Design, providing the theoretical and practical foundation for creative and technical development across the programme. It supports Games Design Practice 1 and Game Engines by encouraging you to explore how design thinking, systems, and player experience interconnect within contemporary game design and development. You will examine core game design concepts such as mechanics, dynamics, and aesthetics, and how these combine to shape player interaction, motivation, and engagement. Emphasis is placed on developing professional communication skills through concise design documentation and small-scale collaborative exercises that mirror th

Assessment: Coursework

The ability to communicate a creative vision for a game is fundamental to the role of a 3D practitioner. This module provides you with the principal skills needed to develop concepts that can be developed digitally to advance visual designs. You will study and apply traditional skills and methodologies, so that they may better understand the creative link between traditional skills and design aesthetics. Module learning outcomes On successful completion of the module, students will be able to: Understand and explore key principles of traditional media Apply appropriate techniques to a digital design Module content The ability to communicate a creative vision for a game is fundamental to the

Building on skills from 3D Modelling 1, this module equips you with techniques for creating 3D artistic assets for game environments. You will develop proficiency in modelling form and understanding texture from both technical and artistic perspectives, learning to balance aesthetic expression with hardware constraints. Through a portfolio of game-based art projects, you will explore asset production workflows while developing a critical awareness of how hardware limitations shape design decisions. Emphasis is placed on analysing visual language, understanding surface qualities and materiality, and responding creatively to technical constraints to produce compelling game-ready assets appropr

Assessment: Coursework

This module introduces the fundamental concepts and principles of programming. It develops the practical skills needed to design, implement and test computer programs. No prior computer programming experience is assumed, and all practical work is done using a standard programming language and software development environment. Module learning outcomes On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: Understand the fundamental principles of computer programming Apply problem solving skills to design, develop and test solutions against the target specifications Module content Programming Elements – Variables, Loops, Decision Statements Arrays and Sequence Data Functions – Built-in a

Assessment: Coursework, Exam

This module introduces you to the use of contemporary game engines for the creation of interactive prototypes and playable experiences. It provides a foundational understanding of how digital environments, logic systems, and interactive elements are structured and controlled within professional development pipelines. You will gain experience in using visual and code-based scripting systems to create a small-scale interactive prototype, learning how engine tools, component hierarchies, and event systems contribute to gameplay behaviour and player experience. The emphasis is on experimentation, iteration, and problem-solving within small, agile production contexts that reflect modern independe

Assessment: Coursework

This module simulates an authentic studio environment in which Art, Design, and Programming students collaborate to respond to a real-world games industry brief. Students form multidisciplinary teams, scope the project, establish workflows, and deliver a playable prototype that demonstrates the core game loop and feasibility. Emphasis is placed on employability foundations (communication, planning, scoping, Agile practices) and working professionally to a specification, including ethical and legal considerations (such as the ethical use of generative AI.) Module learning outcomes On successful completion, you will be able to: Deliver a playable prototype in response to a real-world industry

Assessment: Coursework

Building directly on GAMELAB 1, this module advances the prototype to a polished, playable game artefact. Teams run full production sprints, implement stakeholder feedback, and iterate on design, content, and technical stability. Focus areas include quality assurance, performance, content completeness, and client/user-facing polish. Students evidence decision-making, and iteration through industry-standard documentation and reflection. Module learning outcomes On successful completion, you will be able to: Finalise and deliver a playable game artefact that evidences iteration informed by stakeholder/user feedback Demonstrate advanced team-based professionalism under time and production press

Assessment: Coursework

This module focuses on the technical and creative integration of rigging and animation within a 3D production pipeline. You will learn how to prepare 3D models for animation through effective rigging techniques, including skeletal structures, control systems, and deformation setups. Building on this foundation, you will explore animation workflows that bring characters and objects to life through movement, timing, and performance for games. The module emphasises the relationship between rigging and animation, encouraging you to consider how rig design impacts motion and expressiveness. Through practical tasks and project-based learning, you will develop skills in planning, executing, and ref

Assessment: Coursework

Environment Art, and level design are core to the creation of a believable game space. It is important to have a good grasp of each step of the environment creation pipeline. This module aims to equip you with the fundamental skills and understanding required to create compelling game environments. It covers the full development pipeline from initial ideation and block-out stages to final material creation and lighting providing a solid foundation for environment design in game projects. Module learning outcomes On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: Confidently design and develop a range of game environments suitable for diverse project requirements Demonstrate Underst

Assessment: Coursework

This module focuses on the methods used to generate game characters. You will experience how traditional techniques can be employed and enhanced, using a digital tool set to produce high-definition assets for use in the games art pipeline. Module learning outcomes On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: Demonstrate a range of traditional techniques which can be successfully applied to a digital sculpture Design and develop game character assets Module content A comprehensive exploration of 3D digital character creation, covering industry-standard modelling techniques, topology optimisation and baking principles to produce portfolio-quality game-ready assets.

Assessment: Coursework

This module invites you to explore a topic of personal interest within the fields of games art or animation through a research-led creative practice. You will investigate current trends, techniques, and theoretical perspectives relevant to your chosen area such as character design, environmental storytelling, animation pipelines, or visual aesthetics in interactive media. Through guided research and critical reflection, you will develop a bespoke digital asset that demonstrates your understanding and creative response to your chosen topic. This could involve any aspect of game creation, it gives you the opportunity to focus on an area already taught previously in more depth or to explore a g

Assessment: Coursework

Being creative can be thought of as coming up with new and original ideas, whereas innovation can be defined as the development and application of these new ideas to develop new opportunities, create original products and services and to solve problems. Both of these activities are necessary for the innovation funnel to be successful. In this hands-on module, you will discover how to generate new and creative ideas, and how to develop innovative products and services out of those ideas. Crucially, this may mean looking to other areas and subjects for inspiration and progress. To do all this, you will have the opportunity to work with other students on a real business problem, finding out you

Assessment: Coursework

This module provides opportunities for students to acquire an understanding of the issues that may impact on industrial and professional practices relevant to a career within their chosen discipline. During this period of work experience, students gain a deep appreciation of the responsibilities arising from both corporate and individual responses to such issues, thus enabling them to relate to the wider world when exploring a personal direction for potential career development. Students will be expected to develop their professional knowledge and improve their CV and professional profile with an aim to becoming competent in the skills needed to succeed in their chosen industry. The students

Assessment: Coursework

In this module, teams of students will develop a computer game prototype from concept through implementation to gold release. Module learning outcomes On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: Develop a high-quality game prototype using a modern game engine Critically evaluate the games development pipeline and reflect on your personal experience Module content An indicative list of areas that you will be expected to encounter and explore includes: Game concept creation Narratives, world creation, level design, etc Game design Game architecture Game production process Toolchain process Game asset creation Game middleware Project management Analysing and evaluating results

Assessment: Coursework

The module enables students to independently develop a substantial piece of work related to their specialism combining the skills and knowledge gained through their degree. Work on the project is independent private study guided through regular meetings with a member of academic staff. Project topics can be selected from a list of projects offered by staff or industry collaborators or students can suggest their own topic for possible approval. The main goals to be achieved in the project are the writing of a dissertation and the development of a practical artefact. The precise content depends on the project topic chosen by the student. However, each project will involve aspects of planning,

Assessment: Coursework

This module is designed to help you prepare for transition into the games industry, related industries, postgraduate study, freelancing, education and entrepreneurship. It encourages you to reflect on personal development and career readiness. Module learning outcomes On successful completion of the module, you will be able to: Critically evaluate career options within the games industry and related sectors while reflecting on personal strengths, goals, and areas for development in relation to industry expectations Demonstrate an understanding of professional practices including CV writing, networking, and interview preparation Create a high-quality artefact suitable for inclusion in a profe

Assessment: Coursework

This module will look at the processes employed in developing high-end pre-rendered computer graphics and how these could be adapted or simulated in the context of real-time development. The module encourages you to explore and experiment with advanced non-game and game engine-specific toolsets and assess the feasibility of application to a real-time visual design. This module will assess your ability to critically analyse and evaluate the processes investigated. Module learning outcomes On successful completion of the module, you will be able to Assess and select appropriate advanced techniques and technologies in the production of a visual design in either pre-rendered or real-time context

Assessment: Coursework

This module focuses on the design and evaluation of user interfaces and user experiences for games, with particular attention to accessibility, clarity, and player feedback. You will work in small teams to design and implement a front-end or in-game interface, conducting structured usability testing sessions and iterating your design based on observed player interaction and data-driven evaluation. Teaching combines lectures, workshops, and supervised testing sessions where you plan, observe, and refine your designs in response to user behaviour and accessibility findings. The process reflects contemporary indie and small-team development pipelines, emphasising communication, testing discipli

Assessment: Coursework