BA (Hons) Computer Games Modelling and Animation

Learn in a city rich with game development history. The city of Derby has a rich heritage of game development, stretching back to the 1980s. Its most famous asset is Lara Croft who became famous in the Tomb Raider series of games. 

These were made by Core Design, the building of which is around the corner from the University where we are teaching the Game Developers of tomorrow how to make games. 

There are also a range of computer games development companies in the area such as Bulkhead who are based in Derby and Dambuster and Free Radical who are in Nottingham.

Specialist facilities
This programme is part of the East Midlands Institute of Technology, for which the University of Derby is the lead institution. The Institute focuses on preparing the current and future generations of innovators to ensure they are skilled in digital, manufacturing and engineering subjects. 

• This course is designed in close collaboration with industrial practitioners, technologists, specialists and professional bodies to offer rigorous professional and practical training backed with sound academic theory. 

Throughout this course, you'll create and animate 3D art in a real-time environment using latest techniques and state-of-the-art software development tools in our industry-standard laboratories. Facilities include:

• Computer Games Labs - home to our specialist software access and hardware facilities
• Motion Capture Suite - VICON System industry standard motion capture system using VICON hardware and software
• XR Lab - a dedicated space for mixed-course games development as well as providing a flexible space for visualisation and other projects

Houdini Certified School status

• We have received Houdini Certified School status which shows the high quality of teaching provided on this course. It also displays our dedication to teaching you the skills and knowledge of industry relevant programmes so you can graduate with confidence using a range of software going into the job market.
• Another benefit to this certification is that you can receive a home licence to use on your own device up to a year after you've graduated.

Inspiring student work

• In your final year, you’ll work with students on our Computer Games Programming BSc (Hons) degree to create a game from scratch. Your game will then be featured in the University’s Games Expo – a public event where you’ll gain exposure to veteran developers and artists from within the games industry. Take a look at the stunning images and showreel showcases that celebrate work made by our students. And hear what our students have to say at our Games Expo. 

Year 1
Core modules

• Introduction to 3D Modelling
• Computer Games Modelling
• Concept Development for Digital Application
• Game Studies
• Game Texture Development
• Introduction to 3D Animation

Year 2
Core modules

• Applied Game Art Production
• Specialist 3D Project
• 3D Animation for Games
• 3D Digital Sculpture
• 3D Rigging Systems

Optional placement Year
Core modules

• Applied Professional Practice
• Contemporary Issues in Professional Practice

Year 3
Core modules

• Advanced 3D Graphics
• Professional Portfolio Development
• Independent Studies

How you will learn

You will study three modules per semester. Each will be delivered through a mixture of lectures, tutorials and practical sessions. In these sessions, you will learn to work with a range of hardware and software, including:

• Autodesk Maya
• Autodesk 3Ds Max
• Substance
• Houdini
• ZBrush
• Photoshop
• Unreal Engine
• Unity Engine
• Steam 
• Marmoset Toolbag
• Vicon Shogun

In our XR Lab you will use specialist games and visualisation hardware, including Vive Pro Eye headsets, Rifts and Wacom drawing tablets. There are eight workstations outfitted with 2080 graphics cards so you can approach raytracing projects and AI workloads

How you will be assessed

• Assessment is 100% coursework through a mixture of group and individual assignments. In the final year, 25% of your assessment will be for a personal project.
• You can take an optional industrial placement year between stages two and three of your studies.

Careers Your future

• The computer games industry needs specialists with a powerful combination of skills so this degree makes you highly employable. In addition, you will discover that the skills you have developed can be transferred to a range of different industries such as film and visualisation.

Previous graduates have gone on to work for companies such as:

• Epic Games
• Bloc Digital
• Jaguar Land Rover
• Bulkhead Interactive
• Sumo Digital
• Ubisoft
• Rockstar Games