BA (Hons) Games Art at Leeds Arts University

Programme overview

This course focuses on bringing game worlds to life through captivating visuals. It provides a collaborative platform, offering games artists the chance to showcase creativity and contribute to immersive gaming experiences within a community of diverse creatives. There are many different roles involved in games art as a subject area.

Duration: 3 years full-time / 4 years with placement year | Study mode: full-time (optional placement/sandwich year) | Intake: September | Location: Leeds, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year one: You’ll delve into the core elements of games art, honing your skills in 3D modelling, visual design, and 2D art. Year two: You’ll expand upon your foundation, elevating both your technical expertise and creative vision, delve deeper into 3D modelling, materials and shaders, and character design, while also immersing yourself in the intricacies of lighting and composition for games art. Year three: You’ll have the chance to specialise in environment art, 3D concept art, or character art, refining your skills and crafting a professional portfolio.

Career pathways

Our graduates embark on a range of rewarding careers, with opportunities including concept artist, 3D modeller, material artist, character artist, environment artist, and art direction within the games development industry. Employment prospects extend to related fields like animation, virtual reality, themed entertainment design, and architectural visualisation.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer 104-120 UCAS tariff points from any combination of A Levels/T Level/Extended Diploma/Foundation Diploma (expected subjects depend on the course); GCSE English Language or Literature at grade 4/C or above, or English Functional Skills Level 2 Pass. International: A-levels 104-120 UCAS points including an art/design-related subject; IB Diploma 26 points; European Baccalaureate 70%; BTEC Extended Diploma DMM; BTEC Diploma DD; UAL Extended Diploma Merit; UAL Foundation Diploma Distinction; IELTS 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5; one reference. Applicants may be assessed through personal statement, predicted grades, reference, examples of work and digital audition or interview. Course requirement: Curated development portfolio, ideally centred on games, showing current creative work and potential.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). Home fee per year for years one to three; optional placement year charged at 20% of the annual tuition fee; rises to £10,050 in 2027/28. Home students who already hold a degree pay £10,540 in 2026/27. Source

International applicants: GBP 18,600 a year (2026/27). BA/BSc (Hons) international fee per year; optional placement year charged at 20% of the annual tuition fee; increases by inflation in later years. Source

Intake: September

Duration: 3 years full-time / 4 years with placement year

Apply through the official page: https://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/apply/how-to-apply-undergraduate

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