BA (Hons) Computer Games Modelling and Animation

When can you start this course? | UCAS code | Fees | Course length | Entry requirements

Why choose this course?

This degree has been developed with the games industry, to ensure the content is both up to date and relevant
Our teaching team includes industry professionals who will enable you to gain the right abilities to apply for a range of 3D jobs. You will use Oneword, Maya, Photoshop, Mudbox and Unreal Development Kit along with Z Brush and as your core set of tools.
The School of Computing and the School of Art and Design have joined forces to produce computer games artists who will be both technically and creatively skilled, and useful to the industry from day one. See some of the work our students have done
It's for you if you're keen to understand both the computer modelling, and animation aspects of games production. If you're more interested in programming see our BSc (Hons) Computer Games Programming.
You'll be assisted by our friendly and supportive lecturers and study in state-of-the-art computing facilities. Take a video tour

About the course

It's a degree concentrating mainly on the production of art related assets for computer games. You will learn traditional core skills alongside industry standard practice in modelling, texturing and animation. This will be encouraged on by using real time engines to demonstrate your work within a gaming context. As in industry, you'll use your skills collaboratively. You'll create game content in teams as well as getting the opportunity to work with programmers from the Computer games programming courseYou will get the opportunity to develop your understanding of games as a visual medium and the technical theory of game art production, and the relationship between art and gameplay mechanics.

Find out more about what subjects and modules you'll be studying...

Your career

See what Dave Wilson, the course leader, has to say about the standard of the work at the degree show last year.

The computer games industry is one of the largest and fastest growing entertainment media in the world and needs specialists with the right mix of skills. At the end of this programme you will be able to create and animate 3D art in a real time environment using the very latest techniques. Not only will these assets be technically relevant but will have flair and originality, making you very employable.

What our students say

Jenna is currently studying the course. Watch her video interview.

"Because this course is run by industry professionals we learn how the games industry works, and most importantly the requirements of a 3D artist. This really prepares us for when we start applying for jobs."

Ali Khalil

How you'll learn

There are three modules studies per semester, each delivered through a mix of lectures, tutorials and practicals.

How you're assessed

The programme is 100% coursework based

There is a mixture of group and individual assignments. 25% of the final year is assessed through a personal project.

Work placements

You can choose to spend the third year in a supervised work placement - this is optional.

Anything else?

Induction

You'll spend your first week at Derby having a comprehensive introduction to the university. You'll get to know lecturers, fellow students, your way around the labs and the campus and they type of work and study you'll be doing, so you'll be fully prepared when your lectures start the following week.As part of your induction week you'll also go on a day trip with all of the other computing students out in to the Peak District.

Find out more about what this involves

What employers say

"It's a fantastic idea for a course. The industry needs to recruit more people with an artistic speciality."

Gavin Rummery, Core Design

"Studio Liverpool originally approached the University of Derby when we were looking to build on our existing academic relationships. We chose Derby because their CGMA course was clearly the result of a collaboration with active industry professionals. Our confidence in the course was also driven by how clear the lecturers were about evenly dividing their focus between software knowledge and more traditional art skills. We believe that our relationship, with the University as well as with the individual students themselves, has definitely already been beneficial to everyone involved."

Christian Lavoie, Technical Art Director, Studio Liverpool, Sony Worldwide Studios

What the parents say

"We'd like to thank you for the inspiring and informative presentation at the recent open day. As a mum, deputy head and advisor, I welcomed your key messages - that this degree is innovative and exciting but also extremely hard work, requiring determination and commitment. We, as parents, have supported our son with his decision to follow this career path - when school were insisting he take more 'conventional' A levels, and your enthusiasm and professionalism have only strengthened his resolve."

Alison Hopton, parent

Start dates

If you're from the UK or EU you can apply to study this course in:

September 2012

If you're from a country outside the EU you can apply to study this course full time in:

September 2012

UCAS code

GG70

Fees

This is a resource intensive course.

UK/EU students

Full time: £7,495 (each year)

International students

Full time: £9,975 (each year)

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2012 and August 2013. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.