BA/BSc (Hons) Game Art & Animation
You will create 3D art for games played across multiple platforms and you'll build worlds that players want to lose themselves in.
Available at
Amsterdam
Duration(s)
2 years full-time
BA/BSc (Hons) Game Art & Animation
Course Durations
2 years full-time
Start Date(s)
September 2023
BA/BSc (Hons) Game Art & Animation
Start Dates
Amsterdam
September 2023
Entry Requirements
BA/BSc (Hons) Game Art & Animation
Domestic & EU Entry Requirements
Domestic students must meet the following criteria:
Degree entry
Minimum age of 18 years
For non-EU students, a valid VISA for the entire duration of the selected course is required prior to enrolment. The registration at SAE Institute cannot grant you a Student Visa in the Netherlands.
Applicants must have achieved an intermediate level of education
English language skills: minimum TOEFL score of 80, or, minimum IELTS score of 6,5 (or equivalent)
* Our courses require that our students are in possession of a laptop (Mac/PC) in order to make notes in class, complete written homework and/or do research. For questions regarding specifications please consult the Study Advisors.
BA/BSc (Hons) Game Art & Animation
International Entry Requirements
Non-EU Applicants
For non-EU students, a valid VISA for the entire duration of the selected course is required prior to enrolment. The registration at SAE Institute cannot grant you a Student Visa in the Netherlands.
Fees
BA/BSc (Hons) Game Art & Animation
Domestic Fees
Students studying higher education courses may be eligible for various forms of funding, including student loans and grants. There may be some differences depending on the region you come from.
YOUR CAREER IN ANIMATION BEGINS NOW
Learn in a collaborative, studio-based environment where your teachers are your mentors.
You will produce real-world projects in small creative teams, meaning you will have a competitive edge and an impressive portfolio when entering the workplace.
Learn advanced-level industry-standard animation tools, such as Autodesk 3DS Max, Maya, and the Adobe Creative Suite.
Develop advanced skills in industry-standard software packages
Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3DS Max, Substance Painter, Unity, Pixologic ZBrush and Adobe Creative Suite, Unreal Engine.
Practical, immersive training
Practical skills are vital. Our learning approach is a blend of vocational and academic from day one.
Cross discipline collaboration
Work across film, gaming and audio projects at SAE.
Expand your career
Graduate with a portfolio, work experience, employability and entrepreneurial skills and a network of fellow creatives.
Tools & Software
Animation skills
Character animation (2D/3D)
Visual storytelling
3D modelling & computer graphics
Visual effects & motion graphics
Course Structure
BA/BSc Game Art Animation is broken up into three distinct stages, each designed to develop different skills.
Trimester 1
You will begin your learning journey with us by developing fundamental 2D and 3D skills that will underpin your practice and specialisation through your studies and beyond.
2D Fundamentals
‘2D Fundamentals’ is the first element to be explored in the Game Art and Animation award. It looks at the basics of classical drawing and digital imaging for the creation of 2D assets, introducing you to the workflows and pipelines required. You will also receive a grounding in the conventions of academic writing, and the concepts of intellectual property and copyright in the creative industries.
Topics include:
- Principles of design and composition
- Colour theory
- Image acquisition
- Drawing
- Digital image editing
- Academic writing & referencing
- Intellectual property & copyright
‘2D Fundamentals’ is the first element to be explored in the Game Art and Animation award. It looks at the basics of classical drawing and digital imaging for the creation of 2D assets, introducing you to the workflows and pipelines required. You will also receive a grounding in the conventions of academic writing, and the concepts of intellectual property and copyright in the creative industries.
Topics include:
- Principles of design and composition
- Colour theory
- Image acquisition
- Drawing
- Digital image editing
- Academic writing & referencing
- Intellectual property & copyright
‘3D Fundamentals’ introduces you to the theories and practice of 3D artwork for games. The standard workflow of a 3D pipeline is explored, centred on modelling and texturing, while outlining the effective use of geometry in regards to performance and workflow optimisation. You will learn presentation skills to help present your work to others through visual and oral methods, while also starting to learn about effective time management in creative work.
Topics include:
- Principles of 3D
- Low- and High-poly modelling
- Texturing and texture baking
- Asset creation pipeline
- Presentation skills
- Time management
Topics include:
- Principles of 3D
- Low- and High-poly modelling
- Texturing and texture baking
- Asset creation pipeline
- Presentation skills
- Time management
Trimester 2
Throughout the second teaching term, you will broaden your skills that underpin key roles within Game Art and Animation industries, including sculpting, texturing, animation and rendering.
‘Digital Sculpting and PBR Texturing’ addresses the technical aspects of the 3D production pipeline. Lighting, texturing and camera setups for real-time rendered scenes are explored and developed. You will implement digital sculpting techniques as well as optimisation of geometry, topology and edge flow. You will also explore techniques for texture baking and develop contemporary workflows using industry standard software packages. This module will also introduce you to the necessary skills and knowledge to create digital assets using the same workflow used in the creation of AAA and independent console titles.
Topics in Trimester 2 include:
- Digital sculpting
- Physically Based Rendering
- Real-time rendering fundamentals
- Optimising 3D models for real-time applications
- Texture baking
- Asset design and development
- Production briefs
- Project management
Topics in Trimester 2 include:
- Digital sculpting
- Physically Based Rendering
- Real-time rendering fundamentals
- Optimising 3D models for real-time applications
- Texture baking
- Asset design and development
- Production briefs
- Project management
‘Game Art Animation and Rendering’ covers the theory and practice of animation and rendering, including technical processes of lighting and rigging. You will learn about and then demonstrate the relevant techniques through a simple animation. The module provides an insight into the animation process and shows standard workflows in 2D and 3D animation. The result will then be presented in a rendered scene.
Topics include:
- Rigging
- Animation
- Lighting
- Rendering
Topics include:
- Rigging
- Animation
- Lighting
- Rendering
Trimester 3
Trimester 3 introduces you to a professional working environment where you will undertake a number of prescribed project briefs using a project based ‘creative studio’ approach. Creative Studios provide a practically focused approach to your education, through the engagement with authentic assessment activities that reflect industry practices.
Students are asked to research and analyse the works of a particular group, individual or movement within a given industry. From this research, students will then be able to implement production techniques to effectively create a game-ready character and associated asset based on an existing franchise (Game, Movie, etc).
From this, students learn the importance of working to guidelines; identifying techniques and approaches for a given style; and understanding the cultural context of relevant media.They will also learn the technical process for designing and creating detailed game assets, building on the foundation established in Level 4.
From this, students learn the importance of working to guidelines; identifying techniques and approaches for a given style; and understanding the cultural context of relevant media.They will also learn the technical process for designing and creating detailed game assets, building on the foundation established in Level 4.
Trimester 4
The second Creative Studio term focuses on developing your understanding of professional workflows for environment creation and real-time animation.
In this term, students will develop an understanding of professional workflows for environment creation and real-time animation. Students will determine, through research, industry relevant techniques for modelling, texturing and optimisation for game engines, with a focus on efficiency as well as aesthetics and style. A major part of the module will involve students collaborating either cross discipline or with others in their own field to mimic the operational dynamics in industry. Students will also learn considerations for marketing and effective planning for animation projects.
Trimester 5
As you enter your penultimate study period, you have opportunities to identify areas of professional interest and develop a deep and sound knowledge of this area.
This term provides opportunities for students to identify their area of professional interest such as environment art, character art, or animation. Through research and practical application, students will develop a deep and sound knowledge of their chosen area.
In this module, investigation and applied knowledge will help students to develop a proposal for their Major Project exploring existing research methodologies, scholarship, production techniques and current industry developments. Students will have a choice to undertake structured industry-based activities, or pursue a research project using real-time or animation technology.
This module will build a thorough awareness of professional practice and the student's ability to direct their professional development. At the end of the module, students will have a Major Project proposal informed by systematic investigation and an informed perspective on how it fits into their future career plans.
In this module, investigation and applied knowledge will help students to develop a proposal for their Major Project exploring existing research methodologies, scholarship, production techniques and current industry developments. Students will have a choice to undertake structured industry-based activities, or pursue a research project using real-time or animation technology.
This module will build a thorough awareness of professional practice and the student's ability to direct their professional development. At the end of the module, students will have a Major Project proposal informed by systematic investigation and an informed perspective on how it fits into their future career plans.
Trimester 6
This final module enables students pursuing the Game Art and Animation award to demonstrate their skills in a large scale, advanced level project.
During your final trimester you will work to the completion of your final Major Project, which will have been designed, scoped and approved through the preceding term. This project gives you the opportunity to focus and advance your knowledge and skills in your chosen specialism within your field, and serves as the culmination of your learning journey with us.
Previously, students have used the Major Project as a springboard into industry, creating award winning projects, establishing their own businesses or making connections with industry professionals that have led to employment.
Previously, students have used the Major Project as a springboard into industry, creating award winning projects, establishing their own businesses or making connections with industry professionals that have led to employment.
University of Hertfordshire
Level 6
This program was developed and is delivered and assessed by SAE Institute, awarded by and quality assured by University of Hertfordshire.
Bachelor or Animation Career Outcomes
What jobs will this course lead to?
Character Artist
Environment Artist
Technical Artist
Production Coordinator
Quality Assurance (QA)
Motion Designer
Lighting Artist
Lighting Artist/Lighting TD
Animator
Character Animator
Illustrator
Layout Artist
3D Generalist
Concept Artist
Graphic Designer
2D Artist
Rigging Technical Director (TD)
Compositor
Freelance Artist
Animation/Art Intern
FX Artist
Previs Artist
Texture Artist
Look Development Artist
Pipeline TD
3D modeller
Visualisation Artist
Matte Painter
VFX Supervisor
Art Director
Student Spotlight
Course FAQs
While we would recommend that anyone who is studying Game Art & Animation should invest in their own hardware, our labs are kitted out with high end PCs that you will have access to for your classes. Students can also book access to PCs when they aren’t in use.
Yes, there is an SAE Student Store with discounts available to students who have fully enrolled.
Our students are encouraged to collaborate with other disciplines as much as they can. There are many opportunities and requirements to work with students from other courses throughout the study path.
