University/Job Research
- Solar Chin
- Jun 10, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: Sep 17, 2024
Current Qualification:
Yr 1 : Pearson BTEC Level 3 National 540 Diploma (RQF) - Art and Design : D*
09/23 - 07/24
Coming Qualification:
Yr 2 : Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) (1080) (2016 - Present) - Art and Design : Pending Grade.
09/24 - 07/25
UNIVERSITIES:
De Montfort University : Game Art (Hons) https://www.dmu.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate-courses/game-art-ba-degree/game-art-ba-degree.aspx
Overview:
This course features three years of study and one extra year of placement optionally, also a year abroad in the US.
85% of recent graduates report getting a job/ continuing further study within 6 months of graduating and have ended up in companies like: Ubisoft, BMW, NaturalMotion, Playground Games, Codemasters, Dambusters Studios, Lockwood, Rockstar North and Jagex.
How to Apply:
112 UCAS points from at least two A-Level equivalent courses with Art and Design at Grade B or above
DMM Art and Design BTEC National Diploma/Extended Diploma
5 GCSES at Grade 4 or above
How it affects my career:
As over 3/4 of graduates from this course get a job in the industry, I would assume that taking this course would be a good option. The course entails: learning the art fundamentals, 3D work, Group Games Projects and Professional Practice with a partnered company. The block also includes usage to high spec PCs, VR facilities and professional-standard suite of Cintiq tablets. All of which would be very helpful in aiding the smoothest transition to the professional life.
2. Southhampton University (Winchester Art School) : Games Design and Art (BA)
Overview:
This course is an all-rounder, teaching cover art, illustration, character creation, animation, storytelling, coding and production. The course allows students to work in a game studio like environment which simulates the real world in close-knit teams. You will learn how to make different types of games: VR, boar games, card games, computer games and also how games can be used to make a social impact and cultural significance.
How to apply:
BBB in A-Levels including an art, design, media, humanities or creative IT based subject
DMM Art and Design BTEC National Diploma/Extended Diploma
5 GCSES at Grade 4 or above
How it will affect my career:
This course allows students to build a range of skills that can set you apart from other candidates in the working world. However, it also means that you won't be able to hone one particular skill to perfection as well as some other students. There is also an option to take a study year abroad or in working in the industry which will allow for a broader experience before starting employment.
3. Portsmouth University : Computer Games Art (BA: Hons)
Overview:
This course at Portsmouth University is a two-time winner of TIGA's Best Educational Institution award (2021, 2014) and 10th for animation and games design in the UK. It lists that you'll learn the skills for drawing, modelling, animation, texturing, and composition -mostly in Unreal Engine and motion capturing software for 3D art. Portsmouth Uni has connections with Rare, Codemasters, Jagex, Stainless, and Climax and a 4th year placement in employment.
How to apply:
BBB - BBC in A-Levels
BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
112-120 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent.
A relevant subject or experience in art/design/creative computing or graphic arts is required/ if not then a portfolio to support the application.
How this affects my career:
Enrolling in this course would mean that students can build a strong skillset in 3D art using Unreal and the university's Centre for Creative Immersive and Extended Reality (CCIXR). They will also develop better traditional art skills by learning observational life drawing, high-resolution digital sculpting, digital substance creation and texture painting. The 4th year placement in Employment will also allow the student to build connections and if not, then experience for working in the industry.
4. University of the Arts London: Game Art (BA: Hons)
Overview:
This course focuses on the practical aspect of Game Art, students will work on live projects with clients and have access to computer labs, green screen and motion capture facilities, you’ll use specialist technologies and software to create 2D and 3D computer game characters, environments and artefacts. They will also collaborate with other students from related fields such as Games Design or Animation to create group projects. Throughout the year there are also internship opportunities and tons of guest speakers.
How to apply:
96 UCAS tariff points
A-Levels at Grade C or above
MMM in BTEC Extended Diploma
How this affects my career:
This course will allow students to form good teamwork skills in a working environment as many of the projects seem to be practical based with real clients or other students. UAL also teaches in this course the basics of art: drawing, colour theory, concept and character design -allowing students to utilise what they've learnt technically into a team based work environment. Going into this course would ensure a good understanding of industry practice as real-life game studios are made up of many teams that work together to form a game.
5. Ravensbourne University: Game Art (BA: Hons)
Overview:
This course at Ravensbourne is a mixture between doing art and also designing. Students will learn how to use different game engines, character design, environment design, games culture and studies, concept and ideation, general production and teamwork. Ravensbourne is also well connected with companies like Apple, Barclays, the BBC, European Space Agency, Marks & Spencer, Museum of London, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Samsung etc.
How to apply:
GCSE Grade 4 in English
3 A-Levels at Grade C or above
BTEC Extended Diploma at Grade MMM
Other/Mixed qualifications equivalent to 96 UCAS Tariff points
How it will affect my career:
Doing this course at Ravensbourne will allow for a wide connection to some of the UK's top companies and into different fields of employment outside of the games industry. This course will also teach students games development and also art, which makes their portfolio stronger as they have a wider skillset range and gives more more options in employment.
EMPLOYMENT:
miHoYo (HoYoverse) - Game Concept Artist (Character/Monster/Art & Publicity) - Fresh Grad
Summary:
miHoYo is a large gaming company based in Asia, most well-known for games like 'Genshin Impact', 'Honkai Impact 3rd', 'Honkai: Star Rail' etc. They have many company buildings situated around the world: this job opportunity is based in Singapore. They are looking for a game concept artist for character/monster art from a fresh graduate.
Requirements:
proficiency in art software like CPS or Photoshop
a solid foundation in art keen eye for aesthetics, including a deep understanding of graphics, colour schemes, lighting, shadow, and three-dimensional composition
excellent written and verbal English and fluent oral Chinese
good communication and teamwork skills
a passion for games and dedication to contribute to the gaming industry
How this will affect my career:
As this is a job that is being offered to fresh grads, it will allow me to build experience -especially since miHoYo is a well-known company. The current research shows that concept artists at miHoYo are making around $93,000 USD a year while the average worker makes around $4,000 USD per month. Working at this job will allow me to build my skills even further (especially in Japanese cel-shading art) and learn different softwares to then later use on my portfolio for any future applications at different companies for a higher position.
2. Riot Games - Concept Artist (Junior Tier)
Summary:
Riot Games is a massive gaming giant in the industry, most well-known for its games 'League of Legands' and 'Valorant'. In this job posting, they are offering a position to be a concept artist based in Singapore, working on the title 'Valorant'.
Requirements:
ability to create high-quality weapon concept art
extreme proficiency in art fundamentals and visual storytelling
expertise in creating weapon art in the VALORANT art style
advanced 2D and 3D software usage: Photoshop/Maya/Blender/ZBrush
5 years experience as a concept artist
good time management and communication skills
language proficiency in English or Chinese
How it will affect my career:
Riot Games is a very well-known company, therefore working with them will strengthen my portfolio and general skillset as they require usage of all my current skills. They also offer relocation support to Singapore and also many insurance benefits and pension support. The average salary at Riot Games for this position is around $130,000 USD which is 62% more than the national average. This will allow me to apply later for more senior roles at other companies.
3. BLIZZARD ENTERTAINMENT - Senior Concept Artist
Summary:
BLIZZARD entertainment is a large gaming company based in Irvine, California. They are most well-known for games like World of Warcraft, Diabolo and OVERWATCH. This job posting is for a Senior Concept Artist for OVERWATCH 2 based in Irvine, California.
Requirements:
3+ years’ experience in animation, film or game development focusing on concept work
experience with illustration software like Photoshop and Painter etc.
deep understanding of human and creature anatomy and a keen eye towards form, shape, structure, and silhouette in regards to illustration and design
understanding of distinct OVERWATCH art style
How it will affect my career:
This job opportunity is for a senior position meaning that they will likely put me in a role to lead a group of junior concept artists. This will strengthen my teamwork and leadership skills and add to my portfolio to be able to apply for a higher position of leadership in the future. They also offer relocation services and a multitude of benefits like paid leave, insurance and reimbursements and mental-health and wellbeing support. The average salary for this position is $130,000 USD.
INTERNSHIPS:
Riot Games Internship
Requirements:
need to be enrolled in a BA or MA at a university
strong academic record
currently doing a course related to games design, computer science, marketing or related
good communication and teamwork skills
How it will affect my career:
As this internship is for Riot Games, it will make the progression easier into getting a job after graduation at the main company. It will also mean that my portfolio is stronger when applying for other internships or even jobs as Riot Games is a well-known gaming company as well as giving real insight to a real games studio and practical experience you can only find while working directly into the industry.
2. X-Box Game Development Internship
Requirements:
coding and problem solving skills (proficiency in C++/C#)
enrolled in a degree for computer science, game development or a related field
excellent teamwork and communication skills
a passion for video games and the gaming industry
How it affects my career:
As X-Box is one of the most popular gaming companies and also gaming console choices, internships at X-Box are highly sought after and will make my portfolio stronger when choosing to apply for future jobs/ internships positions. It is also listed in the description that you will get 'hands-on' experience into a game development process which means you will gain industry experience before graduation which is something that many companies look for.
3. SEGA Internship
Requirements:
enrolled in university for undergraduate/ graduate degree
passion for games and industry knowledge
excellent communications and teamwork skills
legal authorisation to work at the desired location
How this affects my career:
SEGA is also another well-known big gaming company, famous for titles like 'Sonic the Hedgehog', 'Bayonetta', 'Mortal Kombat' etc. They have also stated in the description that they have potential 'opportunities for professional development and growth within the company' which means doing an internship at SEGA may lead to employment within the company depending on performance. They also provide compensation and bonus packages; it goes without saying that working at SEGA will guarantee a boost in experience when applying for other big-game or indie game companies due to the fame of its game titles and reputation.
APPRENTICESHIPS:
One Base Media - Graphic Design Apprenticeship
Requirements:
work well under pressure and meet deadlines
have an interest in graphic design
polite and creative
work well in a team
understand how to use Photoshop and Illustrator
How this would affect my career:
This apprenticeship is offered over 37.5hr per week Mon-Fri; One Base Media is a digital marketing company that has clients around the country, which will help build connections. The wage will likely be minimum but it's listed as 'negotiable'. The position offers room for growth and will teach the learner how to operate while creating work that can also be used on a future portfolio. Although it hasn't specifically stated what level achievement will be accomplished, experience will be gained from this apprenticeships. The listing also states that successful apprenticeships will be offered a permanent job and perhaps even management positions within the company.
2. Summer Intake - Creative Digital Design Level 6 Apprenticeship
Requirements:
portfolio with past projects
excellent IT skills
knowledge of Adobe suite or Figma
not in full-time education
112 UCAS points and GCSE 4 in English and Maths
How it will affect my career:
This apprenticeship is over the course of 3 years, paying £14,000 - £15,000 per year, achieving a Level 6 (BA Hons) upon completion. By doing this course, learners will get a university degree while earning money and not being in debt as well as having private health insurance and the experience of working in a semi-professional environment. Learners portfolio will simultaneously have work experience and a qualification that they have learnt all the new skills they need to carry on employment at a future career.
3. Digital Marketing - London 2024 Apprenticeship
Requirements:
interest in AI and how it can impact the marketing industry
ability to build trusted relationships and and clear communication
curiosity about investment banking and a passion for sustainability
BBC in A-Levels and Grade 6 in Maths and Grade 5 in English
How this will affect my career:
My doing this apprenticeship, learners will achieve Level 4 in Digital Product Manager, equivalent to the first year in a university bachelors degree, the pay is not listed. USB is a reputable investment bank and manages the largest amount of private wealth in the world, housing half the world's billionaires as its clients. This creates room for a lot of good connections in the industry while achieving a qualification without being drenched in university debt. The learner will be tasked with managing social media posts, paid campaigns and web pages. This will allow for understanding how investment banking audiences want and how massive corporate banking companies operate from the inside on a basic level.
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