Games Art
Entry requirements
You should have at least a 2:2 undergraduate UK honours degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. games art/design, game development, visual effects, 3D modelling, concept art, animation, fashion).
Equivalent EU/international qualifications are also accepted.
Applicants who do not meet these criteria will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be required to submit a portfolio of work to provide the academic team with evidence that they possess the appropriate skills. Other professional qualifications will be considered on merit and/or with relevant professional experience.
Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English language qualification.
Find out about English language requirements.
If you are an international student, you will usually need to get a student visa before you can study in the UK.
Months of entry
September
Course content
MA Games Art challenges you to expand your creative and technical practice through an advanced interdisciplinary programme. It is designed to enhance your portfolio with a deeper understanding of game art production techniques, while encouraging collaborative exploration of world-building and storytelling for games.
The course mirrors industry practices and is delivered by academics who are actively engaged in the game sector. This ensures its relevance to contemporary game art roles and equips you with the skills needed to thrive in the field. Industry partners contribute valuable insights through guest lectures, portfolio reviews, and networking opportunities, helping you refine your practice and prepare for a successful career as a game artist.
At the School of Digital Arts (SODA), you’ll have access to cutting-edge facilities, including a dedicated motion capture studio, VR/AR labs, a virtual production studio, and PrintCity - the University’s 3D printing centre. These resources enable you to explore the latest techniques and processes in game art production.
Browse examples of our MA students' work here.
- Industry links - You will join a course that fosters engagement with industry connections within Manchester, the region, nationally and internationally. This could include the opportunity to work on live briefs with external partners and communities.
- Creative community - You will become an integral part of SODA - home to a creative community of research active staff with expertise in diverse fields of practice such as animation, filmmaking, photography, games art and sound design.
- Expert staff - Learn from internationally recognised, expert tutors who are active artists and practitioners. You'll also have support from a team of specialist technical staff who offer bespoke inductions and support for software, hardware and studio spaces.
- State-of-the-art facilities - You'll have access to a full suite of industry standard facilities, including a dedicated motion capture studio, VR/AR labs, a virtual production studio, and PrintCity, the University's 3D printing centre.
- Top ranked - The Guardian University Guide 2025 ranked Manchester Met in the UK's top six for Animation and Game Design, highlighting our reputation for excellence.
- Manchester Games Centre - Manchester Met is home to this leading cross-departmental research hub, dedicated to all facets of game production and game studies. You will have opportunities to attend events, engage with cutting edge research and expand your professional network.
Information for international students
Please visit the international page.
Fees and funding
For further information please see the fees and funding page.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MA
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Course Enquiries Team
- courses@mmu.ac.uk
- Phone
- +44 (0)161 247 6969