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Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Games Art

Image of animated games art character

College
London College of Communication
UCAS code
I630
Start date
September 2023
Course length
3 years

BA (Hons) Games Art gives you the tools and skillset to bring your worlds and characters to life. Prepare for a career in games by expressing your unique ideas and unleashing your creative potential.

Applications closed 2023/24 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course.

Visit the Courses with places available page for a full list of UAL courses that are open for application.

Why choose this course at London College of Communication

  • Principles of Games Art: You'll acquire core skills and principles in Games Art such as drawing, colour theory, concept and character design to inform all aspects of your subject knowledge and technical expertise.
  • Software skills: From Year 1, you'll learn software skills in 2D and 3D to underpin any future specialism – e.g. as 2D concept artist or 3D artist.
  • Collaboration: You'll collaborate with BA (Hons) Games Design, BA (Hons) Animation and BA (Hons) Virtual Reality students to create original, exciting, playable experiences, developing vital industry skills around teamwork.
  • Career oriented: You'll engage in Live projects and competitions delivered in collaboration with external industry partners, enabling you to practice your skills in a professional context, build a professional network, and develop your portfolio.

Open Days

The next Open Day for this course will be Friday 16 June. Book your place.

Explore life at LCC with our interactive Virtual Open Day.

Course overview

BA (Hons) Games Art is a practice-led course that will support you to develop a creative skillset relevant to the evolving computer games industry.

You'll have opportunity to gain industry experience through live briefs or external collaborations and have the option to explore further work experience and placements through the optional Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS).

With access to specialist facilities including computer labs, green screen and motion capture facilities, you’ll use specialist technologies and software to create 2D and 3D computer game characters, environments and artefacts.

Additionally you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with Games Design and Animation students to create interactive games and entertainment as well as opportunities to engage with industry through live projects, internships and guest speakers.

What to expect

  • You’ll develop a broad range of skills in fields such as research, ideas generation, design, modelling, and game engines to underpin your creation of original characters, levels, artefacts and environments.
  • You will develop essential drawing and design techniques to inform all aspects of your subject knowledge and technical expertise. Digital production skills are taught intensively from Year 1, recognising industry demands and expected levels of graduate expertise.
  • Industry-led and mentored ‘Live’ projects and competitions are delivered in collaboration with external partners, enabling you to practice your skills in professional contexts while building your portfolio.
  • You’ll develop communication, teamwork and project management abilities through collaborations across BA (Hons) Games Arts and other closely aligned courses such as BA (Hons) Games Design, BA (Hons) Immersive Media and Mixed Reality and BA (Hons) Animation.
  • You’ll develop a contextual vocabulary and historical knowledge for analysing games as art.
  • You will build critical skills to articulate meaningful ideas in your practice that promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity as well as themes around sustainability and sustainable practices.

Industry experience and opportunities

You’ll participate in live projects responding to client feedback, developing a professional portfolio to launch your career.

You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake the Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) or the UAL Diploma in Creative Computing between Years 2 and 3 to enhance your learning experience and employability skills.

Mode of study

BA (Hons) Games Art runs for 93 weeks in full-time mode. It is divided into 3 stages over 3 academic years. Each stage lasts 31 weeks.

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Course units

In common with all courses at University of the Arts London, this course is credit rated. The course is 3 years, levels 4-6. Each year requires you to achieve 120 credit points. To be awarded the BA (Hons) Games Art qualification, you need to accumulate a total of 360 credits.

Year 1

Introduction to Games Art (20 credits)

This unit introduces you to your course, subject, and effective learning as an undergraduate student. It will orientate you to the practices and knowledge-base needed to understand your discipline, and help you to develop skills for independent and collaborative learning, reflection, and your own self-development. Students come from many diverse educational backgrounds, and you’ll have an opportunity to reflect on how your own background shapes the way you approach your course.

Principles of Games Art (40 credits)

Providing an understanding of narrative design and how the fundamentals of design underpin games art, this unit will support you to develop essential skills through a range of creative and technical analogue and digital workshops. You’ll use short projects to reinforce and embed learning and work collaboratively to maximise the scope of project development. The skills and technical aspects you develop will underpin your approach to future projects.

Games Art Pipeline (40 credits)

Building on previous units, you’ll develop your skillset further by experimenting with different themes, techniques, skills and formats. Applying artistic rules and theories, you’ll put theoretical studies into practice to challenge and advance your ways of working.

Informed Practice 1 (20 credits)

This unit will establish and negotiate a project that pushes your critical and creative research, writing and exploration, you’ll be introduced to histories, theories and debates relating to games, visual and technological cultures, and study examples in broader social, historical and cultural contexts to consider the multiplicity of meanings and functions assigned to visual culture.

Year 2

Professional Practice (20 credits)

This unit introduces you to the roles and responsibilities of group work, enabling you to put personal and professional development principles into practice.

You’ll have the opportunity to work in multidisciplinary teams with students from other courses - and, more widely, with external collaborators – to use subject-specific skills to achieve a common goal. This unit can also help prepare you for the Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS).

Visual Immersion (40 credits)

You’ll be introduced to the defining technical and artistic principles that underpin visual immersion, enabling you to better understand the practices and skills needed to create professional moving image products. You'll also be encouraged to experiment with a wide array of digital production methodologies to develop project work.

Exploratory Practice (40 credits)

You’ll produce game-ready artefacts that demonstrate a developing knowledge of your specialist practice, and - most importantly - how that practice intersects with other mediums. You’ll produce a project that demonstrates your understanding of the broader context of your technical specialism.

Informed Practice 2 (20 credits)

You’ll develop your broader knowledge and understanding of culture within the video games industry alongside wider culture informing your practice. You’ll reflect, analyse and contextualise by exploring themes of equality, diversity, inclusivity and sustainability through theoretical investigation, such as the critical evaluation of ethics and violence within video games. This unit will prepare you for your extended piece of academic writing in Informed Practice 3.

Year 3

Final Major Project (60 credits)

You’ll have the space and direction to produce and negotiate a specialised piece of work that supports your future aspirations. You’ll consider your creative route, receive expert guidance towards completion of your chosen subject, and have the opportunity to work collaboratively with other disciplines.

Informed Practice 3 (20 credits)

You’ll submit an academically rigorous piece of work manifesting critical enquiry, reflection, analysis and original research. You’ll demonstrate detailed research, apply a range of different research methods and methodological approaches, and contextualise your work from a historical, socio-political and theoretical perspective, informed by your approach to your own creative practice.

Professional Futures (40 credits)

You’ll consider your future goals and aspirations and produce content to help propel your career forward. Shaping your knowledge of professional standards, you’ll also enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on finessing your professional, industry-facing portfolio of work.

Optional Diploma between Years 2 and 3

Between Years 2 and 3 of your course, you’ll also have the opportunity to undertake one of the following qualifications:

Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) (Optional)

An optional, year-long learning opportunity which enables you to develop your professional skills by undertaking time out for industry experience. Supported throughout the year by academics, you’ll build on the knowledge gained on your course in a range of national or international locations, and graduate with an additional qualification of Diploma in Professional Studies.

UAL Diploma in Creative Computing (Optional)

Between Years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Creative Computing. This will develop your skills in creative computing alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate degree, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Games Art (with Creative Computing).

Learning and teaching methods

  • Seminars
  • Study visits
  • Personal tutorials
  • Group tutorials
  • Lectures
  • Supervised workshops

Online Open Day

(Recorded November 2022)

Course Leader Luca Rosino gives an overview of studying BA (Hons) Games Art.

Student work

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Course stories

Staff

Staff continuously learn and update their skillset to enable your best possible learning experience.

Guest speakers come from a wide range of industries and companies, such as Rockstar, ILM and Playground Games.

Cross-course teaching will give you access to lecturers from related disciplines who can provide a broad perspective and enable you to tailor your personal skill set.

Fees and funding

Home fee

£9,250 per year

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£25,970 per year

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

Tuition fees for international students may increase by up to 5% in each future year of your course.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Scholarship search

Entry requirements

The course team welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds from all over the world. The course attracts students who apply direct from A-level (or equivalent) or from Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, or other art or design courses, as well as mature students who may have previously worked in industry.

The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:

96 UCAS tariff points which can be made up of one or a combination of the following accepted full level 3 qualifications:

  • A Levels at Grade C or above
  • Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4)
  • Merit, Merit, Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma
  • Merit in UAL Extended Diploma
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma
  • OR equivalent EU/International qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma at 24 points minimum 

And 2 GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C).

APEL - Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning

If you do not meet these entry requirements but your application demonstrates additional strengths and alternative relevant experience, you may still be considered. This could include:

  • Related academic study or work experience;
  • The quality of the personal statement;
  • A strong academic or other professional reference;
  • A combination of these factors.

Each application will be considered on its own merit. We cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English language requirements

  • IELTS level 6.0 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking is required for this course. 

All classes are taught in English. If English isn’t your first language, you will need to show evidence of your English language ability when you enrol. For further guidance, please check our  English language requirements.

Selection criteria

The portfolio, along with the details on your UCAS application (including the academic reference and your personal statement) will be assessed against the following criteria: 

  • Ideas generation: quality of ideas and expression of conceptual thinking. 
  • Technical skills and experimentation with visual creativity: a fundamental understanding of shape, form, observation, drawing and colour, utilising a range of 2D and 3D media demonstrated through design aspects of characters, environments, illustrations, vehicles and other game related artefacts.
  • Materials and media exploration and experimentation: experimentation and testing of materials in realisation of concept.
  • An understanding of the need for a critical and analytical approach (through research and practice) to this area of study.

Apply now

Applications closed 2023/24 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

You must apply for this course though Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), where you'll need the following information:

  • University code: U65
  • Course code: I630

London College of Communication courses are listed under University of the Arts London.

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 18:00 GMT on 25 January 2023 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

Personal Statement Advice

This is an important part of your application and should demonstrate to the team that you are interested in games art, and that you have thought carefully about why you want to study on this course.

You can demonstrate this through your previous work experience or study, personal experience and your ambitions for personal development as a student at LCC. You should ensure it is written clearly, and free of any spelling mistakes.

It is your chance to impress the team by demonstrating your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it will help you in the future. State what you personally would bring to the course, and explain what motivates you to learn, explore and experiment.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

Read our Admissions Policy for details, and request your deferral by contacting us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Transfers

If you are currently studying somewhere else on a course in an equivalent subject area and would like to transfer to this course, you can transfer to:

  • Year 2, if you’ve completed 120 credits in Year 1
  • Year 3, if you’ve completely 240 credits in Years 1 and 2

Apply via UCAS and choose Year 2 or 3 for your POE (Point of Entry)

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and Year 1/Year 2 unit transcripts.

Referral to alternative UAL courses

The University operates a cross-referral system, where applicants can be considered for and offered a place on an alternative course, if the admissions tutor feels they are more suited to that course. If you wish to opt out of the cross-referral process you can do so at the application form stage.

Applications closed 2023/24 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

There are 2 ways international students can apply to an undergraduate course:

If you are applying through UCAS you will need the following information:

  • University code: U65
  • Course code: I630

London College of Communication courses are listed under University of the Arts London.

Further information on applying via UCAS is provided on the University Applying through UCAS page.

For full details on the application process, visit the Undergraduate Application page, and for further advice for international applicants, please visit the UAL International Application page.

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 18:00 GMT on 25 January 2023 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

Personal Statement Advice

This is an important part of your application and should demonstrate to the team that you are interested in games art, and that you have thought carefully about why you want to study on this course.

You can demonstrate this through your previous work experience or study, personal experience and your ambitions for personal development as a student at LCC. You should ensure it is written clearly, and free of any spelling mistakes.

It is your chance to impress the team by demonstrating your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it will help you in the future. State what you personally would bring to the course, and explain what motivates you to learn, explore and experiment.

Immigration history check

You will be asked to complete an immigration history check to establish whether you are eligible to study at UAL. We will not be able to proceed with your application until you have submitted your completed Immigration History Form.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

Read our Admissions Policy for details, and request your deferral by contacting us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Transfers

If you are currently studying somewhere else on a course in an equivalent subject area and would like to transfer to this course, you can transfer to:

  • Year 2, if you’ve completed 120 credits in Year 1
  • Year 3, if you’ve completely 240 credits in Years 1 and 2

Apply via UCAS and choose Year 2 or 3 for your POE (Point of Entry)

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and Year 1/Year 2 unit transcripts.

Referral to alternative UAL courses

The University operates a cross-referral system, where applicants can be considered for and offered a place on an alternative course, if the admissions tutor feels they are more suited to that course. If you wish to opt out of the cross-referral process you can do so at the application form stage.

Study abroad applicants

International undergraduate students can apply to join BA (Hons) Games Art for a period of up to three terms as a Study Abroad student.

Visit the Study Abroad page for details of how to apply.

After you apply

Communicating with you

After you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming we have successfully received your application and providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal.

We will request any additional information from you, including inviting you to upload documents through the portal. You should check your UAL Portal regularly for any important updates and requests.

If you have achieved or expect to achieve the standard entry requirements we will consider you for a place on the course. We make our offers based on the strength of the whole application, and therefore don’t routinely invite applicants to interview.

International applicants may be invited to an online interview. Interview details will be sent via the UAL Portal.

Please add @arts.ac.uk to your contacts to ensure that you do not miss any important updates re: your application to UAL.

Portfolio advice

Your portfolio of work is the most important part of your application, and you must clearly evidence development work as well as work from completed projects.

Please provide us with 10 examples of your current work.

Important note: You are strongly advised not to delay the upload by trying to create new work; your main aim should be to demonstrate the creativity within your current portfolio.

What happens next?

We will advise you of your application outcome through UCAS Hub. If you are an International applicant and have applied directly or through an agent, we will notify you through the UAL Portal.

We invite all offer holders to come to London College of Communication to attend one of our open day sessions where have the chance to hear from the team, find out more about the course, and the diverse and vibrant student community at LCC.

Requesting feedback

This course receives a high number of applications. Unfortunately, we can’t provide feedback to everyone who is unsuccessful. We can only provide feedback after you’ve had an interview. We are only able to provide feedback to you directly, or to someone you have told us in writing can receive it on your behalf. If you would like to request feedback  please contact us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Successful applicants will be guided through the rest of our admissions stages and towards enrolment on the course.

Careers

Potential careers within Games Art:

  • 2D Concept Artist
  • 3D Artist
  • Game Animator
  • Technical Artist
  • Games Designer
  • QA Tester
  • UI Artist
  • Marketing for games

More widely, Careers and Employability at UAL will support you in your journey to becoming an innovator in the creative and cultural sectors through a programme of events, seminars, workshops, online resources and funding opportunities.