Foundation DegreeGame Art, Design and DevelopmentValidated by The Open University

Overview

As an Epic Games Unreal Academic Partner, Belfast Metropolitan College offers a Foundation Degree in Game Art, Design & Development, designed for students interested in creating video games and developing the artistic and technical skills used in the games industry.

The programme combines game design, 3D modelling, texturing, animation, level design and game development using Unreal Engine, allowing students to explore the complete game creation process, from initial ideas and concepts through to playable prototypes and visually developed game environments.

Through practical projects, industry-standard software and guidance from experienced lecturers, students develop their creative and technical abilities while gaining an understanding of professional game development workflows.

Year One: Building the Foundations

The first year introduces students to the fundamental principles of game art, design and development. Students learn how games are designed; how digital assets are created and how these elements come together to produce interactive experiences using Unreal Engine.

Content covered includes:

• Game Design Fundamentals: Explore how games are designed, including game concepts, genres, target audiences, gameplay mechanics, core gameplay loops, player experience and game design documentation.

• 3D Modelling, Texturing and Animation: Develop foundational skills in creating, texturing and animating 3D assets using industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Adobe Substance 3D Painter and ZBrush, gaining an understanding of the principles of digital asset creation for games.

• Level Design and World Building: Learn how to design engaging gameplay environments using Unreal Engine, including level layout, player navigation, spatial communication, environmental storytelling and the principles of effective level design.

• Blueprint Visual Scripting: Learn to create interactive gameplay systems in Unreal Engine using Blueprint visual scripting, including character movement, player interactions, collectibles, puzzles and user interfaces, without requiring extensive traditional programming knowledge.

• Game Prototyping and Vertical Slice Development: Apply design and development skills to create playable game prototypes, progressing from initial greybox environments to visually developed game experiences using Unreal Engine's real-time development tools.

• Game Development Pipelines: Gain an understanding of the development process, from initial concept and pre-production through asset creation, integration, testing and iterative development, including an introduction to production tracking and collaborative workflows.

Year Two: Advanced Development and Production

In the second year, students build upon their foundational knowledge, exploring specialist production technologies, more advanced Unreal Engine development techniques and independent project work.

Content covered includes:

• Motion Capture and Photogrammetry: Explore specialist techniques for capturing real-world movement and objects using Vicon motion capture technology and RealityScan. Students learn how physical performances and real-world objects can be digitised, processed and integrated into game development workflows.

• Environment Development: Create detailed 3D game environments using Unreal Engine, developing skills in environment construction, materials, lighting, composition and environmental storytelling.

• Gameplay Systems: Build upon existing Blueprint visual scripting skills to develop more sophisticated interactive systems in Unreal Engine, including reusable gameplay components, event-driven communication, player interactions.

• Technical Art: Explore Unreal Engine technologies such as Niagara visual effects, Procedural Content Generation (PCG), Sequencer and performance optimisation, developing an understanding of how these tools can enhance the visual quality, functionality and performance of interactive environments.

• Production Planning and Project Management: Develop practical skills in planning, organising, documenting and evaluating game development projects, using production management and version control tools such as ShotGrid and Perforce, where appropriate.

• Advanced Production Techniques: Students have the opportunity to develop their own project based on their individual interests and areas of specialism. From initial concept through to production, students take greater responsibility for planning, developing and refining their work, applying the creative and technical skills gained throughout the course.

• Work-Based Learning: Undertake a dedicated Work-Based Learning module, applying relevant skills in a professional or industry-informed context while developing employability, communication, teamwork and reflective practice.

Preparing for the Games Industry

Throughout the programme, students are encouraged to develop their own creative ideas, build a portfolio of work and gain practical experience using the tools, technologies and production workflows associated with modern game development.

By combining artistic creativity, game design principles and technical development skills, the Foundation Degree provides students with a broad foundation for further study and potential career pathways within the games and interactive entertainment industries.

Join Us at Belfast Metropolitan College. Start your journey in game art, design, and development with us. Our partnership with Epic Games and cutting-edge facilities provides a gateway to a successful career in the gaming industry. Enrol today and become part of the next generation of game creators and innovators.

Ready to take your career to the next level in game art, design, and development? Explore the links below to learn more about our validated awards and regulations: 

OU Handbooks and Regulations can be found  under the Higher Education section of our public documents.

Programme Specification

Regulations for validated awards of The Open University

Student's guide to studying on a programme validated by The Open University

Applications to this course can be made through UCAS using code U425. If you haven’t started a UCAS application yet, and only want to apply to Belfast Met, you can apply directly to us using Apply Now option and we will process a UCAS application on your behalf.    IMPORTANT: Applicants must only choose one method of application.

How to apply: https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/full-time/how-to-apply