Global gaming giant Epic has recognised the Game Art course at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) with the award of Gold Academic Partner Status from Unreal Engine.

(Tapa, The Baku Warrior by DMU Game Art student Marcel Zawadzki.)

Owned by Epic Games, Unreal Engine is the powerful, real-time 3D creation tool used by game developers the world over. It is the design platform behind many of the most popular and critically acclaimed games of recent years including Fortnite, Hogwarts Legacy, and Gears of War.

The renowned Game Art course at DMU has been part of Epic’s Unreal Academic Partner programme for several years. This new award of Gold Status recognises the outstanding teaching and expertise in Unreal Engine within the course, as well as the quality of creative output from the students. 

(Gepetto's Workshop by Petros Petrides.)

Game Art at DMU is now taught exclusively using Unreal Engine which is the industry leading platform for creating photorealistic, interactive worlds and experiences in gaming, but also in other media such as TV and film where Unreal works include K-Pop Demon Hunters and the Oscar-winning animated short, War Is Over!

Craig Mooney, DMU Game Art Course Leader, said: “This is a fantastic achievement. It’s testament to the quality of our students' portfolios, the teaching excellence on the course, and the skills, the hard work, and the sheer dedication of the teaching staff here at DMU.

“We have a really good constructive relationship with Epic through the Unreal Academic Partnership. They are extremely supportive and help us make sure that what we teach our Game Art students here at DMU is what the games industry wants and needs.” 

To see more work from students on DMU's Game Art course visit: ArtStation - Game Art DMU.

To read the story of one high-flying DMU Game Art graduate visit: An artist at the top of his game.

(The Captain by Alice Brandom.)

Posted on Thursday 9 April 2026