Games Art BA (Hons) - 2027/8
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Level 6
Final award and programme/pathway title
BA (Hons) Games Art
Subsidiary award(s)
| Award | Title |
|---|---|
| Ord | Games Art |
| DipHE | Games Art |
| CertHE | Games Art |
Modes of study
| Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits | |
| Full-time | URD13009 | 360 credits and 180 ECTS credits |
| Full-time with PTY | URD13010 | 480 credits and 240 ECTS credits |
QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)
Art and design
Other internal and / or external reference points
This programme is subject to approval. This means that it has received initial agreement from the University and is currently undergoing a detailed final approval exercise, through the University's quality assurance processes. These processes are a requirement for all Higher Education Institutions within the UK, to ensure that programmes are of the highest standard. Occasionally there may be instances where the University may delay or not approve the introduction of the programme.
Faculty and Department / School
Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences - Music & Media
Programme Leader
WEINEL Jon (Music & Med)
Date of production/revision of spec
18/05/2026
Educational aims of the programme
- To provide students with a strong foundation in the principles and practices of game art, including 3D modelling and animation, visual storytelling, character design and environment design.
- To develop students' creative, technical and conceptual skills in the production of digital art assets for games and interactive media.
- To encourage critical understanding of the cultural, social and ethical contexts in which video games and interactive media are produced and consumed.
- To equip students with the practical skills and professional workflows used in contemporary game art production.
- To foster creativity, experimentation and innovation through practice-based learning and collaborative studio work.
- To develop students' reflective and critical abilities in analysing both their own creative work and that of others.
- To prepare graduates for employment in the games industry and related creative industry sectors such as animation, visual effects, and digital media.
- To support students in developing independence, resilience and lifelong learning skills.
Programme learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | |
| Demonstrate foundational knowledge of the principles, techniques and processes used in game art and digital asset creation. | KT | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BA (Hons) | |
| Demonstrate basic skills in observation, visualisation and creative problem-solving in response to artistic briefs. | CP | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BA (Hons) | |
| Produce guided examples of audio-visual work using appropriate digital tools, software and production workflows. | P | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BA (Hons) | |
| Apply basic understanding of audio-visual storytelling, composition, and design principles. | KP | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BA (Hons) | |
| Demonstrate introductory reflective and critical documentation skills | CT | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BA (Hons) | |
| Generate ideas independently and collaboratively in response to creative briefs and studio projects. | CPT | DipHE, Ord, BA (Hons) | |
| Develop audio-visual concepts into functional prototypes through iterative experimentation and creative practice. | KCP | DipHE, Ord, BA (Hons) | |
| Demonstrate understanding of historical, cultural and ethical contexts relevant to game art and digital media. | KC | DipHE, Ord, BA (Hons) | |
| Evaluate their own creative work and that of others to improve artistic outcomes. | CP | DipHE, Ord, BA (Hons) | |
| Demonstrate reflective communication skills | CPT | DipHE, Ord, BA (Hons) | |
| Apply appropriate digital tools, software and technologies to realise game art outcomes | KT | Ord, BA (Hons) | |
| Contribute effectively and professionally as part of a creative team within studio-based production environments. | PT | Ord, BA (Hons) | |
| Critically analyse the work of other practitioners in games, animation, film and digital art. | KCT | Ord, BA (Hons) | |
| Articulate and critically evaluate game art production work using advanced language and terminology | KCPT | BA (Hons) | |
| Demonstrate proficiency with advanced techniques for creating digital assets for specific video game platforms | KPT | BA (Hons) | |
| Plan, develop and produce a substantial final project or portfolio demonstrating advanced creative and technical skills | KCPT | BA (Hons) |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Full-time
This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over three academic years, consisting of 360 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6). Modules are either 15 credits or multiples of 15 credits.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)
Full-time with PTY
This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over four academic years, consisting of 480 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5, 6 and the optional professional training year). Modules are either 15 credits or multiples of 15 credits.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)
Programme Adjustments (if applicable)
N/A
Modules
Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
Module Selection for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
No optional modules at Level 4
As part of the approval process the following new module is being developed and if approved will be added to the programme:
Animation Principles
Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMA2015 | ANIMATION PRACTICE | Optional | 15 | 1 |
| DMA2016 | GAMES STUDIO PROJECT | Compulsory | 30 | Year-long |
| DMA2017 | GAMES DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT | Compulsory | 15 | 1 |
| DMA2019 | VISUAL EFFECTS | Compulsory | 15 | 2 |
| FVP2001 | SOUND IN FILM AND TV | Optional | 15 | 1 |
| ELI2057 | GAMES STUDIES | Compulsory | 15 | 2 |
Module Selection for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
Students must choose 1 optional module out of 2 choices
As part of the approval process the following new modules are being developed and if approved will be added to the programme:
Game Art Practice
Game Art Project
Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMA3007 | VISUAL NARRATIVE COLLABORATIONS | Optional | 15 | 1 |
| DMA3018 | MUSIC AND SOUND FOR GAMES | Optional | 15 | 1 |
| DMA3020 | EXTENDED REALITIES | Compulsory | 15 | 1 |
| DMA3021 | SHADER PROGRAMMING | Optional | 15 | 2 |
| DMA3022 | VIRTUAL PRODUCTION | Optional | 15 | 2 |
| ELI3059 | WRITING GAMING | Optional | 15 | 2 |
| ELI3073 | FINAL MAJOR PROJECT | Compulsory | 60 | Year-long |
Module Selection for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
Students must choose 3 optional modules out of 5 choices
Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4
Module Selection for Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4
No optional modules at Level 4
As part of the approval process the following new module is being developed and if approved will be added to the programme:
Animation Principles
Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMA2015 | ANIMATION PRACTICE | Optional | 15 | 1 |
| DMA2016 | GAMES STUDIO PROJECT | Compulsory | 30 | Year-long |
| DMA2017 | GAMES DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT | Compulsory | 15 | 1 |
| DMA2019 | VISUAL EFFECTS | Compulsory | 15 | 2 |
| FVP2001 | SOUND IN FILM AND TV | Optional | 15 | 1 |
| ELI2057 | GAMES STUDIES | Compulsory | 15 | 2 |
Module Selection for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
Students must choose 1 optional module out of 2 choices
As part of the approval process the following new modules are being developed and if approved will be added to the programme:
Game Art Practice
Game Art Project
Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DMA3007 | VISUAL NARRATIVE COLLABORATIONS | Optional | 15 | 1 |
| DMA3018 | MUSIC AND SOUND FOR GAMES | Optional | 15 | 1 |
| DMA3020 | EXTENDED REALITIES | Compulsory | 15 | 1 |
| DMA3021 | SHADER PROGRAMMING | Optional | 15 | 2 |
| DMA3022 | VIRTUAL PRODUCTION | Optional | 15 | 2 |
| ELI3059 | WRITING GAMING | Optional | 15 | 2 |
| ELI3073 | FINAL MAJOR PROJECT | Compulsory | 60 | Year-long |
Module Selection for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
Students must choose 3 optional modules out of 5 choices
Professional Training Year (PTY) -
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELIP013 | PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR WORK) | Optional | 120 | Year-long |
| ELIP014 | PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (WORK-STUDY 50/50) | Optional | 120 | Year-long |
| ELIP015 | PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR STUDY) | Optional | 120 | Year-long |
Module Selection for Professional Training Year (PTY) -
Students must choose one optional module out of 3 choices, if applicable
Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity
| Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics | Y | |
| Professional Training Year (PTY) | N | |
| Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) | N | |
| Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) | N | |
| Study exchange (Level 5) | Y | |
| Dual degree | N |
Other information
The school/department of School of Arts, Humanities & Creative Industries is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This programme is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the following areas:
Digital capabilities: Students develop digital skills through the use of industry-standard creative software, game engines, and digital production pipelines used in game art and interactive media development.
Employability: Students gain skills in concept art, 3D modelling, character design, environment creation, and collaborative studio production workflows relevant to the games, animation, and digital media industries.
Global and cultural capabilities: Students explore the global cultural contexts of video games and digital media, analysing how visual styles, themes, and narratives emerge from diverse creative traditions.
Resourcefulness and Resilience: Through studio-based learning and project work students develop independence, experimentation and resilience in solving creative and technical challenges.
Sustainability: Students are encouraged to consider sustainable creative practices including efficient asset production, digital workflows and responsible use of resources in media production.
Quality assurance
The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2027/8 academic year.