Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Computer Games Modelling and Animation

The BA (Hons) Computer Games Modelling and Animation focuses on the creation of innovative 3D art for a wide range of game genres, including first-person shooters, real-time strategy, city-building and simulation games. The course develops strong technical and creative skills through the use of industry-standard software such as Maya, Unreal Engine and ZBrush, and holds Houdini Certified School status as well as recognition as an Unreal Academic Partner (2024). Students benefit from access to specialist games development facilities, including a state-of-the-art XR (cross-reality) lab, and have the opportunity to undertake an optional placement year to gain valuable industry experience. Team-based collaboration is a key feature of the programme, culminating in the creation of an original game showcased at the annual Games Expo.

Teaching is delivered through three modules per semester using a blend of lectures, tutorials and practical sessions. These sessions provide hands-on experience with a wide range of hardware and software, including Autodesk Maya and 3Ds Max, Substance, Houdini, ZBrush, Photoshop, Unreal Engine, Unity Engine, Steam, Marmoset Toolbag and Vicon Shogun. The XR Lab offers specialist games and visualisation equipment such as Vive Pro Eye headsets, Rift headsets and Wacom drawing tablets, supported by high-performance workstations equipped with advanced graphics cards suitable for ray tracing and AI-based workloads.

Assessment on the programme is entirely coursework-based and includes a combination of group and individual assignments, with a significant personal project forming part of the final-year assessment. An optional industrial placement year is available between stages two and three, further enhancing professional skills and employability within the games industry.