BA (Hons) Computer Games Modelling and Animation

UCAS code: GG64

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

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

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:

• Real Time 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

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 a BTEC Diploma, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers etc, including Art and Design.

We will 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 of the information that you've included in your application. We will 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.

General undergraduate entry requirements

Fees for 2013/14

This is a resource intensive course.

UK/EU students

• Full time: £8,250 (each year)

International students

• Full time: £10,225 (per 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'll learn

Three modules are studied per semester, each delivered through a mixture of lectures, tutorials and practicals.

How you're assessed

The programme is 100% coursework based and has a mixture of group and individual assignments. 25% of the final year is assessed through a personal project.

The computer games industry is one of the largest and fastest growing entertainment industries in the world and needs specialists with the right mixture of skills. Having completed 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, they will also help you to demonstrate your flair and originality, making you highly employable.

"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 is really helpful in preparing us for when we start applying for jobs." 

Ali Khalil