Identifying and framing an artistic or technical challenge suitable for an artefact project

Exploring relevant theories, practices and technologies that inform creative development

Planning and structuring a development workflow for an art artefact

Prototyping, experimentation and iterative creative investigation

Developing visual, technical and conceptual assets to support the final artefact

Recording and documenting creative and technical processes throughout the project

Approaches to evaluating artistic outcomes, including testing, critique and reflective analysis

Communicating creative intent and technical decisions through written and visual formats

Professional and ethical considerations in the creation of digital and interactive artwork

Assessment 1: Midpoint Review 10% [Learning Outcome 1,2]

Students will deliver a short presentation outlining their proposed artistic artefact or portfolio project. The midpoint review should demonstrate a clear understanding of the creative and artistic intentions behind the work, including early visual exploration, research influences, initial sketches or block-outs, and the development of a coherent artistic direction. Students must communicate their ideas clearly and professionally, using appropriate visual material to articulate the project rational and planned development path. Feedback from this review will support refinement of the project prior to further development.

Assessment 2: Art Portfolio 60% [Learning Outcomes 1,2,3]

Students will design, develop, and produce a high-quality artistic artefact or portfolio that directly responds to their negotiated brief and research focus. The final work must demonstrate advanced artistic decision-making, strong visual quality, and effective use of industry-relevant techniques and workflows. Students must produce a finished artefact or portfolio piece that reflects professional artistic standards. The artefact should showcase the student’s ability to integrate artistic, technical and conceptual skills to resolve a self-directed creative challenge.

Assessment 3: Artefact Development Report 20% [Learning Outcomes 1,4,5]

Students will produce a professionally presented Artefact Development Report that documents the creative journey, artistic research, and production methodology underpinning their project. This digital publication should reflect industry standards in both content and presentation, similar in tone and structure to an Art of book, Vertex article, or professional development feature. It should include:

A clearly defined project aim supported by a concise rationale that explains the context and purpose of the artefact
A detailed account of the technical and creative implementation that demonstrates an understanding of advanced artistic and technical processes appropriate to the chosen discipline
A critical evaluation of the final outcome, including visual quality, strengths, limitations and areas identified for further development
Clear and professional communication presented using appropriate academic and professional conventions

The Artefact Development Report should demonstrate the student’s ability to integrate artistic technical, theoretical and creative knowledge, to make informed design decisions, and to critically assess the effectiveness of the artefact they have produced.

Assessment 4: Viva Presentation 10% [Learning Outcome 4,5]

Students will complete a viva presentation in which they present their project and artistic artefact. The viva assesses the student’s ability to communicate their project and justify decisions made throughout the process. Students must demonstrate clarity, critical awareness and the ability to respond to questions regarding methodology, implementation, evaluation and future development opportunities.

This assessment evaluates the student’s confidence and competence in articulating their findings to subject experts.

Learning will include a series of lectures introducing project planning, research methods, analysis and dissertation writing. Students also be supported through weekly project supervision meetings, small group seminars, and technical support as required. Activities will vary depending on the nature of each dissertation project and the methodological choices made by the student. Independent study will be guided in the delivery of the student’s dissertation and artefact.

1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and critical understanding of artistic, creative, and technical practices, applying this to produce a high-quality artistic solution to a negotiated project that reflects current industry practice.

Knowledge & Understanding

2. Propose and implement a rigorous programme of artistic and academic research, critically evaluating sources, methods, and creative references to inform the development of a high-quality artefact or portfolio.

Research Skills

3. Apply advanced knowledge and critical understanding of artistic, technical, and discipline-specific Games/Concept Art techniques to produce an original artefact or portfolio that demonstrates refined visual quality, creativity, and industry-standard production values.

Application & Problem Solving

4. Critically evaluate and reflect upon the creative, artistic, and technical processes undertaken throughout the project, assessing the effectiveness of methodologies, workflows, and outcomes.

Reflection

5. Communicate artistic intent, visual rationale, technical decisions, and research findings effectively through professional documentation, presentations, and/or portfolio materials.

Communication

Students will have access to the full suite of software and facilities available at their campus.

The visual language of modern games and digital art is constantly evolving, driven by new tools, innovative workflows, and emerging artistic practices. From concept design to real-time asset creation, artists are shaping ever more ambitious and expressive worlds. This module gives you the opportunity to engage deeply with this creative landscape through the development of an independent, high-quality artistic artefact.

You will identify a self-directed artistic challenge or ‘problem’ such as a character, environment, prop, visual development sequence, or thematic concept and produce an artefact or portfolio piece that responds directly to it. Working under supervision, you will research relevant artistic influences, explore advanced visual techniques, plan and execute a substantial piece of creative work, and document your process through a professionally presented development report.

This module is designed for students who want to push their artistic voice, refine their craft, and produce a portfolio-quality piece that demonstrates readiness for professional studio practice or further specialised study. It encourages ambition, experimentation, and critical reflection, enabling you to showcase your creative identity and problem-solving abilities through a polished final artefact.