Game Art and Animation PhD 36 months PHD Programme By Abertay University |TopUniversities
Programme Duration

36 monthsProgramme duration

Tuitionfee

14,750 GBPTuition Fee/year

Application Deadline

30 Apr, 2026Application Deadline

Starting Month

Feb, Jun, OctStarting Month

Programme overview

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

Game Art and Animation are applied professional disciplines within the games industry, drawing upon complex creative, conceptual, and technical skillsets. Practice in this field includes but is not limited to: 2D digital art production, 3D modelling and sculpting, photogrammetry, graphic design and illustration, user interface design, keyframe animation, motion capture, and technical arts and scripting.

In a research context, Abertay can provide expert supervision drawing upon academic and industry experience to supervise practice-based research in Game Art and Animation. This can include research not only for the games industry - for instance through development of workflows and production methodologies for content creation - but also for other applications of Game Art and Animation, such as in applied games, in visualisation, and in heritage and cultural projects.

Abertay University is the lead partner for InGAME: Innovation for Games and Media Enterprise, an AHRC-funded R&D centre for Dundee’s games cluster. Postgraduate students at the University will have access to research and development opportunities, as well as contact with professionals working within the games industry. Dundee is one of the UK’s oldest and most successful games hubs, and we have longstanding relationships with local, national and international game studios.

Our research at Abertay is inherently cross-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary, which brings benefits to arts researchers interested in utilising multiple technologies, examining audiences and users, and engaging with private, public and third sector stakeholders. We are a member of networks such as SGSAH and SICSA, which will provide you with opportunities to network with like-minded academics and research students across Scotland, and access training opportunities.

Programme overview

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

Game Art and Animation are applied professional disciplines within the games industry, drawing upon complex creative, conceptual, and technical skillsets. Practice in this field includes but is not limited to: 2D digital art production, 3D modelling and sculpting, photogrammetry, graphic design and illustration, user interface design, keyframe animation, motion capture, and technical arts and scripting.

In a research context, Abertay can provide expert supervision drawing upon academic and industry experience to supervise practice-based research in Game Art and Animation. This can include research not only for the games industry - for instance through development of workflows and production methodologies for content creation - but also for other applications of Game Art and Animation, such as in applied games, in visualisation, and in heritage and cultural projects.

Abertay University is the lead partner for InGAME: Innovation for Games and Media Enterprise, an AHRC-funded R&D centre for Dundee’s games cluster. Postgraduate students at the University will have access to research and development opportunities, as well as contact with professionals working within the games industry. Dundee is one of the UK’s oldest and most successful games hubs, and we have longstanding relationships with local, national and international game studios.

Our research at Abertay is inherently cross-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary, which brings benefits to arts researchers interested in utilising multiple technologies, examining audiences and users, and engaging with private, public and third sector stakeholders. We are a member of networks such as SGSAH and SICSA, which will provide you with opportunities to network with like-minded academics and research students across Scotland, and access training opportunities.

Admission Requirements

185+
7+
67+
95+
The minimum entry requirement for all our research degrees is an Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent) at undergraduate level in an appropriate discipline and/or a Master’s degree.  Degree studies must include an independent research component evidenced in the degree transcript, such as dissertation, project, or thesis.

30 Apr 2026
3 Years
Feb
Jun

  • Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance

Tuition fees

Domestic
5,006 GBP
International
14,750 GBP

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

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