Games Art

Gain the essential skills for a career as a games artist and learn how to create amazing visual elements within games.

The course will introduce you to both 2D and 3D production, including digital sculpting, environment and character creation, lighting and real-time optimisation. You’ll also explore traditional art skills so you understand composition, colour, form and mood.

We will get you to mirror what happens in a real games studio too, as you complete live briefs, take part in industry collaborations and work in project teams. And through our wider creative community, you can join games jams, industry talks and events such as University of Staffordshire’s Student Games Conference.

The foundation degree is delivered by South Staffordshire College and leads to a qualification awarded by University of Staffordshire. At their Lichfield campus, you’ll have access to a range of specialist facilities, including industry-standard hardware and Wacom-equipped workstations.

Once you complete the programme, you’ll have the chance to ‘top up’ your qualification to a full BA (Hons) in Games Art with an extra year of study at the University. You will also be equipped to go into a junior-level industry role, such as becoming a character artist, prop artist, lighting artist, environment artist or 3D generalist.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: FdA Games Art

Year One: 3D Asset Development; 3D Game Props: Pipeline and Production; Digital Sculpting and Stylised Assets; Principles of Textures and Materials; Professional Practice; Visual Studies for Games
Year Two: 3D Character Modelling for Games; Art of Lighting; Industry Perspectives; Modular 3D Game Environments; Organic 3D Game Environments; Realtime 3D Character Production

Assessment replicates industry practice through project-based portfolios, presentations, group work, and reflective documentation. These activities build professional competence, communication, and adaptability in response to authentic production challenges.