Animation, Games & Computer Graphics

This programme provides you with an opportunity to develop further your 3D computer graphics skills in order to become a creative manager or lead artist within the automotive area of computer games.

What you study

The programme provides you with the opportunity to develop the specialist skills necessary to design and construct high-quality digital assets in the field of game vehicles.

The UK is arguably one of the world leaders in the development of racing games with the North East being at the forefront of their development. Racing games range from the realistic and highly competitive types to the wild and wacky cartoon styles. Vehicles come in many forms, not just four-wheel drive or two-wheel cycles but you could find yourself developing trucks, aircraft, boats or futuristic hover cars and spacecraft.

To be a successful vehicle modeller you need to be able to model accurately, if the game demands a particular body shape you need to deliver, so working with blueprints is essential.

During the course you explore a range of topics including Level of Detail (LOD), vehicular damage, dynamics, mechanical rigging and additional mechanical asset creation.

The programme encourages you to develop creative solutions to the problems involved in the management of digital assets for use within computer games specifically in the area of vehicles and other mechanical assets. This is an opportunity for you to advance your knowledge and understanding of the computer graphics used within the field of computer games and related industries.

How you learn

Seminars give you the opportunity to discuss the techniques and methodologies used in developing the realistic 3D models found in computer games, TV and film. These sessions are backed up by laboratory-based practical sessions where you are able to gain formative feedback on your in-course assessments. The work for the in-course assessments should be completed during practical sessions and in your own time.

How you are assessed

Your achievement is measured by the production of a portfolio of artwork showing a range of 3D game-related models within various scenarios and presented in a professional manner. You are expected to present your work in front of an audience of peers. Assessment across the modules is a mixture of individual and group work.

Career opportunities

Typically graduates of this course would be suited for careers as creative managers or lead artists.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have one of the following:

• an honours degree, first or second class, which included substantial modelling practice in 3dsmax, Maya or Softimage XSI (or equivalent), preferably in the subject area of vehicles; or
• equivalent qualifications, for example applicants with appropriate professional experience.

Applicants will be required to submit a portfolio of their creative work as part of the admissions process. In addition, international students will require IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

For additional information please see the undergraduate and postgraduate entry requirements in our admissions section

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