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Games Art

Course details
  • BA (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
The Northern School of Art

Course summary

Our BA (Hons) Games Art programme focuses on bringing to life the gaming experience. You will be taken on a journey, transforming game worlds into dynamic, visually captivating experiences.

Games artists are instrumental in defining a game's identity, working closely with designers and animators to produce compelling visuals, so whether you’re interested in concept art - bringing ideas to life, character artists - crafting detailed 3D models, or an environment artist, creating rich, immersive worlds, this programme will support your specialised area while allowing you to fully understand the production workflows and elevate the visual impact of the final product.

This programme offers a vibrant, collaborative environment where games artists can unleash their creativity and contribute to groundbreaking gaming experiences alongside a diverse community of creatives. We provide exceptional resources and expertise to nurture your skills in games art. You'll have access to state-of-the-art software, high-performance hardware, and professional-grade studios equipped with industry-standard technology.

You will learn directly from experienced professionals who will guide you with practical insights and up-to-date knowledge, ensuring you stay ahead in this ever-evolving field. Through our Creative Partnerships, you'll connect with seasoned gaming professionals, gaining invaluable real-world advice and expanding your professional network.

We support you in building essential networking skills and creating meaningful connections within the gaming industry, with opportunities to undertake placements during the duration of the programme. Collaborate with innovative peers, including animators and filmmakers, fostering unique partnerships and pushing creative boundaries.

Modules

Year One – Game Art Foundation and Orientation
In your first year (Level 4), you will be introduced to the core concepts, skills, and techniques that form the foundation of 3D and concept art. You will be introduced to the core games art, software, and approaches to help you understand the wide possibilities within the games industry. This year focuses on developing your creative thinking, technical ability, and awareness of the professional contexts in which concept artists and 3D designer work in the game sector.

Year Two – Development and Exploration
Your second year (Level 5) builds on this foundation, allowing you to develop more advanced, industry-standard skills and a deeper understanding of games art, including 3D modelling, to environments, immersive worlds and character development. You will begin to define your personal direction through live briefs and self-directed projects, while building a professional portfolio that reflects your developing specialism. During this stage, you are also encouraged to seek relevant work experience or external collaborations where suitable opportunities arise.

Year Three – Consolidation and Expertise
In your final year (Level 6), you will consolidate your skills, experience, and creative identity as a game artist. Working on self-initiated projects, you will refine your practice and explore your future professional direction. This year provides the opportunity to realise your creative ambitions, demonstrate independence and originality, and prepare for a successful transition into professional practice or further study.

• Specialist Practice 1
• Specialist Practice 2
• Professional Futures and Final Show
• Dissertation and Report

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
W280
Institution code:
C71
Campus name:
The Northern School of Art
Campus Code:
H

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

We do not currently accept students from outside of the UK. However, we can accept applications from those have evidence of pre-settled status to live, work and study in the UK. Please contact admissions@northernart.ac.uk for more information.

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 96 - 112 points

UCAS tariff points can be made up of a mixture of Level 3 qualifications.

A level - CCC - BBC

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM - DMM

Access to HE Diploma

Successfully complete Access to HE Diploma

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Successfully complete Foundation Diploma

T Level - Pass (C and above)

Your potential is our main focus when assessing your suitability for the programme you have applied to. Because of this, we take into account all aspects of your application and not just your academic profile.
If you are a mature applicant (i.e. 21+ years), we will place more emphasis on your portfolio and the skills and experience you can demonstrate at interview.
Your portfolio, which you bring to interview, is an integral part of the assessment. It should demonstrate your current skills, interests and knowledge where appropriate.
It is also expected that you will bring evidence of written work to interview and/or have a Level 2 qualification in English/Literacy.

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

Due to the creative nature of our programmes, we treat all applications on their own merit and welcome anyone who has the ability and aspirations to achieve at higher education. Applicants have the opportunity to demonstrate their potential to us by showing their portfolio at an interview. If you are predicted points below the stipulated range, or if you have any other qualifications or professional experience, please get in touch as we still may be able to consider you.

Learn more on the The Northern School of Art website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
Channel Islands£9535Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9535Year 1
England£9535Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535Year 1
Scotland£9535Year 1
Wales£9535Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

As with most creative programmes delivered at higher education, this programme will have additional costs such as material and basic tools and contribution towards educational visits to ensure successful completion of the programme. The School offers financial support packages to help with this, whether this be through means-tested bursaries and/or grants. In addition, the School offers subsidised resale of course materials, free use of studios etc. More detailed information is provided at the interview stage; however, if you require this sooner please contact interviews@northernart.ac.uk

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