Creative Media Practice (Digital Games Development) - Level 3 National Extended Diploma
Course Type
Further Education
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
2 Years
Start & End Date
1 September 2026
2 June 2028
Location
Newtownabbey
Information Session Required
Yes
To invest in the next generation of digital content creators, equipping students with a broad foundation of skills that can lead to higher education study, entry into studios, or the creation of independent games businesses.
Ready to build immersive worlds, design compelling gameplay, tell captivating tales, or even launch your own indie game studio?
Whether you dream of creating breakout indie hits like Tunic and Balatro, or contributing to global AAA blockbusters like Monster Hunter Wilds and Elden Ring, NRC’s Digital Games Development course could be a launchpad to kickstart your career.
The UK video games industry includes over 2000 active studios and contributes £6 billion in gross value added to the economy (Ukie.org.uk). This course will help you build the creative, technical and professional skills needed to succeed in game development, tech or the wider creative industries.
All assessment evidence is based on practical project work. There are no exams.
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 Design (UX Design, Digital Marketing & Content Creation) HND.
There are a range of roles and entry routes into the games industry. Junior developers might join established studios, launch their own startups with funding support, or offer freelance services. Several of our past students have secured paid placements through Northern Ireland Screen’s Pixel Mill Trainees programme and have gone on to begin careers without a higher education qualification. A strong portfolio, practical experience, and professional skills are essential when trying to attract potential employers.
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1 July in the year of proposed entry to the course and must have at least 4 GCSE's at Grade C or above or other equivalent qualifications.
Applicants must have an English Language grade at an E and above or an equivalent qualification to be accepted onto the course.
No fees.
For most students, full-time Further Education courses at Level 1-3, including Apprenticeships, have no course fees.
Level 1-3 Further Education (full-time)
Level 3 Access Courses (full-time)
Fee information is available from any campus reception.
All tutors are qualified and experienced counsellors. This underpins the authenticity of teaching and learning activities as students engage with practitioners who understand the challenges and opportunities of the counselling role. The following teaching team deliver this course at Northern Regional College:
Staff Team
To invest in the next generation of digital content creators, equipping students with a broad foundation of skills that can lead to higher education study, entry into studios, or the creation of independent games businesses.
All assessment evidence is based on practical project work. There are no exams.
Ready to build immersive worlds, design compelling gameplay, tell captivating tales, or even launch your own indie game studio?
Whether you dream of creating breakout indie hits like Tunic and Balatro, or contributing to global AAA blockbusters like Monster Hunter Wilds and Elden Ring, NRC’s Digital Games Development course could be a launchpad to kickstart your career.
The UK video games industry includes over 2000 active studios and contributes £6 billion in gross value added to the economy (Ukie.org.uk). This course will help you build the creative, technical and professional skills needed to succeed in game development, tech or the wider creative industries.
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 Design (UX Design, Digital Marketing & Content Creation) HND.
There are a range of roles and entry routes into the games industry. Junior developers might join established studios, launch their own startups with funding support, or offer freelance services. Several of our past students have secured paid placements through Northern Ireland Screen’s Pixel Mill Trainees programme and have gone on to begin careers without a higher education qualification. A strong portfolio, practical experience, and professional skills are essential when trying to attract potential employers.
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1 July in the year of proposed entry to the course and must have at least 4 GCSE's at Grade C or above or other equivalent qualifications.
Applicants must have an English Language grade at an E and above or an equivalent qualification to be accepted onto the course.
Course Fees
No fees.
For most students, full-time Further Education courses at Level 1-3, including Apprenticeships, have no course fees.
Level 1-3 Further Education (full-time)
Level 3 Access Courses (full-time)
Fee information is available from any campus reception.