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can i do game design with only an art qualification?

i’m interested in doing game art at uni but one of the unis i really want to go to (robert gordon rgu) only has game design.

i know some uni game design courses still have a heavy focus on the art aspect of game design and would still take me but others are more programming focused and i’m unsure about this one. i’m worried that they’re looking more for people with IT, maths, etc and that i’d be wasting my time if i applied. i’ve emailed and asked but i didn’t get much of an answer, just that i needed to pass my course to apply

i dont know if i should apply for the game design course or something else similar like the communication design course as the location is really ideal for me

Reply 1

Kingston Grace

Official Rep

Original post

by caznari

i’m interested in doing game art at uni but one of the unis i really want to go to (robert gordon rgu) only has game design.
i know some uni game design courses still have a heavy focus on the art aspect of game design and would still take me but others are more programming focused and i’m unsure about this one. i’m worried that they’re looking more for people with IT, maths, etc and that i’d be wasting my time if i applied. i’ve emailed and asked but i didn’t get much of an answer, just that i needed to pass my course to apply
i dont know if i should apply for the game design course or something else similar like the communication design course as the location is really ideal for me

Hi @caznari

Games art and design courses are different from uni to uni, they can be called the same thing but cover different modules or have different names and be very similar. So make sure to check through the course website page with course content on, or this may be in the prospectus.

For example for those wanting to study game art at Kingston we suggest two courses either Game Development BSc (Hons) or Illustration Animation BA (Hons).

I would also suggest going to open days to see what they cover on the course and speak to lecturers and students to get some information about the courses.

If you have emailed and they have just said you need to pass and there is no requirement for a particular course then you should be fine to apply. You could always ring the admissions team, if they have this option, as they may provide more information or give you a contact to the course leaders.

I hope this helps and good luck :smile:

-Grace (Kingston Rep)

Reply 2

aspalax

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by caznari

i’m interested in doing game art at uni but one of the unis i really want to go to (robert gordon rgu) only has game design.
i know some uni game design courses still have a heavy focus on the art aspect of game design and would still take me but others are more programming focused and i’m unsure about this one. i’m worried that they’re looking more for people with IT, maths, etc and that i’d be wasting my time if i applied. i’ve emailed and asked but i didn’t get much of an answer, just that i needed to pass my course to apply
i dont know if i should apply for the game design course or something else similar like the communication design course as the location is really ideal for me

Hi! I did a Game art course (with art a-level background) and in hindsight wish i'd done a course with some programming as it's such an employable skill. I'd suggest doing some codeacademy courses just to have a little bit of a base to start with so you're not starting from scratch and it'll give you something to mention in your personal statement. I think it's likely they will allow you to specialise in the more art side - but I would look at what the mandatory modules are for each year too. 🙂

Reply 3

TopBun

Can you get along to their Open Day later this month and ask? https://www.rgu.ac.uk/study/visit-us/open-days

Totally not my field but if employability is important is digital art / design not a thing?

I work in digital projects are one thing that is in short supply are good design folks - esp those with some knowledge of good design processes, design thinking etc. Freelancers earn good money

Reply 4

PhilFX

Buckinghamshire New University does a BA (hons) 3D Games Art course, and they take on a lot of standard art students, as it is an easy transition between mediums if you have some knowledge of traditional art. Even then it doesn't matter, as long as you have an artistic eye, you can be taught to apply your work in 3D. The course in not programming based, it is more for modelling and producing pieces as a 3D artist.