Visual Arts
Study track of the Creative Media and Game Technologies programme
If you choose for Visual Arts, you will be prepared for a role as a 3D modeller, animator, character artist, or environment artist in the film or games industry. You will learn everything about 3D modelling, texturing, rendering, drawing, animation, and building virtual worlds.
You will work with software such as Unreal Engine, ZBrush and Maya. This track is popular among students who have artistic talent, enjoy the visual aspects in a gaming context, and have a drive to understand the technology needed to make a game do what it's supposed to do.
We have industry partnerships with companies as:
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The use of tools
This video showcases work from our Visual Arts students. They use different tools to design and create this artwork, like Maya, Substance Painter and Unreal Engine.
Courses per year
During this four-year bachelor programme, you will have the opportunity to work on real-world projects, collaborate with industry professionals, and build a portfolio of work to showcase your visual art skills.
- Year 1
The first year consists of four blocks. In the first three blocks, you will attend lectures and seminars and work on clearly defined projects. This will allow you to develop basic skills and expand your knowledge. In the fourth block, you will also work in multidisciplinary teams. This means working in a small team of students from different study tracks to develop a game – everyone in their own role. This way, you can practise your skills as well as working in a development team.
The skills you will develop:
• Drawing skills
• Modelling
• Texturing
• Lighting/rendering
• Animation
• Technical art
- Year 2
The second year also consists of four blocks. During the first two blocks, you will continue working on your skills in your chosen role. You will then spend a further two blocks operating in multidisciplinary teams and attending lectures and seminars. In the second year, you can also spend a semester (two blocks) on exchange to gain experience abroad.
The skills you will develop:
• Characters
• Animation
• Environments
• Procedural modelling
• Technical art
- Year 3
In the third year, you will truly specialise in the role you have chosen. You will work in a multidisciplinary or specialist team on a game project that lasts a year. You will also have the opportunity to go on exchange in this year. Topics covered include:
• Advanced visual arts
• Workshops
• Outsource teams: concept, tech art, cinematic/virtual production
- Year 4
In your graduation year, you can literally go in any direction. In the fourth year, students work on projects at companies all over the world! You will complete two projects this final year. You can choose from the following options:
- Working on your portfolio, individually or in teams. By the way, you will always be assessed individually.
- Working at a company, where you will eventually deliver a project result.
- Developing a business plan or starting your own company, supported by our specialists in entrepreneurship.
- Going on an exchange for a semester, studying at one of our partner universities.
You can also combine two above-mentioned projects into a year-long project. Alternatively, you may gain a year's work experience in a graduation internship.
Student work
Intake assignment and selection criteria
For your application for the Visual Arts track we would like you to prepare a portfolio of work that evidences your process and progress in attempting a certain task. This ‘task’ is to create an accurate and technically proficient 3D model of a musical instrument, for example a trumpet, violin, grand piano, or drum kit, from first hand observations. Here you can read more information about the assignment and the criteria that the assignment must meet.
When your assignment is assessed as satisfactory, you will receive an invitation for an interview. This assignment, but also previously made work, will be discussed there.
Criteria
The portfolio assignment and the interview are assessed against the criteria:
- Motivation (15%)
- We provide small-scale and intensive education. This means that we expect a 40 hours per week commitment to your study, strong teamwork, engagement in regular (1-on-1) feedback sessions, the ability to study independently, an interest in extra-curricular activities and a proactive attitude.
- Do you fit this profile? Explain why.
- How much time did you spend on the assignment?
- How did you prepare? What learning resources did you use?
- Communication (15%)
- Explain your assignment
- Are you proficient in English?
- Can you answer our questions clearly and concisely?
- Reflection (10%)
- What aspect of the assignment of the game did you like the most?
- What did you learn from making the assignment?
- What would you improve if you had more time?
- Portfolio + assignment - Skills & knowledge (60%)
- Quality of the assignment
- Examples of your best work
- Skills and knowledge you already have (including previous education)
Admission & application
What are the admission requirements?
To meet the educational requirements to this degree programme, you need a havo or vwo diploma with an appropriate profile, or an equivalent of these Dutch diplomas. You can also be admitted with an equivalent of level-4 mbo diploma.
- Check out the complete admission requirements and the possibilities if you do not meet the requirements
- Additional requirements have been set for the 3-year track.
Information about admission requirements
How much does this study programme cost?
In the academic year 2025-2026 the statutory tuition fee for bachelor's programmes is €3,250. In addition, you should take extra costs for software, excursions, etc. into account.
How can I apply?
If you meet the admission requirements, you can apply for this programme. Admission is based on selection, each year 220 students are admitted (divided over the 4 study tracks).
More information about applying
View all job profiles
Depending on your interests and skills, you can choose a role that focuses on visual content, player experience, or even directing entire projects.
Environment Artist
Constructs 3D environments, including landscapes, buildings, and interiors.
Concept Artist
Creates visual concepts and designs for characters, environments, and props.
Creativity with a clear purpose
In this track, you learn about the various aspects of visual arts for games such as character art, environment art, rigging, animation, and 3D concept art. You have the freedom to choose your focus after the first year, in which everyone learns the same. I personally enjoyed environment arts the most.
I chose this track because I wanted to pursue something creative with a clear purpose. After finishing vwo, I initially looked at research universities but for me it was all too theoretical. I also considered art academies, but they felt a bit vague. The Games programme of BUas, on the other hand, provides clear assignments and offer a creative outlet with a specific purpose.
The intake process for this study was a little nerve-wracking. I was given a home assignment that involved creating a 3D model of a musical instrument and 30 observation drawings. After the assignment, I was invited to come to campus for an interview. I had already worked on a game before, so I could confidently share my experience with the lecturers.
Overall, I'm grateful for my time at BUas. The group projects have been especially enjoyable, as everyone is motivated, and we all share the same interests. I feel prepared for the future as I plan to start my own indie game company.
What can you do after your studies?
Visual arts are a rich field where diverse talents come together to transform ideas into powerful images, each contributes a unique perspective. Techniques and styles vary widely, but the shared goal is to evoke emotion and engage viewers. On the following page, we’ll highlight the roles and skills that make this artistic world thrive.