The constantly evolving computer game industry offers lucrative pay and the opportunity to learn something new throughout one’s life. The Epic Games Centre, set up by U.K.-based Staffordshire University in 2014 in partnership with the U.S.-based game developer Epic Games, has exciting study options for gaming and design enthusiasts. It provides students a unique chance of gaining in-depth insight into the industry requirements and learning about game design, among other things. Bobbie Fletcher, the Academic Group Leader in Games Design Technology at Staffordshire University, talks about the programmes offered by the Centre, scholarships, and more.
How do students benefit from Staffordshire’s partnership with Epic Games
Epic Games and Staffordshire University have a dynamic partnership to help bring game developers, the university and students closer together. It is a fully equipped space designed to nurture future industry developers. At the Centre, students not only benefit from the expertise and resources of Epic Games but also gain from the guidance of visiting professor Mike Gamble, European Territory Manager at Epic Games. At the Epic Games Centre, students have access to several large studio spaces, comprising 300 high-specification PCs with software such as UE4, Unity, 3dSMax, Maya, Zbrush, Marvellous, Substance, Houdini and other industry standard software packages.
Programmes and curriculum
We offer a number of programmes which touch upon different facets of computer games design and development. These programmes include Computer Games Design B.Sc. (three-year hons.), Computer Games Design with foundation year B.Sc. (four-year hons.), Games Art B.A. (three-year hons.), Computer Games Animation B.A. (three-year hons.), Indie Games Development B.Sc. (three-year hons.), among several others.
Depending on the programme chosen, students get to study modules such as Game design theory, Understanding games, Using game engines, 3D modelling for film, Art skills and understanding game art, Visual design process, Scripting, Lighting and dynamics, 3D art, Animation and motion capture, and so on. Students also get to participate in group projects as well as individual projects as part of the course curriculum.
Requirements
Students applying for an undergraduate programme should have attained a minimum overall score of 70% in Class XII. English language requirements include an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 each in speaking, writing, reading and listening. Requirements for the postgraduate course include a 2:2 or above undergraduate qualification (or equivalent) and an overall IELTS score of 6.5. Students opting to focus on 3D modelling will also need to present a portfolio of past work. We are looking for the students who are able to demonstrate a passion for games design technology.
Scholarships
For Indian undergraduates enrolling for the first time in September 2017, the New Merit Scholarship of £1,000 is available. Also, New Undergraduate Progression Scholarships of up to £2,000 will be awarded on an annual basis, depending on the student’s performance across the academic year. For post-graduates, New Merit Scholarship of up to £2,000 is available.
Career prospects
Graduates can apply for jobs in the area of 3D art as environment artists, character artists, games technical design artists, quest and mission design artists, production, publishing and narrative design artists, motion capture specialists and level designers.
