Games Art & Design

A Brighton Games Art and Design degree prepares you for creative roles in the video game and digital media industries – from concept art and character design to narrative storytelling and VFX.

Art and Design at Brighton is ranked in the top 20 in the UK in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Studying here at Brighton, you’ll be part of a community that helps you grow, no matter what your background. This course is packed with opportunities to build real-world experience, including a paid placement after year two and live projects with professional clients. Our inclusive approach to learning will help you go further and explore who you are as a designer; we’ll make sure you play to your strengths and learn in ways that suit you best.

Top reasons to choose this course

• Develop skills across areas including games mechanics, visual effects, experimental image making, asset creation and concept art.

• You’ll look at the cultural relevance of game design, exploring its response to contemporary culture and society.

• You’ll work on live project briefs with real-life clients, giving you industry experience throughout your studies.

• Boost your CV with an optional paid placement year to apply your learning in a real-world setting.

• We integrate theory and practice, so you graduate with a strong foundation in both areas which helps you stand out to employers.

• Study in a city with a thriving creative and digital industry and build your own network of valuable professional contacts.

Why Brighton is a great place to study Games Art and Design
Brighton is a city with creativity at its heart as well as a thriving community of independent game studios and digital artists, making it the perfect setting to study Games Art and Design.

Our long heritage in art and design education means you’ll be part of a diverse network of creatives, with access to exhibitions and industry connections that extend beyond the campus. Living and studying here gives you the chance to explore new ideas in a supportive, open-minded city known for its culture, innovation and craft.

Named one of the best cities on the planet and third best city in the UK by Time Out, Brighton is also a bustling hub for music, media and fashion.

Year 1
You’ll explore the practical and analytical uses for games art and design through a series of projects. Your work will be nurtured and developed through both group and personal tutorials and inspired by a series of lectures from visiting industry professionals.

Core modules
Cultural Contexts
Introduction to Games Design
Narrative Design
Introduction to Games Art

Year 2
You’ll deepen your skills and start to specialise in areas that interest you, working on more complex design projects. The projects you will be set have strong links with industry, so the skills you’ll learn and practice reflect what employers are looking for.

Core modules
Advanced Games Art and Design
Global Challenges – Visual Communication
Visual and Concept Development
Virtual Games Studio
Critical and Professional Perspectives

Optional placement year
An optional placement year gives you the chance to apply your skills in a professional setting, gain industry experience and build valuable contacts before returning for your final year.

Final year
The skills and knowledge you have developed so far come together for your final personal project. You will also write a research project and continue to build your practical professional skills.

Core modules
Context and Consolidation
Extended Research Project
Final Major Project
Professional Practice