In recent years the role of a concept artist has become increasingly important in film, television and games and the need for this specialism continues to grow. In film and television this is due to the increasing use of computer-generated imagery requiring a creative individual to visualise an idea or scene.

Course overview

In games the role also continues to be vital to a successful production pipeline. There is a genuine demand for concept art graduates in this expanding marketplace.

This course has a strong focus on preparing you for working in the industry. The course has been designed by and is run by staff with significant industry experience who have an overwhelming knowledge of film, TV, game, animation and comic productions. We have many contacts in industry including at ILM, Atomhawk, Rare and Sumo Digital which ensures our teaching practises are reflective of current industry trends. We also invite concept arts guest speakers from studios, such as Ubisoft, Dreamworks and others, to not only engage with you, but to set you briefs reflecting the kind of work you would be expected to do in a professional environment.

You will have access to excellent facilities which include high-specification computers with graphics tablets and more specialised equipment such as Cintiqs, green screen facilities and motion capture, as well as drawing studios, scanners and light boxes for more traditional art development. There are three routes you can choose from to gain an MA Concept Art:

full-time - 2 years with advanced practice (September and January start)

full-time - 1 year (September start) or 16 months (January start)

part-time - 2 years.

Career opportunities

Many graduates have become professional freelancers, as well as working at a variety of studios including Creative Assembly, Splash Damage, Atomhawk and Paramount Pictures.