BA (Hons) Computer & Video Games (Full Time)

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This cutting-edge course gives you the chance to prepare for a career in the fast-moving computer and video games industry.

Key elements include:

• Development of digital art production skills
• Use of our fully-equipped games lab, loaded with industry-standard software
• Creative and critical aspects of game art
• Access to professional 3D games
• Individual support to help you develop your talents
• Working to briefs and live client projects to help you build your portfolio
• Guest speakers from the video games industry to advise on latest trends and career progression
• Expert staff team with wide games industry experience.

The team at Solent is passionate about video games and will help you develop the specialist artistic and computer skills you need to succeed.

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Industrial focus

Employment is at the heart of this course and tutors help you understand the needs and expectations of employers, as well as sharing up-to-date industry insight.

Work placements offer you the chance to get first-hand experience and build valuable contacts in the games sector. The whole course is designed to help you stand out in this competitive field.

Course content

Year 1

Six core units and one option unit:

• Principles of Animation
• Drawing 1
• Drawing 2
• CGI 1
• CGI 2
• Character Design

Options:

• Animation Theory
• Game Theory.

Year 2

Four core units and one option unit:

• Level Design
• Game Production
• Critical Discourse 1
• Digital Character

Options:

• Life Drawing 1 and 2
• Alternative Production OR Curriculum Plus (Work-based Learning, Foreign Language, Community Volunteering).

Year 3

Three core units:

• Pre-Production Industry or Conceptual
• Games Major Project
• Critical Discourse 2.

Why choose Solent?

The video games industry is expanding – top selling games like Modern Warfare have set records in sales and income. Both large and small developers are thriving and there are plenty of small businesses doing well in the new media markets. New trends in mobile and social gaming are also expanding the industry.

Solent has proven successful at placing its students with games developers. The course pushes students to their limits while giving them full creative freedom to seek the areas of skill most appropriate to their talents.

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Assessment

Studio coursework and presentations, as well as a major games project in the final year. All practical work to a brief and portfolio assessed.

Projects/work experience

Live client projects including work for DX Studio and Curve Studios. You will also received support for placements at companies including Lionhead Studios and Double Six.

Key career skills

Creative thinking, abstract thinking and problem solving, visualisation, visual communication, presentation, IT, teamwork.

Graduate quote

Mark Rayner

“The course is structured to produce game artists that have the range and quality of skills to work for game developers, and have the qualities these companies desire in employees. The first year consists of a core of improvement of raw drawing skills and traditional 2D animation, as well as units about game design and narrative in games. After that we studied 3D modelling, level/environment design, character design and animation.

“During the final year you can specialise in one of these areas, have the chance to work in a team, and can use a game engine of your choice. I worked with another student on a cyberpunk multiplayer team-based mod using Valve Software’s Source (Half-Life 2) engine. Working in a team allowed me to specialise and handle all the environment/level design, whilst my team-mate produced several working player models. Throughout the course we could use top-notch machines and industry-standard software.

“I would recommend this degree to anyone who wants a game artist job because of the staff. All of them are ex (or current) industry practitioners, and bring knowledge, insight and wisdom about the realities of the game industry and game development that has been invaluable.”

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Key Information Set