Games Art - BA (Hons)

University of Northampton

The worlds, characters and environments that make games memorable all begin with talented artists who can turn ideas into engaging visual experiences. If you're passionate about drawing, design, world-building or digital art, Games Art gives you the opportunity to develop the creative and technical skills needed to help shape the games of the future. This course focuses on the visual side of game development, exploring specialist areas including concept art, character design, environment design, 3D modelling and user interface (UI) design. You'll learn how ideas move from initial sketches and visual concepts through to finished assets that can be implemented into a working game. As well as developing your artistic abilities, you'll gain the technical skills needed to create game-ready content. Understanding how art fits within the wider development process can help you create assets that not only look impressive but also function effectively within interactive environments. A key strength of the course is its collaborative approach. Through a dedicated group project, you'll work alongside students from Games Design and Games Programming to create commercial-quality games. This experience mirrors professional development environments, helping you understand how artists, designers and programmers work together to bring creative ideas to life. You'll learn using specialist hardware and software, including Wacom Cintiq and Wacom Intuos equipment, and have opportunities to take part in live projects and competitions that help you build experience and strengthen your portfolio. As a member of the Unreal Academic Partner Program, the University also provides additional opportunities linked to Unreal Engine-based learning and development. By graduation, you'll have developed a portfolio that showcases your artistic, technical and collaborative skills, alongside experience of the full asset creation pipeline. Whether you're interested in concept art, character creation, environment art, 3D modelling or related creative fields, you'll have developed practical experience that can help prepare you for the next stage of your professional journey.

At the University of Northampton, you’ll benefit from a supportive, career-focused experience designed to help you succeed.

Study in small groups led by expert academics, with dedicated one-to-one support. Our close-knit community ensures you receive individual guidance while being challenged to achieve your best.

Whatever your goals, we’ll help you get there. You’ll develop valuable skills, discover your strengths, and gain real-world experience - so you’re ready to stand out when applying for jobs or further study.

We guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time first-year students who apply and accept their offer by June 2027\*.

You’ll receive a brand-new laptop at no additional cost\*\*, and all essential textbooks are available through our library - helping you save money throughout your studies.

Study at our student-led purpose-built Waterside Campus, designed to provide an inspiring and dynamic environment for learning and student life. Visit us at an Open Day to see it for yourself.

We’re confident you’ll graduate ready to launch your career. If you’re not in employment within six months, you’ll receive dedicated support from a Careers Development Consultant. If you’re still seeking opportunities after that, we’ll offer you a paid internship. ✱ Eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/ for more information\ ✱✱ Eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information