1.3 University

University research:

Using my job research from 1.2, I am now researching universities that offer suitable courses. Due to me still deciding between game art and illustration, I will be researching courses for both fields to help me.

Game art field:

Game art (BA) De Montfort university:

De montfort screenshot.JPG

Course link:

https://www.dmu.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate-courses/game-art-ba-degree/game-art-ba-degree.aspx

Game art at De montfort university is the first industry accredited course in the country. It is considered by many to be one of the best game art courses in the country because of this so it is a known university for those who want to go into creative game related fields.

What are the required grades for this course? GCSEs, UCAS, A-levels etc?:

  • At least five GCESs graded C or above, including English, as well as one of the following:
  • 120 UCAS points from at least two A-levels, with Art and Design graded B or above.
  • Art and Design BTEC National Diploma/ Extended Diploma at DDM or pass in the QAA accredited Access to HE Art and Design course with at least 15 level 3 credits in Art and Design at Distinction. English GCSE required as a separate qualification as equivalency is not accepted within the Access qualification. We will normally require students to have had a break from full-time education before undertaking the Access course or
  • International Baccalaureate: 30+ points including Art and Design at higher level grade 6 or
  • Art and Design Foundation Diploma: Pass

Source: DMU website (Game art (BA) requirements list)

As well as this a strong portfolio is required with an interview, a portfolio should include:

  • Traditional work
  • Sketchbook work
  • Digital work.
  • Various mediums used.
  • Life drawing, still observation.
  • Environments.
  • Characters and props.
  • Ideas generation (work flow and growth of an idea).
  • College course work.
  • Work that features use of digital software (Photoshop and 3D software is desired).
  • Evidence of spacial awareness.
  • Evidence of good visual communication skills.

What skills does the course teach?: 

As well as teaching you advance art skills to improve your already existing art skills. 3D modelling is taught as well as traditional and digital art on this course. Props, characters and dioramas are taught on this course.

Open days:

  • July 6th
  • September 14th
  • October 12th
  • November 9th

Do I have the GCSEs to get onto this course?:

Yes I do, I have five GCSEs graded C or above (4, 5 and 6 grades), this includes English and Maths.

How is the University course offering the skills you need for your chosen career?:

The course teaches further digital art (Environments, character and creature design) as well as additional 3D skills to understand space for character and environment design and whether it would work in a 3D space.

Is there anything specific you like or dislike about the course or University?:

I have heard this from someone that applied for the course but apparently they will only accept you if they are your first university choice, she also told me the people working at DMU were quite cold and looked down on her for applying for their own course over it not being “academic”. The University not sounding friendly to people who want to study there doesn’t really appeal to me. Of course I will still look into it but I’m not that happy with the sound of the welcoming.

 

Game art and design (BA) at Norwich University College of the Arts:game-art-norwich.jpg

Course link:

https://www.nua.ac.uk/study-at-nua/courses/ba-hons-games-art-design/

Game art and design at Norwich is a member of the Sony PlayStation First Academic Partnership Programme and is accredited by ScreenSkills and the games industry body TIGA, which also crowned NUA the best educational institution in 2017. It is said to have an international reputation, according to “the rookies”, it is one of the top ten courses in the world for game art (Sourse: The Rookies, 2018)

What are the required grades for this course? GCSEs, UCAS, A-levels etc?:

Any of the following:

  • A / AS Levels – GCE
    GCE A/AS Levels 3 A-level qualifications at grades BBB.
  • BTEC Extended Diploma graded Distinction, Merit, Merit in an art, design or media related subject
  • BTEC Diploma graded Distinction*, Distinction* in an art, design or media related subject
  • UAL Extended Diploma graded Merit
  • UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design graded Merit
  • UAL Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design graded Pass
  • Foundation Diploma in Art and Design graded Merit
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma (Art and Design) graded Pass
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 27 points

Source: NUA website (Game art and Design (BA) Requirements list)

A portfolio is needed upon entry, this portfolio should include:

  • Life drawing, still observation.
  • Environments.
  • Asset creation and environment design.
  • Game design concepts.
  • Digital sculpture.
  • Photoshop work (Specifically photoshop).
  • Animation projects.
  • Reference photography.
  • Work with game engines.
  • Drawings, paintings and illustrations that exhibit an active imagination.

What skills does the course teach?: 

The course teaches asset design and production, concept art, game design (interactivity), collaboration team skills (communication, leadership etc.), research skills and 3D modelling.

Open days:

  • June 28th
  • September 27th
  • October 5th
  • October 26th
  • November 8th
  • December 6th
  • January 10th (2020)

 

Do you have the GCSE’s to get onto the course?

It doesn’t say what GCSEs I need on the requirements list, only college level qualifications.

How is the University course offering the skills you need for your chosen career?:

It expands on current art skills and teaches technical skills to develop spacial awareness in design, something that is needed for concept art.

Is there anything specific you like or dislike about the course or University?:

Nothing sticks out as something I really like or don’t like, it seems like i good course and I haven’t heard anything problematic about it.

 

Illustration – FdA (Foundation Degree)/BA (Hons) Degree:

Illustration course NB.JPG

Course link:

https://www.gbmc.ac.uk/illustration-fda

Illustration (Foundation degree/ BA Hons) is one of the many University level courses at Northbrook (The college I am studying at now). I am looking at the illustration route as well as game art as I am conflicted between the two. I have already spoken to the people running the course about what they can offer me and what I can do after.

What are the required grades for this course? GCSEs, UCAS, A-levels etc?:

  • A portfolio and interview.
  • A relevant A-level or level 3 extended diploma.
  • Grade requirements set after interview.
  • Industry expereince taken into account.

What skills does the course teach?: 

  • Concept development.
  • Market awareness.
  • Illustrator practices in publishing, advertising.
  • Skills relevant to a work environment.

Open days:

  • November 2nd.
  • November 30th.
  • End of year exhibitions.

Do you have the GCSE’s to get onto the course?

It doesn’t say what GCSEs I need on the requirements list, only college level qualifications.

How is the University course offering the skills you need for your chosen career?:

The course teaches further art skills, skills you would need in a professional environment for studio or freelance work, if I was to go down that route.

Is there anything specific you like or dislike about the course or University?:

I like that it is close to me, I won’t need to move away, leave my side job, I’ll be able yo afford a car and won’t get into debt with accommodation. I’m making sure to not let debt take over my decision but it is a bonus if there isn’t as much.

Concept art for games and film (BA Hons) at Staffordshire university:

Staffordshire university

Course link:

https://www.staffs.ac.uk/course/concept-art-games-film-ba

Concept art for games and film is a course that is a member of the TIGA, meaning they have up to date technology for their game and film art. It is a well known course for people who want to go into concept art, many people go onto this course after they finish this course (The one I am currently on).

What are the required grades for this course? GCSEs, UCAS, A-levels etc?:

  • 112 UCAS points.
  • A- levels graded BBC
  • BTEC graded DMM

There is sadly no information on portfolios, I’m sure you need one but there was nothing about it in entry requirements.

What skills does the course teach?: 

  • Traditional art skills.
  • Digital art skills.
  • 3D modelling with Maya and Zbrush.
  • Language of art and design.
  • Environment and character design.
  • Life drawing.

Open days:

  • August 17th.
  • September 28th.
  • October 26th.

Do you have the GCSE’s to get onto the course?

It doesn’t say what GCSEs I need on the requirements list, only college level qualifications and UCAS.

How is the University course offering the skills you need for your chosen career?:

It expands on current art skills and teaches technical skills to develop spacial awareness in design, something that is needed for concept art.

Is there anything specific you like or dislike about the course or University?:

Nothing sticks out as something I really like or don’t like, it seems like a good course and I haven’t heard anything problematic about it. People I have talked to about going there have said they are excited (Someone chose the course over De Montfort.)