BA (Hons) Games Art and Design

The BA (Hons) Games Art and Design degree gives you the chance to grow creatively and conceptually, as well as to research games, test out ideas, gain valuable knowledge of the gaming industry. You'll generate original concept art, learn character animation techniques, undertake experimental gameplay and understand emerging technologies such as AI scripting. The direction of the course is to create impactful games, meaning you'll graduate with specialist knowledge required for roles in the gaming industry, and informed perspectives on game creation that considers equality, diversity, and inclusion.

You'll be able to produce your own games via software such as Unity and Unreal and will acquire critical viewpoints on games and their cultural and social relevance. You'll cover topics like power, identity and ethics, as well as the function that games play in social change, health and educational endeavours. Throughout the course, you'll collaborate and undertake different roles in the creation of games, preparing for a career in the games industry or for postgraduate study. As this course is delivered within a specialist Arts University, you'll work alongside other like-minded and creative individuals, who all add to the unique dynamic of the AUB campus.

The course focuses on creating fun but ‘meaningful’ games that showcase concepts with value-driven design to gain critical perspectives on cultural and social significance. They could include issues such as power, identity and ethics, as well as the role of games in education, health, and social change initiatives.

All undergraduate courses at AUB offer an optional placement year, to be taken between your second and third years of study.

If you’re unsure about this optional placement, you don’t need to decide now. Once you’re here and studying with us, the course team will discuss the placement options with you, so when the time comes, you can make a decision that’s right for you.

The first year of BA (Hons) Games Art and Design degree is an introduction to study at higher education and provides you with the principles of games creation. The course gives an understanding of the concept of identity within gaming, including avatar and character development, which is crucial for creating engaging and immersive games. The first year also introduces concept art and aesthetics, game mechanics and the basics of software, which are essential skills for game design and development.

In addition to technical skills, the course also emphasises research and understanding the history of gaming through its development, both digital and non-digital. You'll gain a thorough understanding of the concept of "play" and how it has evolved over time. The importance of storytelling will also be delivered, as it's an essential aspect of creating successful games.

Units:

• Identity and Avatar
• Gaming and Play
• Storytelling Through Games

In the second year, you'll be challenged to consolidate your skills and knowledge by producing a skills audit. This helps to identify areas where you may need to improve and where your strengths lie. You'll then collaborate in groups on a set project in different roles used in the games industry. Enabling you to gain experience in different aspects of game design and development, preparing for your future careers.

In addition to technical skills, the second year of the course emphasises the importance of gender, identity and values in designing games. You'll explore how these factors influence the design of games and how they can be addressed in game development. This provides a deeper understanding of the role of games in society and how they can be used to promote equality, diversity and inclusion.

The second year of the course also includes a wide range of creative challenges, including undertaking competition briefs, learning how to launch your own games business, writing a self-initiated project and producing a case study of companies or designers that relate to your interests.

Units:

• Gender/Identity/Values
• Self-Initiated Project
• Launchpad

The final year is designed to prepare you to enter the games industry or to consider postgraduate study. The curriculum provides the opportunity to work on industry-set projects, allowing you to gain practical experience and evidence their skills with a professional viewpoint.

In addition to industry projects, the third year of the course allows time to compile a portfolio of work. This includes the Final Major Project, which has significance from a technical and conceptual viewpoint, this project will be the focal point of your portfolio, showcasing skills and abilities to future employers or clients.

To support this, you'll also write an industry-focused report, helping to understand which aspect of the industry you want to progress into, or to see where your business enterprise will lead.

Units:

• Industry/Live Project
• Industry In Focus Report
• Final Major Project
• Reflective Journal

During the academic year, at least one excursion to London or another UK cultural hub is planned on BA (Hons) Games Art and Design. Due to Bournemouth's proximity to London, students can easily plan excursions to the city's art galleries and museums to supplement their academic work. Professional progress as practitioners depends on primary research.

Trips give students confidence, promote independence and present opportunities for future professional and personal development.

Any additional fees are disclosed before the visit.

Visiting tutors will bring you bring diverse perspectives and unique skill sets, enhancing your learning experience and understanding of the creative industries. Industry professionals provide invaluable insights into the creative industry, sharing their expertise and experiences.

They conduct workshops, lectures, and participate in critiquing student work, offering constructive feedback from both an education and industry perspective. Their presence can also offer students the opportunity to network and learn about potential career paths, industry trends, and professional practices.