Degree type: BA (Hons)
UCAS Code: GW42 BA/CoA
Duration: 4 years (full-time)
How to Apply
Why choose this course?
Our BA (Hons) Computer Arts is an internationally acclaimed course recognised by the broadcast and interactive entertainment sectors as one of the best digital arts degrees available. The course is accredited by Skillset, the UK Sector Skills Council for Creative Media Industries, which ensures our graduates have the skills and knowledge required for successful professional careers.
This course will help you become a professional computer artist able to produce 2D and 3D artwork for a range of interfaces and platforms. As a BA (Hons) Computer Arts student, you will study a range of subjects including visual literacy, animation, video production, audio design and 3D production techniques for computer games and animation. Your study will take the form of project-based modules which utilise creative, problem-solving exercises to build upon research, idea-generation and concept development skills. This study will lead to the creation of digital art pieces using a variety of static, interactive and dynamic media. You will work individually and in a team on sustained creative projects mentored by academic staff and industry specialists, to develop professional practice, and contextual understanding in preparation for a specialist career within the digital media sector.
In year 1, in conjunction with software skill development, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of how traditional visual art and design practice apply to digital media production. This is the year where attitudes to academic study and personal approaches to artistic research and practices are established.
Second year focuses on professional skills development, and technical and procedural practices reach an advanced level. Attitudes to how these skills can be deployed in support of creativity and innovation are established, and communication skills are advanced through group and project work.
Third year prepares you for employment by developing skills that combine theory with technical proficiency for creating media content. You will become a confident design practitioner and develop a mature visual style by sustained personal effort throughout a range of projects including the opportunity to work on live projects alongside mentors from digital media companies.
In the fourth (Honours) year you will undertake a significant design project, individually, or in a cross-discipline group. You will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the contextual factors that inform Computer Arts practices, by researching a particular cultural, entertainment or communications context.
How you learn and are assessed
Learning focuses on creative projects that require detailed research, idea-generation and concept development, leading to the creation of a digital art piece using a variety of static, interactive and dynamic media.
Assessment is normally carried out using a combination of coursework, focusing on creative development, and written work, which underpins creative practice by developing an understanding of critical and contextual factors and industry practice.
You will work individually and in teams to develop communication skills, which are reinforced through participation in critique sessions and the end of year showcase.
Higher AABB; A Level BBC; ILC (H) BBBBB
Essential subjects: Art or Design, and an appropriate portfolio.
Students are invited to interview.
Advanced entry (year 2)
A Level: AAB (to include Art or Art & Design plus art portfolio)
Overseas/EU
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language and the University's minimum requirements are listed here
Mature
Applications from mature students are assessed on the same criteria used for school leavers, e.g. SQA Highers or GCE A Levels, where relevant school leaving qualifications exist. For those without standard entry qualifications, consideration is given to experience gained as well as professional qualifications and other forms of learning that could provide evidence of ability to benefit from a particular course.
The successful completion of approved access courses (such as those offered by Dundee College in association with the universities of Abertay, Dundee and St Andrews) provides significant evidence of ability to benefit from study at Abertay.
For further advice please use our Ask a Question section.
Your future
You will graduate with highly valued artistic and professional expertise that is sought after by an ever-increasing range of businesses and design disciplines. You will acquire a deep knowledge of the subject area combined with problem solving and communications skills that will allow you to work effectively with content developers and clients, and continue to advance your career.
Job opportunities exist in the following sectors: computer games development and electronic entertainment; design visualisation; animation; interaction design; interactive audio; content creation for TV, film, advertising and marketing. Typical job titles include computer generated imagery (CGI) artist, animator, modeller, compositor, effects artist, lead designer, interface designer, creative director.
Our graduates have found employment as 3D modellers and animators in the video-games industry, interactive designers in the broadcast industries, and as CGI artists in technical architectural design visualisation.
Professional accreditation
Our BA (Hons) Computer Arts is accredited by Skillset with games industry endorsement. The course is named by the games industry as the best education and training development for people wanting to pursue a career in computer games.
| Fee Category | September 2012 Fees |
Scholarships & Bursaries |
| Scottish and other EU students |
£1820 per year. Apply to the Student Awards Agency |
Other forms of support |
| English, Welsh and Northern Irish students |
£7000 per year (max. amount payable You can apply for financial assistance, |
Bursaries & Scholarships |
| Overseas (non EU) students |
£9975 per year. Fees may be subject to annual increase. |
Overseas Scholarships |
Fees shown are payable annually and may be subject to increase each year
