Course Overview
Course summary
The Games Art BA will provide you with the creative skills and technical knowledge needed to design visual assets in game environments; you’ll design the characters, objects and backgrounds that make games come to life. This course will prepare you to become a confident games artist who can create visuals and user experience design applicable across a wide range of industries and emerging technologies.
You’ll seek new approaches and audiences that have a global reach, consider the representation of characters in games and reflect on equality, diversity and inclusion in games. The course will explore established and emerging industries that use games for entertainment and for social enhancement (e.g. educational games).
To reflect the professional game development workplace, where skilled professionals from different disciplines work together, the Games Art BA has embedded collaboration with students from other courses. These include but are not limited to, the Graphic Design BA, Illustration BA and Animation BA courses. Through this inter-disciplinary collaboration, you’ll gain valuable experience of hands-on working with colleagues in different fields on the games pipeline.
Located at the University's Harrow Campus, you'll work in specialised facilities, including our new Games Hub and Emerging Media Space, as well as in our studios linked to Illustration, Graphic Design, Animation, Film and Digital Media. Through projects, lectures and workshops, you’ll be introduced to the framework, routes and roles of a games artist.
The course is designed to foster your confidence and independent thinking by identifying and developing your personal and professional game art and game design paths. You'll be prepared for a career in roles such as a Concept Artist, 3D Environment Artist, 3D Character Artist, Rigger and Animator, Technical Artist, Level Designer and UI Designer.
Top reasons to study with us
- Work experience before graduation – As part of the course, you'll have the option to work for a year in the industry, gaining valuable work experience and boosting your employability
- Outstanding facilities – You'll benefit from a brand-new Games Hub and Emerging Media Space, which will include our upgraded Motion Capture lab
- Study in London – the heart of the UK Game development industry. With the majority of games developers and publishers in the UK based here, you’ll have many opportunities to hear from industry guest speakers, and access internships, professional experience and graduate employment
- Multidisciplinary collaboration – You'll have the opportunity to take part in industry projects and competitions such as game jams. You'll engage with learning that is directly industry-related and will collaborate with designers working on projects
Course structure
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Core modules include:
- 2D Game Development
- 3D Asset Creation
- Creative Technology and Design
- Environment Art and Design
- Game Engines and Mechanics
Option modules include:
- 2D Computer Animation
- Drawing Explorations
- Typography
Credit Level 4
Core modules include:
- 3D World Creation
- Character Design and Development
- Collaborative Practice
- Concepting for Games
Option modules include:
- Visual Storytelling
- Brands
- Extended Reality for Creatives
- UX/UI Design
- VFX for Films and Games
- Web Design
Credit Level 5
You’ll also have the opportunity to take an additional year between Levels 5 and 6 (second and third year) to spend on professional experience or international experience. The international experience (study abroad) year offers one or two semesters studying at one of our overseas partner Universities. This is both an exciting experience and also one that helps you to develop the global outlook by employers. The professional experience (placement) year is planned in partnership with the Westminster Work Based Learning team.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a placement year.
Core modules include:
- Games Portfolio
- Major Project (Games)
- Professional Practice
Option modules include:
- Contextual Research Project
- Designing Narrative Experiences
- Digital Arts Experimentation
- Entrepreneurship for Creatives
Credit Level 6
Programme recognition
The course has membership of The Independent Game Developers Association Limited (“TIGA”) which gives students on this course the opportunity to enter relevant categories of the TIGA Games Industry Awards and TIGA UK Games Education Awards categories, as well as the opportunity to access membership only event(s).
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Study Games Art BA
Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
Can't attend? See more open events
Careers
Industry engagement
Industry speakers and guest lecturers give students insight into working in the industry, provide mentorship as part of their group project work and offer specialised feedback on their portfolios and CVs.
One-to-one advice
Our Careers and Employability Service can provide you with industry mentoring, one-to-one guidance, mock interviews, employer presentations and workshops.
3,000 Employers around the world
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Industry links and work experience
Based just a 20-minute tube ride from the heart of the city, you'll have easy access to the wealth of media, creative and gaming industries in London.
You can experience cultural life in London, while also gaining work experience and building your professional networks, which is crucial for success in the industry.
We sustain a range of formal and informal partnerships with industry through visiting professionals, work experience, staff exchange and consultation. Industry engagement is an essential part of the course as students will hear from industry speakers as part of their course.
Graduate employers
Students studying Games Art BA will enrol from September 2024. Our graduates from similar courses such as the Computer Games Development BSc have found positions as game developers in companies including Microsoft, Sega, KING, Game Realms, Experia, NaturalMotion and Feral Interactive. Graduates from the Animation BA have found positions at Disney, Pixar (character animation for Encanto), Cartoon Network, Weta Digital, DNeg, Lupus Films, The Mill and MPC.
Job roles
Upon completing a degree course, our graduates will be prepared to work as a creative in game development or any other real-time visualisation industry. Having collaborated with students from a variety of disciplines with game during your studies means you’ll be equipped with a versatile knowledge and skillset. Graduates will be able to work as a:
- Generalist games artist
- Environment/prop artist
- Character artist
- Concept artist
- Technical artist
- VFX/lighting artist
- UX/UI artist
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Dominic Chapman
Assistant Head of School
A practising game designer and developer with over eighteen years of industry experience, Dominic runs his own independent games company to create immersive video game experiences. As an educator Dominic's research interests are focused around game design theory, world building and immersive experiences. He is also supportive of the games industry through his work with the Games Eden organisation and as a trustee of Gamebridge.
On the Games Art BA our focus is making you industry ready, whether you want to be a concept artist, 3D modeller, technical artist, or anything in between.
Course Team
Why study this course?
Study in London
Our central London location means that you'll be perfectly placed to take advantage of career and collaboration opportunities in the city.
Transferable skills
This course will equip you with a range of highly marketable skills to prepare you for a successful career in this industry.
Stand out from the crowd
Qualified people in the games industry are currently in high demand in the job market.
Entry Requirements
- A levels – CCC (96 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 96 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 96 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma – MMM
- BTEC Diploma – DD
- Access – 96 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths Pass– IB Pass
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
More information
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process
Portfolio guidance
Number of recommended portfolio pieces.
Please include between 10 - 15 pieces of work.
What should I include in my portfolio submission?
Ideally your portfolio should include:
- a balance of initial sketches and visual explorations as well as more resolved final work or artefacts.
- at least one entire project that was created for a specific audience, showing development from the seeds of an idea to final outcome.
- work that shows your range of technical and creative abilities.
- explorations of varied media are appreciated, such as digital images, traditional artwork, print media, games, animation, film, web, sculpture, printmaking, photography, textiles, or installation.
- a short sentence with each piece that helps us understand ideas behind the work and your creative thought process.
How should I structure my portfolio?
You can submit your portfolio in one of two ways.
- Upload your work to a digital portfolio platform such as Behance.net, flickr.com, ArtStation.com, or other.
- Create a digital portfolio as a PDF document and upload to a cloud storage platform such as Google Docs, OneDrive, Dropbox, or other.
We would like you to copy and paste the portfolio web-link into a word/text document and upload that to the Applicant Portal, as per instructions on the cover email. Importantly, please ensure there are no passwords or expiry dates on the portfolio so that we can view it without requesting access.
How will my portfolio be evaluated?
Your portfolio will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Creativity and Originality - We are looking for work that reflects your individual style and ideas.
- Technical Proficiency and Skill - Demonstrate your abilities in your chosen specialism/s.
- Passion and Potential for Growth - Show your passion and potential for growth while on our degree.
You may be invited to an interview to discuss your portfolio. We are keen that you use this process to help us to understand you as an individual, including your skills, your inspirations and current expertise.
What happens next?
Selected applicants receiving an offer will be invited to an applicant event that allows you to experience the university campus and course learning. This event also provides a chance for us to learn more about you and your creative goals.
Top Tip from our course team
We want to see work that you are proud of and which demonstrates your ideas, interests, and creative skills.
Please do not send in portfolios until requested to do so by the University's Admissions team. You will be notified by email about when to submit your portfolio.
- International Baccalaureate – 96 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
Portfolio guidance
Number of recommended portfolio pieces.
Please include between 10 - 15 pieces of work.
What should I include in my portfolio submission?
Ideally your portfolio should include:
- a balance of initial sketches and visual explorations as well as more resolved final work or artefacts.
- at least one entire project that was created for a specific audience, showing development from the seeds of an idea to final outcome.
- work that shows your range of technical and creative abilities.
- explorations of varied media are appreciated, such as digital images, traditional artwork, print media, games, animation, film, web, sculpture, printmaking, photography, textiles, or installation.
- a short sentence with each piece that helps us understand ideas behind the work and your creative thought process.
How should I structure my portfolio?
You can submit your portfolio in one of two ways.
- Upload your work to a digital portfolio platform such as Behance.net, flickr.com, ArtStation.com, or other.
- Create a digital portfolio as a PDF document and upload to a cloud storage platform such as Google Docs, OneDrive, Dropbox, or other.
We would like you to copy and paste the portfolio web-link into a word/text document and upload that to the Applicant Portal, as per instructions on the cover email. Importantly, please ensure there are no passwords or expiry dates on the portfolio so that we can view it without requesting access.
How will my portfolio be evaluated?
Your portfolio will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Creativity and Originality - We are looking for work that reflects your individual style and ideas.
- Technical Proficiency and Skill - Demonstrate your abilities in your chosen specialism/s.
- Passion and Potential for Growth - Show your passion and potential for growth while on our degree.
You may be invited to an interview to discuss your portfolio. We are keen that you use this process to help us to understand you as an individual, including your skills, your inspirations and current expertise.
What happens next?
Selected applicants receiving an offer will be invited to an applicant event that allows you to experience the university campus and course learning. This event also provides a chance for us to learn more about you and your creative goals.
Top Tip from our course team
We want to see work that you are proud of and which demonstrates your ideas, interests, and creative skills.
Please do not send in portfolios until requested to do so by the University's Admissions team. You will be notified by email about when to submit your portfolio.
Learn new skills
Learn a new language
From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects.
Gain extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Virtual facilities tour
Take a virtual tour through Westminster’s exciting Games Hub*, due to open at the University’s Harrow Campus in 2024! The features of the new Games Hub include:
- A brand new open zone for students to work in
- An ‘inspiration corner’ with relevant games, books and videos for students to collaborate, and to help spark creative outputs
- An upgraded Emerging Media Space with sandbox environments for students to experiment with new and relevant gaming technologies
- VR and AR facilities and 360-degree camera technology
- A brand-new Games Hub with industry-standard games workspaces, lighting and production equipment
*Please note this video is indicative of the Games Hub due to open at Westminster’s Harrow Campus in 2024 and the facilities are subject to update and change.
Teaching and Assessment
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into two broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course location
Harrow is our creative and cultural hub, home to most of our arts, media and digital courses. It houses state-of-the-art facilities for every discipline, including project and gallery spaces, film studios, creative labs, collaborative learning spaces, and the Westminster Enterprise Network.
Harrow Campus is based in north-west London, just 20 minutes from the city centre by train.
For more details, visit our Harrow Campus page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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