BA (Hons) Game Arts & Animation

<p>Through storytelling, prototyping and problem-solving, you will develop projects and lead in interdisciplinary contexts, gaining knowledge that will be valuable whether you work for a multinational organisation or a small studio. Alongside the teaching of other content linked to entertainment designs, integrated studies and the humanities and arts, you will develop a comprehensive and sustainable approach for creating dynamic and engaging games and animations.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">The objective of the course is to prepare each student to join a studio, having observed and practised the numerous phases required in the production of game design and animated features, including:</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr">Writing</li> <li dir="ltr">Concept art</li> <li dir="ltr">Storyboarding</li> <li dir="ltr">Art direction</li> <li dir="ltr">Animation</li> <li dir="ltr">Editing</li> </ul>

<p dir="ltr">During the first year, a significant part of the course is devoted to fundamental drawing practice, such as anatomy, characters, posing and animation.</p> <p dir="ltr">Following on from this, your skills will be developed further through working with the digital tools that are widely used within the industries. As a student you will focus on concept art and visual development towards outputs such as characters, worldbuilding and asset creation.<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">During your second year you will be able to select either a games or animation career development specialism.</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Game arts path:</strong> prepares students to create and communicate visual concepts through 3D and 2D prototyping, iteration and production.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Animation path:</strong> develops students in the disciplines of character animation, storyboarding, modelling, art direction and the principles of 2D and 3D lighting.</p></li></ul>

<p dir="ltr">BA (Hons) Game Arts &amp; Animation at Arts University Plymouth has been recognised as an Unreal Academic Partner by Epic Games. The recognition reflects a course where students build strong visual foundations in drawing, concept art and worldbuilding, then develop digital production skills using tools such as Unreal Engine, Autodesk's 3D studio max and Maya, ZBrush and Substance Painter. On the game arts pathway, you will apply those skills to environments, blockouts and game-ready assets, preparing for contemporary practice across games and animation.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Unreal Academic Partner badge used under licence from Epic Games. Arts University Plymouth is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Epic Games.</em><br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">BA (Hons) Game Arts &amp; Animation students responded especially positively in the National Student Survey 2026 to assessment, academic support, IT resources and freedom of expression. Students responded positively at <strong>90% or above to 9 of the 27 individual questions</strong>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Students responded particularly strongly to questions including:</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>97%</strong> for “How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?”<br /><strong>97%</strong> for “How often have you received assessment feedback on time?”<br /><strong>97%</strong> for “During your studies, how free did you feel to express your ideas, opinions, and beliefs?”<br /><strong>97%</strong> for “How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?”<br /><strong>94%</strong> for “How good are teaching staff at explaining things?”<br /><strong>94%</strong> for “To what extent does your course have the right balance of directed and independent study?”<br /><strong>94%</strong> for “How well have teaching staff supported your learning?”<br /></p>

<p dir="ltr">Career opportunities include: 2D Texture Artists, 3D CGI Animators, 3D Modellers, Print Artists (stop-motion production), Animators, Art Directors, Character Designers, Compositors, Concept Artists, Illustrators, Set and Prop Designers and Storyboard Artists.<br /></p>