BA (Hons) Games Art with Integrated Foundation Year

Year 1 provides an ideal opportunity to further develop your portfolio skills, setting a strong foundation before diving into the more specialised aspects of standard undergraduate studies.

You will begin developing the core skills needed for a future in animation, games design, games development or immersive digital content.

The IFY will be designed to maximise Level 4 readiness. Modules are as follows:

• Module 1 Diagnostic exploration: making informed choices 
• Module 2 Technical: Technical knowledge in practice 
• Module 3 Specialist: Innovating specialist practice
• Module 4 Integration: Integrated practice for progression to Higher Education

In Year 2 you will build the key skills required for games development and engage in debate around the cultural and political nature of games and development.  

Modules include: 

• Introduction to game studies and an exploration of games culture
• Introduction to basic design skills
• Introduction to key software pipelines
• Using acquired skills to design levels
• Exploring narrative 

In Year 3, you will start your journey into the design and creation of design assets for the games industry; from research to concepts to building for AAA game, independent games or tabletop.  

Modules include: 

• Importance of research in concepting and building art assets
• Introduction to key design assets and documentation
• Introduction of technologies for prototype design
• Introduce theory and practice of writing games narratives
• Learn about the numerous design roles in the gaming industries  

Year 4 is designed to refine the skills you’ve developed in Year 3 and further shape your unique skillset, preparing you to produce a thoughtful and polished final submission.

You’ll hone your professional practice, ensuring you graduate equipped with the expertise needed to pursue fulfilling roles in your chosen industry.

You will be continually assessed through various tasks such as blogs, reports, presentations and evidence of experimentation and research.

Each module has a formative and a summative assessment point, where feedback and advice are provided to develop and complete projects and a final grade is awarded. 

Graduates will be able to pursue work in a number of roles and fields including but not limited to the game industries, the TV and Film industries and the VR and digital industries.

Students should ideally have a background in art, creative media, or design.

We welcome applicants who are able to demonstrate their abilities through the submission of a relevant portfolio showing their skills, abilities and suitability to the course.

When assessing if an applicant meets our entry requirements we may also consider the combination of a portfolio and academic qualifications, progress made during studies and/or relevant work experience.

Applicants are selected on the basis of:

• an applicant’s prior academic achievement/qualifications and/or previous employment/life experience;
• assessment of the applicant’s ability and aptitude to succeed on the course for which s/he has applied.

At Ravensbourne we accept a wide range of qualifications for entry onto our courses, whilst also considering the context in which they were achieved. For this course, we would usually require a GCSE Grade 4 or above in English in addition to any of the below;

• Two A Levels at grade DD or above
• BTEC Extended Diploma at grade PPP
• UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma
• T Level (pass or above)
• Access to Higher Education Diploma
• International Baccalaureate at grade 24 or above
• Other/Mixed qualifications equivalent to 48 UCAS Tariff points

At Ravensbourne we take a flexible approach to admissions, as we want you to know exactly what you need to achieve in your exams to guarantee a place on the course. We still think exams are important and look forward to hearing about your successes, but we place just as much importance on the work you will share with us as part of our interview and/or portfolio process.

Admission onto this course is also subject to successful completion of an interview and portfolio (or showreel). 

We are looking for examples of previous art, new media and/or design work that showcases your suitability for the course. 

This page offers great tips for completing your portfolio/showreel and preparing for your interview. It also details our specific requirements. 

UK students

Simply select your chosen start date using the 'Apply now' dropdown at the top of this page, and you will be directed to the appropriate course page on the UCAS website. The UCAS code for this course is located in the course overview bar at the top of this page. 

The UCAS website will guide you through the simple application process. You can also apply through your school or college using the UCAS system.

Learn more: how to apply for an undergraduate degree course

The entry requirements for this course can be found in the relevant section above.

International students

International students can apply directly via our Online Applicant Portal. Please see bespoke advice for international students in the dedicated section below. 

For information on study routes, visa requirements, studying in England,  language and entry requirements, application requirements and access to international agents, please visit our international section.

Quick links:

• How to apply
• International Education Agents
• Visas and immigration
• Student visa CAS deposit refund
• International student FAQs

At Ravensbourne University London, industry connection is ingrained into everything we do. We will equip you for success in the creative and digital industries, ensuring you are truly industry ready upon graduation. Our tutors are respected academics and practitioners with substantial experience and industry links.

You will be part of a diverse community of creatives, working collaboratively to explore new professional practices. Ravensbourne have strong industry links with a range of high-profile companies, including: Apple, Barclays, the BBC, European Space Agency, Marks & Spencer, Museum of London, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Samsung and many more.

Find out more about our tuition fees and whether you qualify for financial support during your studies. 

Key links:

• Undergraduate fees and funding
• Paying your fees
• Scholarships, bursaries and other discounts
• Student finance

If you have any questions, we'd love to hear from you. 

Get in touch with a member of our admissions team:

T: +44 (0) 20 3040 3998

E: [email protected]

If you have specific queries about being an international student, contact [email protected]

For general information, call +44 (0) 20 3040 3500

You can also chat to our students