Kickstart your career in gaming with an International Foundation Year
Do you absolutely love gaming but don't know how you could build a career in the industry? Well, if you’re dreaming of turning your passion into a career, there are now degrees that allow you to do exactly that. If you want to succeed, it’s important to choose the correct course for the gaming career path you want to take, and that’s where the International Foundation Year in Animation, Games and Visual Effects at Teesside University International Study Centre comes in. This programme will give international students the academic knowledge and English skills they need to progress to undergraduate programmes such as Animation, Games Development, Visual Effects, and more.
Why choose an International Foundation Year?
The International Foundation Year programme is perfect for students who want to study in the UK but still need to develop their English language and academic skills further to ensure they are ready to join an undergraduate degree programme in the UK. There are extra benefits to choosing to study at the International Study Centre: for example, by enrolling on to the programme, you’ll gain access to Europe’s first Adobe Creative Campus, meaning you’ll have access to all of Adobe’s tools, as well as support and training. You’ll also have the opportunity to go on a work placement later down the line, and you’ll be able to take part in industry competitions and events including GameJam and ExpoTees. It’s the perfect entry point to a degree - followed by a career - in gaming.
Why pursue a career in gaming?
So, is gaming a good career? According to the latest figures, there are around 3.32 billion active video gamers worldwide, while the video game market is worth an estimated £215 billion (Exploding Topics 2024). It’s an industry that is rapidly growing and constantly innovating; the development of technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality and artificial intelligence mean that gaming professionals can develop their storytelling and game design in ways that have never been done before. There are several careers in gaming that you could follow, from game design and development to esports and visual effects, and whichever one you choose, it’s an exciting - and potentially lucrative - time to pursue a career in this field.
Key benefits of the International Foundation Year for gamers
The International Foundation Year in Animation, Games and Visual Effects at Teesside University International Study Centre offers several benefits:
A tailored curriculum
The modules will introduce you to the following concepts:
- Visual Scripting. This module is about learning through practice: you’ll be taught about the basics of programming including code design, testing and debugging, and will learn to create your own programmes.
- Drawing, Creativity and Design. This module teaches traditional drawing techniques with pens, pencils, and charcoal, focusing on principles such as colour, composition, and perspective.
- Game Production. In this module you’ll be learning how to use a game engine and will use it to produce an individual small game project.
- 2D Digital Art. You’ll learn about the production of 2D Digital Art for animation, games, and VFX, and how to apply the fundamental principles of design and composition using graphics software.
- 3D Modelling and Animation. This module teaches the principles of 3D modelling, which you will use to produce an original 3D model that will be imported into a game engine.
Take your English to the next level
A key part of the International Foundation Year programme is helping you get your English up to the standard required for starting on an undergraduate degree programme. This, together with immersing yourself in student life and speaking English with your new friends, means you’ll improve your English daily!
Transition to an undergraduate degree
The International Foundation Year programme prepares international students to study at university level. Small class sizes, personalised support and a curriculum created in collaboration with the University help students smoothly transition to an undergraduate degree. Following the International Foundation Year in Animation, Games and Visual Effects, with the required grades, you can then move on to study one of the following degrees at Teesside University: 2D Animation and Stop Motion BA (Hons), Animation BA (Hons), Concept Art BA (Hons), Games Art BA (Hons), Games Design BA (Hons), Games Development BSc (Hons) or Visual Effects BA (Hons).
Networking opportunities
When it comes to getting a job, the more contacts you have, the higher your chances of being in the right place at the right time. Teesside University holds the Animex event every year, which gives students the chance to network and showcase their work to people in the games, animation and visual effects industry. You never know who might be at the event or which global studio rep will be looking at your work!
Study gaming at Teesside University
This is an exciting time to be joining Teesside University. In 2025, the Digital Life building is due to open, which will offer smart labs, digital art studios and a lecture theatre and events space. The recently upgraded library and the Student Life building, with its study spaces and cafe, offers a truly immersive experience that you will love. Teesside came 18th in the world in the Animation Career Review International Animation School Rankings 2023, and 15th in the UK for Animation and Game Design (The Guardian University Guide 2025). But if you dream of studying in London, upon successful completion of the International Foundation Year programme, you can also transition to an undergraduate degree at Here East, Teesside's campus in Stratford, East London.
The International Foundation Year in Animation, Games and Visual Effects is an exciting programme that will equip you with the academic and English skills you need to progress to an undergraduate degree at the University. As well as being taught academic English skills, the modules on offer include introductions to visual scripting, game production, 3D modelling and animation, giving you the opportunity to explore the different aspects of this field and decide which area you’d like to pursue.
Before applying for the International Foundation Year, it’s worth checking out the information on fees, entry and visa requirements. If you meet all the requirements, the team at Teesside University International Study Centre will be happy to help you with the rest of your application.
FAQs
Is gaming a good career?
Gaming is a rapidly evolving industry, with new opportunities being created all the time. With the right qualifications, dedication, and skill, you can carve out a successful career in game animation, game development, and more.
What is the best career for a gamer?
This depends on your skills. If you are super creative, you might lean towards game developing or designing. If you like being on camera and talking to people, you could earn money through streaming or content creation. Or you could be a game tester, working on the more technical side.
How long does it take to get a gaming degree?
The International Foundation Year in Animation, Games and Visual Effects is a three-term programme. Upon successful completion, you can then begin an undergraduate degree, which typically lasts three years.