Creative Media Practice (Digital Games Development) - Level 3 NextGen National Extended Diploma

Essentials

Duration: 2 Years Full-time
Start date: 2nd September 2024
End date: 5th June 2026
Information Event: Yes

Course fee: FREE (Eligibility criteria may apply)

Course Content

Are you eager to craft gameplay, design immersive worlds, spin captivating stories or even create your own game startup? Envision yourself as the mastermind behind indie game gems like Hollow Knight and Rocket League, or as a key player in AAA studios shaping blockbusters like Grand Theft Auto and God of War. The NextGen Level 3 Digital Games Development course could be the launchpad for your future.

Step into a world of potential, with the UK Games Industry contributing a massive £2.88 billion to GDP in 2021 alone, and the momentum continuing. There are over 2200 active games companies in the UK and many more global opportunities. We can help you develop core technical, creative and professional skills – revealing pathways into the realms of game development, tech and entertainment.

What you will learn:

Creative Skills

• Idea Generation and Concept Design
• 3D Modelling, Texturing and Environment Design
• Animation: 2D & 3D, Rigging, Posing & Frame Animations
• Presentation and Portfolio Layouts

Technical Skills

• C# Programming for Games
• Unity Game Engine: 2D and 3D Development, VR Prototyping
• Lighting and Visual Effects
• Games QA Testing

Professional Skills

• Working to a client brief
• Market Research Strategies
• Project Management: Independent and Team
• Communication: Pitching and Networking
• Industry Business, Legal and Ethical Insights

NextGen Partnership

The NextGen course offers an unparalleled level of industry engagement. They've partnered with world-renowned Games, Animation, and VFX studios that shape the entertainment landscape, including Creative Assembly, Framestore, DNEG, Industrial Light and Magic, Blue Zoo Animation, and many more. NextGen students gain firsthand knowledge and real-world exposure to the industry, receiving invaluable feedback on their project work from seasoned experts. With exciting remote work placements available at leading employers, you'll have the chance to refine your skills through thrilling challenges and make your mark on the industry.

Course Aims

This course is Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Creative Media Practice.  Course aims include:

• To invest in the next generation of digital content creators, equipping them with the foundational skills and knowledge required to progress to a related higher education course, join existing studios or startup their own games companies.
• The college maintains industry links with local games companies, Northern Ireland Screen, and guest lecturers across the UK.

Assessment Methods

All assessment evidence is based on practical portfolios of work. There are no exams.

Applicants should have at least 4 GCSE's at Grade C or above or other relevant qualifications.

Higher Education

This qualification is equivalent to 3 A-Levels, opening doors to higher education. University experience is the most common route into the industry. NRC Games students have pursued degrees in Games Design, Games Development, Games Art, Games Programming, Computing, Animation, Web & App Development, and Marketing. Graduates of this Extended Diploma course can also apply to the College's Higher Education Creative Media programs, including the Level 5 Web and App Development HND.

Games Development Companies

There are diverse roles and pathways into the games industry. Junior developers can join established studios, seek funding for their own startups, or offer freelance services. A compelling portfolio, relevant professional skills, and project experience are crucial when attracting potential employers. Some of our past students have been selected for Northern Ireland Screen’s Pixel Mill Trainees skills development program and have successfully embarked on paid placement schemes.