About the course

This is a full-time course over two years (Extended Diploma). A range of assessment methods including assignments, presentations to industry professionals, coursework and live briefs. These will aim to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding relevant to specific creative activities in games art application and in the creation of your own professional portfolio. The dedicated professional lecturing team offer industry-standard training in a wide range of practical and theoretical areas to ensure you are well prepared for progression onto Level 3 or into industry. You will work in our dedicated Creative Industries Centre and have access to specialist equipment.

Entry requirements

To begin this course, you will need one of the following:

• You will need relevant 4 GCSEs Grades 4 or equivalent. 
• A satisfactory pass at Level 2 UAL or other Awarding Body. 
• You will be invited to interview and asked to bring a portfolio of work that must include a selection of your best art, web or any other design/development work that relates to the various elements of games design.

How much does it cost?

Free to those aged 16-18. If you are aged 19+ you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.

There is a range of financial support that you may be entitled to, including: Learner Support funds, grants and bursaries and employer support.

Charge of £100 for the 1 year programme or £200 for the 2 Year programme. Fees cover the costs for gaming equipment, studios, Mac/PC editing software, exhibitions and compulsory trips. 

Who is it suitable for?

The qualification has been designed for those who have an interest in games design, who wish to explore and extend this interest via a full-time, immersive learning experience.

Why study?

You will study a range of practical and theory-based work including research, evaluations, drawing/sketching, 3D modelling (physical and digital), digital graphics, animation, AR and game development coding platforms, which will open doors to several areas for further study.

You will study a range of practical and theory-based work including photography, animation, research, graphics and game development platforms, which will open doors to several areas for further study.

The UK games industry grew 12.4% to a record £5.11 billion in 2017 (UKIE), suggesting that demand for talent will only increase as it continues to grow.

March 2018 - Mayor of London commits a further investment to Games London in an attempt to make London the 'Games Capital of the World'.

As of April 2018, there are 613 games studios based in London alone, with over 2,000 nation-wide. With the growth of the industry and number of game studios over the coming years, there will be plenty of jobs in the sector.

The UK gaming industry employs 16,000 full time staff plus a lot of freelancers. 25% of these are non-UK citizens (mainly EU). There are lots of vacancies in the UK games industry and UKIE (The Association for UK Interactive Entertaintment) estimate that there are over 1,500 vacancies in the UK in total.

Anecdotal evidence from games companies says they are struggling to fill these positions due to lack of skills, not enough good UK graduates and not enough overseas workers looking at the UK since Brexit. This provides a great opportunity for young people to find work in the sector if suitably qualified.

Where will this course take me?

Learners who achieve the Level 3 Diploma in Games Design can progress onto the second year of the Extended Diploma in Games Design.

Employment / apprenticeships in the games/media sector is also an option.

For an employer, candidates would have a range of Digital Animation and Games Design skills. Having technical skills including, 2D/3D animation, Graphics, Web design/development, Games developed by using a range of software such as, Adobe Creative Suite (Master Collection), Scratch, Unity, Unreal, Apple Swift Language.

job roles this course could lead on to:

• Animator (Games)
• Motion Graphics Designer
• Assistant Producer (Games)
• Audio Engineer
• Creative Director (Games)
• DevOps Engineer
• External Producer
• Game Designer
• Game Programmer
• Games Artist
• Lead Artist (Games)
• Level Editor
• QA Tester
• Technical Artist (Games)
• Lead Programmer (Games)
• Web designer
• Web developer

http://creativeskillset.org/creative_industries/games/job_roles

Core modules

The Diploma is made upon the accumulation of 72 credits from the units studied. These units may include:

• The Creative Process
• Developing Creative Practice
• Responding to a set brief

The Extended Diploma second year is made upon the total accumulation of 144 credits from the units studied. These units may include:

• Researching a Specialist Industry Practice
• Specialist Technical Skills Development
• Specialist Creative Outcome

How will I be assessed?

All assessment is by single submission of coursework. 

Will I have to provide anything?

Courses are free to 16-18 year olds. Reduced fees may be available for 19+ learners. Stationery may be required.

College iPad is mandatory to study this course.

£100 charge for visits and resources per year