BA (Hons) Computer Games Modelling and Animation
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 specialist 3D art roles. You will use Maya, Photoshop and Unreal Development Kit along with Z Brush and as your core set of tools.
- You can opt to take your third year as a placement year. Spending a year in industry is great experience and really sets you apart as you graduate and enter the jobs market.
- 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.
Fact file
UCAS code: GG70
Start date: September
Course length: full time: three years, or four with optional placement year.
Campus: Kedleston Road site, Derby Campus
This course is available to international students
About this 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 course. You 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.
What you will cover
Stage one
You will study these modules:
- Introduction to 3D Modelling
- Concept Development for Digital Application
- Game Studies
- Game Texture Development
- Computer Games Modelling
- Introduction to 3D Animation
Stage two
You will study these modules:
- Realtime Environment Development
- 3D Rigging Systems
- 3D Digital Sculpture
- Specialist 3D Project
- Applied Game Art Production
- 3D Animation for Games
Stage three - Optional placement year
Final stage
You will study these modules:
- Independent Studies (double module)
- Game Development
- Advanced 3D Graphics
- Professional Portfolio Development 1
- Professional Portfolio Development 2
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are usually 280 UCAS points, of which at least 240 will be from your core A2s (full A levels) or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC Diploma, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers etc, including Art and Design.
We'll accept up to 40 points towards the total from level 3 qualifications such as AS levels (where those AS levels are not taken on to A2 level), the Extended Project or Music qualifications.
We don't accept points from Key Skills Level 3. If you have any questions about what is or isn't accepted, please contact our Admissions team.
We also accept the Access to HE Diploma.
Your points at level 3 will be in addition to 5 GCSEs at grade C or equivalent level 2 qualifications.
The UCAS tariff points are a guide - we'll also consider all the information that you've included in your application. We'll also want to see that you're enthusiastic and motivated to take this course and that you have the potential to benefit from coming to university.
How to apply
UK/EU students
- Full time students should apply for this course through UCAS.
International students
- If you want to start in September, you usually need to apply online through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
Information for international applicants
Fees and finance
Fees for 2013/14
This is a resource intensive course.
UK/EU students
- Full time: £8,250 (each year)
We'll be announcing our international fees for 2013/14 later in the year.
*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2013 and August 2014. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.
How you will learn
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 and is a mixture of group and individual assignments. 25% of the final year is assessed through a personal project.
Careers and employability
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
"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






