Game Art

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.

Course Summary

- Learn industry-standard tools and advanced techniques in state-of-the-art studios.

- Apply them to various game art skills, from character design to environmental art.

- Explore diverse game art styles on leading gaming platforms, including PlayStation.

- Engage with games developers and our commercial games studio, Steel Minions.

- Collaborate with game designers and programmers on cutting-edge projects.

Our BA Game Art course offers an engaging and collaborative learning environment, where you’ll develop artistic and technical skills in an industry-focused subject. You’ll push boundaries and innovation, emerging as a globally minded game artist who’s ready to make a positive impact on the gaming world. Students have previously worked with games studios such as Playground Games, Rockstar and Sumo Digital.

How You Learn

Our course is designed with key principles of engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing a supportive environment where you can thrive.

On this course, based in our bespoke teaching suites, you’ll join a dynamic and collaborative learning community. With their support you’ll undertake creative adventures, explore possibilities and challenge conventions. You'll be taught by staff who have industry experience and/or are research active.

We’ll encourage you to contribute as a creative thinker and doer – applying your knowledge to industry, culture and society. To support your learning journey, we employ a wide range of teaching approaches.

Key themes

During your first year, we’ll lay the groundwork for your journey – with an emphasis on self development, exploration, and both practical and experiential acquisition of knowledge and skills.

We’ll dedicate your second year to expanding your skills and understanding while discovering your areas of interest. We’ll emphasise research and development, as well as contextual application and production.

In your third year, we’ll shift the emphasis to the development and realisation of your professional identity as a game artist. You’ll create an industry-focused portfolio to showcase your expertise – evidencing the attributes, skills and knowledge you’ve gained on the course.

By the time you graduate you’ll have the skills, knowledge and confidence to make a meaningful impact in the ever-evolving world of gaming.

Applied learning

Work experience

You can take part in Hallam’s enterprise programme, forming your own studio and developing independent games.

You’ll also have the opportunity to arrange a placement in between your second and third years. This gives you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career – as well as an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.

You’ll also work on a range of projects simulating real-world working environments, allowing you to expand your skill set, your confidence, your resilience, and your ability to navigate professional interactions.

These experiences are carefully integrated into your coursework to facilitate the development of crucial knowledge, skills and professional behaviours.

Field trips

In your first and third year, you’ll have the opportunity to take field trips to professional settings, cultural institutions and organisations – exploring different working environments and expanding your cultural understanding.

Guest speakers

During your course you’ll be able to hear from a diverse range of professional guest speakers who share their experiences, insights and knowledge – offering you unique perspectives on industries and career paths.