BA (Hons) 3D Game Art

Why study this subject?

More than 2.5 billion people worldwide play games and the global gaming market is set to reach $200 billion by 2023 (Juniper Research 2020) a rise of 30% on 2020, so a world of opportunity is open to you in 3D Games Art.

You could work for companies like Epic Games, Nintendo or Sony, or perhaps set up your own independent company to pursue your passion. Your love of gaming together with your creative and modelling skills will open a number of roles for you - from 3D Artist and Animator to Environmental Artist or Technical Animator. 

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

On this course you will be taught the fundamentals of 3D modelling and animation, and as your studies progress, your skills with modelling will also improve, and you will also learn about games engines and design.

At Buckinghamshire New University we focus on preparing you for work in the industry, helping you to stand out to employers when you graduate. With the right teaching and learning opportunities, it’s possible to turn your passion for gaming into a rewarding and successful career.

At BNU you will be taught by a mix of academic and industry expert staff. We have strong industry links which contribute to the course through guest lectures and teaching in certain modules. We also have specialist modellers and animators who have worked in the industry.

We are also very intentional about creating a strong community. Despite this course being delivered online, we offer various study channels and chat channels so you will be supported and feel a part of the wider BNU community when studying with us.

What facilities can I use?

You will have access to our specialist software via BNUAnywhere. This includes:

• Maya
• Zbrush
• Nuke
• Marvellous Designer
• Adobe suite
• Cinema 4D
• Dragon Frame.

What will I study?

In Year 1 you will learn the fundamentals of 3D. This includes:

• 3D modelling
• Texturing
• Look development
• Lighting
• Animation
• Visual Narrative.

In Year 2 you will explore specialisms including:

• Virtual Environments for Games
• Games Engines
• Destruction simulation
• Digital sculpting
• Hair
• Fur
• Clothing.

In Year 3 you will be encouraged to choose a specialism and aim to create a high quality showreel to support any subsequent job applications you make. Your projects will be focussed on achieving your aims and will be done with the guidance and support of lecturers.

Throughout the course you will also be encouraged to reflect upon your progress and what you might do upon graduation.

How will I be taught and assessed?

You will receive a set of pre-recorded video lectures each week which will contain the learning content as well as a guidance document on how to use the material. You will be able to complete these at times convenient to yourself. This will last for approximately 10 weeks depending on the module. You will also be given a task to complete which will allow you to apply your learning.

You will be able to submit your progress at regular intervals for a feedback video from the lecturer. There will also be a scheduled group online discussion each week where the lecturer will introduce the topic and invite students to discuss and ask questions.

After the lecturing period is over you will be given an industry focussed practical task for each module and you will also be required to keep a reflective learning journal. The practical work is generally 70% of the assessment. At the end of the course you will compile your best work into a showreel.