Level 3 Creative Practice in Game Art & Design Diploma

Full Time

Course Overview

This two-year UAL qualification provides a strong foundation in many areas of game art and design. It covers computer Game Art, 3D modelling, Gameplay Programming, Employability in the Creative Industries and Project Management. It allows you to develop both the artistic and technical skills that are directly linked to the career path you wish to follow.

Course Content

Art Fundamentals

Students develop practical skills in drawing game concept art. They will cover theories of colour, composition, perspective, light and volume and develop the drawing skills to permit effective communication and visualisation of imagined characters, objects and locations. Students will explore both traditional and digital art media and processes.

3D Modelling

This will enable students to understand the fundamental theory and uses of 3D modelling software. They will have the opportunity to use a 3D modelling software application to develop practical computer modelling skills. They will create 3D models using a range of techniques and explore both the limitations imposed by memory and processing capacity and the workflows used to creatively problem-solve in 3D.

Gameplay Programming Fundamentals

This ensures students have an understanding of the fundamental digital media and programming concepts required to examine what goes on behind the scenes of a modern game and within the film industry. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the way digital images, graphics, video, and audio work and investigate how programming is used to create and control objects within a game. Using a modern game engine, they will also create their programs to explore and solve specific problems that relate to their product development.

UI/UX Design

This will introduce students to the design strategies that inform the way people are asked to interact with computer games and interactive media. They will analyse the current and emerging interface technologies that exist between interactive digital experiences and their users. They will also study and create control and feedback mechanisms to be used within games.

The Games Industry

This will provide students with an understanding of the business of games, and the wider creative industries, specifically its organisational structures. It will also cover the legal and ethical responsibilities, alongside the regulatory constraints relevant to media producers and give learners an insight into future career pathways and further study options.

Production Management

Students will be introduced to the processes and importance of pre-production planning and the common business and working practices. Through practical projects, students will understand, deliver and evaluate work in response to assigned briefs.

Game Design

Students build an understanding of the underlying principles of game design and explore the creative processes and ideation methodologies used in the creative industries.

Entry Requirement

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and maths, or a relevant level 2 qualification.

Assessment

Students will demonstrate their learning through a final creative media project, which will be assessed based on coursework completed throughout the course.

Where does this course lead to

The majority of students completing the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication (Games and Art Design) will progress to undergraduate study in a range of related courses.
The content of the course was developed collaboratively with representatives from universities, further education colleges and 6th-form colleges to ensure that it provides students with the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to progress into higher education, further education or other training opportunities.

UCAS points for this course

Year one:

D 84

M 60

P 36

Year two:

D 168

M 120

P 72