10 Reasons to Study Animation or Games Art and Design at Brighton

Animation and game design are exciting and ever-evolving industries and if you love turning your ideas into captivating visuals, both our Animation or Games Art and Design degrees could be the perfect choice for you.  

Here at Brighton, we are proud to offer courses that blend art, technology and storytelling. Our course helps you unlock your creative potential and give you the expertise and confidence you need to succeed in the industry.  

Want to find out more? Check out our top 10 reasons for choosing to study Animation or Games Art and Design at Brighton.  

1. Brighton is a hub for creative businesses 

The city has a vibrant art and culture scene with a long history, making it a great location to study Animation or Games Art and Design. Brighton is packed with established creative companies and design studios as well as plenty of startups and a large network of industry professionals.  

Not only are there countless events to attend and get involved with, but it’s also a great place to build up your creative network. This could help you secure internships, freelance work or a full-time job after you graduate. 

For our art students, the city being such a creative playground is a huge advantage. It’s somewhere that you can’t help but feel inspired by. 

2. Learn from our team of industry experts 

Across both our Animation and Games Art and Design courses, you’ll be taught by our team of experienced professionals who bring real-world knowledge and experience to their teaching.  

Our tutors are not just academics, they are experts in their field with industry experience ensuring the curriculum is at the forefront of modern practice and that you develop relevant technological, artistic and communication skills.  

They bring decades of practical experience spanning visual arts, graphic design, mixed media, 2D/3D animation, motion graphics, creative coding, augmented reality, virtual reality, immersive interactive storytelling VFX and so much more!  

Throughout your time here at Brighton, our course teams will mentor and guide you as you develop your own interests and unique style.  

Visit our Animation BA(Hons) and Games Art and Design BA(Hons) course pages to learn more about the specific team of experts you’ll be learning from.   

Gaming students using computers

3. We take an experimental approach 

Here at Brighton, we believe that animation and game art is not just about mastering techniques, it’s also about pushing creative boundaries. We take an experimental approach where we blur the lines between digital and analogue processes. 

Throughout the course, you’ll have the opportunity to experiment with different techniques that span both traditional and contemporary practices.   

This helps our students develop a unique artistic voice as well as giving them versatile skills which stand out in a competitive job market. Employers value creative minds that can think outside of the box and our graduates leave with the confidence to bring unique perspectives into their projects. 

Gamer using a games controller

4. Exciting industry placement opportunities  

Hands-on practical experience is really beneficial for developing your skills which is why our Animation and Games Art and Design students have a placement opportunity in their final year.  

We have strong relationships with a large network of local and national companies which means you’ll be able to get a placement that matches your interests and future career goals.  

Some examples of where our art and media students have gone on placement include: BBC Good Food and Olive Magazine, Absolute Radio, Brighton and Hove Green Party, Bauer Media and Brighton Dome. 

5. Brighton Boost package 

At the University of Brighton, we’re here to support you in making the best start to your university journey.  

With our new postcode checker, you can quickly see if you’re eligible for our Brighton Boost financial support package, designed to help you with the cost of living and make everyday things just that little bit easier.    

Depending on your circumstances, you could be eligible for:  

  • Up to £1,250 to help with accommodation or travel costs  
  • Free laptop loans  
  • Support with finding part-time work  
  • A lower grade contextual offer   

Simply enter your postcode in our postcode checker to see the support available to you.   

Check your eligibility here   

6. We use specialist software and equipment  

Our Animation and Games Art and Design students all have access to modern equipment and industry-standard software, making sure they are fully prepared to thrive in professional environment. We also continually review equipment and software to make sure we are updating alongside the industry.  

Learning how to use the equipment and software is central to the course. You’ll be introduced to tools that enable you to explore every stage of the animation process, using workflows that mirror those in professional studios. 

Students working on desktop computers

7. Our courses set you up for a range of industry roles  

You might already know what your dream job is or you might still be exploring which path suits you best.  Throughout both courses, you’ll be encouraged to develop a broad skill set, making you adaptable to various roles. 

When you graduate, you’ll be qualified to work in industries such as advertising, events, television, games, theatre, and film in roles including: 

  • illustrator 
  • motion graphics designer 
  • creative media producer 
  • digital artist 
  • VFX artist
  • games designer  
  • games animator  
  • games technical artist  
  • concept artist  
  • UX or UI (user experience or user interaction) designer  

Both degrees also open up postgraduate study options. 

At Brighton, for example, you could progress on to our Sequential Design/Illustration MA or Graphic Design MA  

8. The course integrates theory and practice  

One of the standout benefits of choosing Brighton is that our Animation and Games Art and Design courses integrate both theoretical and practical modules. We make sure that you master the technical skills but that you also develop a deep understanding of the concepts that underpin your work.  

This means you’ll begin to think more critically about your work, taking into account its audience and storytelling.  

Coming away from your course with this grounding in theory (as well as all of the fun, creative practical elements) will be a big advantage in landing your dream job. You’ll be able to show future employers how you think both creatively and strategically which helps you stand out. 

9. Opportunities to exhibit your work  

Throughout your time on the course, there will be plenty of great opportunities for you to showcase your work. This is a great way to gain invaluable experience in presenting your project and sharing your creative talents with an audience. 

At the end of your studies, you’ll participate in a Graduate Show which is a large-scale exhibition. Opportunities like this will build your confidence in putting your work out there and is also a nice way to celebrate your achievements throughout the years. 

animation students presenting their work

10. Build an impressive portfolio/showreel

Talking about your skills and creativity often isn’t enough to impress potential employers and bag yourself the job. This is where a portfolio or showreel can be a really powerful tool.  

Throughout your studies, your project work will form a diverse and impressive portfolio which will demonstrate all of your skills and capabilities.  

Your tutors will also give you guidance on how to curate and present your portfolio for different audiences to make sure that it stands out and showcases your versatility.   

Join us here at Brighton  

Visit our Animation BA(Hons) and Games Art and Design BA(Hons) course pages to find out more about the application process.  

Unsure if these are the right courses for you? Explore all of our art and media courses and find what fits your passion.  

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