University education is more than the next level in the learning process; it is a critical component of human development worldwide. It provides not only the high-level skills necessary for every labor market but also the training essential for teachers, doctors, nurses, civil servants, engineers, humanists, entrepreneurs, scientists, social scientists, and a myriad of other personnel. It is these trained individuals who develop the capacity and analytical skills that drive local economies, support civil society, teach children, lead effective governments, and make important decisions which affect entire societies.
Exploring Relevant Courses
Staffordshire – Game Art (BA)
This course claims to help students produce amazing visual elements for video-games, providing them with all the skills they’ll need to pursue a career in 3D art. The course covers a multitude of game development aspects, from environment modelling to character creation, props, and vehicle design. Students will be studying 3D modelling, digital sculpting, texturing, observational drawing, and character design. In addition, students will be taught how to apply the fundamentals of art and design theory and contextual art studies to practical art skill development. Upon successful completion, students will be issued their award in BA (Hons) Games Art.
To apply for this course, a student is required to hold at least 112 UCAS points in a relevant college course, such as IT or Games Development – this is a very common requirement among University Game Art course, alongside an A* – C in Maths and English GCSEs (or equivalent). Both of which, I plan to have by the end of the second year of level 3 Games Development.
Stafforshire appears to be a very promising example of Games Art BA, with an excellent demo reel as undeniable evidence; personally, I think that this showreel is one of the best I’ve seen throughout this task, topping De Montfort by a landslide. The course overview focuses on 3D modelling, while reinforcing fundamental art and design skills, such as traditional sketching – another big plus for Staffordshire. Their entry criteria is one of the easier among the list of courses I chose to preview, which can be viewed as both a positive and negative aspect to consider.
De Montfort – Game Art (BA)
De Montfort University claims to provide students with a distinctive mix of creativity, talent and the very latest, most up-to-date technology. Accredited by Skillset, this course was the first industry accredited game art design course in England. Over the 3 year duration, students are taught crucial 3D modeling, traditional and digital art, and game production skills. However, compared to Stafforshire’s own course, this version focuses a little more on traditional and observational art as they view these skills as a fundamental asset required for success. From my own personal point of view, I can understand the importance of being able to assess detail because so many young 3D artists are blind to realism, but to be able to draw human form perfectly as an entry requirement is an excessive condition.
Similar to most other university criteria for games art BAs, DMU demand at least 5 GCSEs graded between A* – C, including maths and English; a minimum of 120 UCAS points from relevant college courses; and a portfolio for assessment. However, their criteria also demands an interview which will consist of a drawing test in which the applicant must sketch something in the room in real time to demonstrate their traditional art expertise. Their requirements are considerably more exhausting than most other universities offering similar courses in the country.
After all of the ‘big talk’ and seemingly amazing statistics De Montfort had to offer, I was extremely disappointed in their demo reel. My attendance to one of their open days consisted of emphasis on their Games Art course being focused on 3D modelling over 2D art, but their showreel appears to display far superior 2D digital art skills than any 3D modelling. In turn, the man delivering the presentation made the point of expressly demanding traditional sketching talents from individuals – an aspect to the concept that I found confusing and backward. Despite their fantastic reputation, I walked away feeling underwhelmed and uninspired.
Hertforshire – 3D Games Art & Design (BA)
This course focuses on high-end 3D games art and has been recognised as one of the best courses of its kind. It explores the digital modelling of characters and environments, shading techniques and level creation. You will explore the design side as well by using the latest software in our award-winning Film, Music and Media Building. You’ll discover how to create optimised shapes and textures and apply them to real-time 3D graphics. You’ll also explore games and gaming trends, looking at scenarios that can be applied to PCs, consoles and interactivity and VR. This course is also accredited by Creative Skillset, reflecting the highest standard of teaching.
Hertfordshire asks that applicants have 72-168 UCAS points in a relevant college course, such as Art & Design or Games Development Level 3 diploma; maths and English GCSEs graded A* – C; and a portfolio for later assessment. All criteria mentioned is shared across all courses I’ve scrutinised so far, but does not demand a drawing test during the interview (something I would struggle with), and does not require traditional sketching demonstrations within the portfolio itself. As stated in task 1.2, traditional 2D art is an aspect of games development I plan to improve on over the next year.
As of yet, I haven’t visited Hertfordshire university, and so all I know about their course is from the page linked under the first screenshot. However, their demo reel linked above, is extremely impressive (for the most part) and I’ve left the video to write this feeling rather inspired for the future. Similar to Staffordshire, their course overview focuses on 3D modelling with the support of traditional 2D art, which I find very appealing. However, as I’d like to explore technical art, I’d have to take this major factor into consideration when exploring these universities and the courses they have to offer.
Level 3 Year 2 