Create the Art. Build the World. Hone your Craft
On this Games Art course, you choose your path; character design, environment art, or concept art and shape your final major project in Year 2 around your strengths. You’ll sharpen your 2D and 3D skills, design striking characters, and craft immersive worlds using industry-standard tools and professional workflows. Every project strengthens your technique and builds a portfolio that proves what you can do. This is your space to push your creativity, refine your craft, and step confidently into higher education or the games art industry.
You will need 4 GCSEs at grade 4-9 including Maths and English. Or a relevant Level 2 qualification.
| Study level | Cost |
|---|---|
| 16-18 | Free |
You will be taught through a mix of tutor-led sessions and hands-on workshops. Assessment is all about building and showcasing your own portfolio of work, including:
• Written submissions
• Portfolio pieces
• Creative development work
• Presentations
• Collaborative projects
GCSE Maths and English are vital stepping stones for your academic and professional journey. Achieving a good grade in these subjects not only fulfils most college entry requirements but also equips you with essential skills critical in almost every field. Whether you're calculating percentages in business, crafting compelling arguments, or simply managing daily tasks, these core subjects enhance your problem-solving and communication abilities, setting a solid foundation for your future studies and career success. Start your college course with confidence by securing these key qualifications.
Placement opportunities are an integral part of our curriculum, designed to bridge the gap between academic studies and the professional world. These experiences enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to real workplace challenges, enhancing their academic learning with practical skills. Tailored to complement your studies, placements are offered in a range of industries, from innovative local startups to leading global corporations.
By actively participating in these structured and supportive environments, students not only observe but also contribute meaningfully to the workings of their chosen field. This hands-on approach boosts confidence and provides a competitive advantage in the job market. The insights and experience gained are often transformative, arming students with the necessary tools for a successful and dynamic career. These opportunities are crafted to ensure you emerge as a well-rounded professional, ready to make significant contributions in your future endeavours.
At Sunderland College our commitment to your future goes beyond the classroom. We are dedicated to providing you with real-world experiences and industry insights that will prepare you not just to enter, but to excel in your chosen field. Here’s how we connect you with the industry:
• Placement Opportunities: Dive into your future career with our hands-on placement opportunities. These are not just work experiences, but gateways to potential employment and invaluable learning. They’re a core part of our courses, offering you a chance to apply academic theories in real-world scenarios.
• Networking Events: Build your professional network early. Our placement and careers fairs are your chance to meet and impress potential employers. These events are designed to help you forge significant industry connections that can enhance your career prospects. Attend talks, engage in discussions, and explore apprenticeship opportunities with employers who are eager to meet fresh talent.
• Expert Insights: Stay ahead of the curve with talks from specialist speakers. These industry leaders share the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field, giving you the inside track on what to expect and how to thrive.
• Skills Competitions: Showcase your abilities in our exciting skills competitions. Held throughout the academic year, these competitions are not just about winning – they are about learning, growing, and pushing your limits. They offer a fun, competitive environment to enhance what you learn in class and develop essential industry skills.
The Games Art programme aims to:
1. Develop your practical skills in 2D and 3D art for games, including concept art, character design, and environment creation.
2. Build a strong, industry-ready portfolio that showcases your creativity, technical ability, and personal style.
3. Foster creative problem-solving, visual storytelling, and professional practice relevant to the games industry.
4. Introduce you to industry-standard tools, techniques, and workflows used in professional game development.
5. Support the development of resilience, adaptability, and persistence, helping you overcome creative and technical challenges.
6. Prepare you for progression to higher education or direct entry into roles such as concept artist, environment artist, character designer, or 3D modeller.
You will study the following modules:
• Exploring and Developing Creative Media Skills
o Part 1 – Skills Development: Build your core art and design skills, experimenting with different techniques and tools.
o Part 2 – Creative Project: Apply your skills in a self-directed project, bringing your own ideas to life.
• Advancing Creative Practice
o Part 1 – Personal Progression: Gain a clear understanding of the games industry and prepare yourself for professional practice, including portfolio development and career readiness.
o Part 2 – Creative Industry Response: Choose your own pathway and apply your skills to a real-world industry brief, producing work that meets professional expectations and reflects your individual creative direction.
Upon completing this course, students can progress to university to further their studies in areas such as Games Art, Concept Art, or 3D Modelling. Alternatively, you can enter the industry directly, with roles in concept art, environment design, character design, or 3D asset creation. The skills gained will also open doors to related fields like digital media or VFX industries. With a strong portfolio and industry-relevant experience, you’ll be well-positioned to pursue your passion and take your next steps in this dynamic and fast-evolving field.
Find out everything you need to know about Sunderland College and our exciting range of courses!
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Rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted
Ofsted, 2024
94% Overall pass rate for T Levels
2022-23
Top performing college group in the North East for student achievement
NARTS, 16-18 Students, 2024
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