Computer Games Modelling and Animation with Foundation Year

Computer games modelling and animation is a technical and creative discipline that sits at the heart of one of the world's largest and most dynamic entertainment industries. It is concerned with the visual construction of game worlds: creating three-dimensional models of characters, environments, and objects, animating them to move convincingly, and ensuring that they function within the technical constraints of a real-time game engine. The skills involved span artistic design, technical problem-solving, and an understanding of how interactive media works.

At the University of Derby, this four-year full-time programme develops your skills in 3D modelling, texturing, rigging, and animation alongside the technical understanding needed to work within professional game development pipelines. You will learn to produce game-ready assets that are visually compelling and technically optimised, working with industry-standard tools and developing an understanding of how modelling and animation teams fit within larger production processes. The programme includes an integrated foundation year as well as a sandwich year with a year abroad and work placement opportunities, giving you a gradual entry point into the technical content, professional experience in the industry, and international creative exposure before you graduate.

Entry typically requires around 120 UCAS tariff points.

Graduates work as 3D artists, character artists, environment artists, animators, and technical artists in games studios, animation companies, visual effects houses, and related sectors including film, television, and interactive media. The combination of artistic and technical skills the degree develops is valued wherever real-time or pre-rendered 3D content is produced. Many graduates build a strong portfolio during the programme that is central to securing their first industry role.