This dynamic course is designed for students who are passionate about Art and Games Design and want to begin building the creative skills needed for progression into Level 2 study, apprenticeships, or future careers in the creative industries. Alongside developing traditional art techniques, you will gain hands-on experience in digital games concept art, learning how to design characters, environments, and assets for game worlds. You will explore both practical studio-based art and digital production, helping you build confidence, creativity, and a strong foundation for further study.
A UAL Level 1 qualification is equivalent to three GCSEs (Grades 1?3) and provides a clear pathway to Level 2 courses.
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What will I study?
You will explore a wide range of creative disciplines, including:
- Drawing and visual communication
- Painting and printmaking
- Photography and image-making
- 3D design and model-making
- Mixed media
- Digital design and time-based media
- Portfolio development
- Contextual research and artist studies
Games Concept Art Focus A key feature of this pathway is your introduction to Games Design and Concept Art. You will:
- Design original game characters and environments
- Build 3D environments
- Develop digital assets and visual ideas for game worlds
- Understand how artists contribute to game development
This gives you real insight into how games are visually developed in industry.
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Who is this course for?
This course is ideal if you:
- Enjoy drawing and creating
- Are interested in games and digital arts
- Want to build confidence in a creative environment
- Are ready to develop skills for further study for creative industries
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How is the course assessed?
You will complete 8 units.
- Units 1?7: Internally assessed (Pass grade)
- Unit 8: Externally moderated by UAL
- Final grade awarded: Pass, Merit or Distinction
Your final major project will allow you to specialise in an area and produce portfolio-ready work.
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Your Study Programme
If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme this could be a vocational or technical qualification. We will make sure you are working at the right level on your core qualification and are challenged to achieve the highest level of qualification you can.
Work experience will be part of your study programme and complement your college study and prepare you for employment. You will also get involved in activities to help you develop life skills and to build your confidence so you can make progress in your career.
If you have chosen to study for a T Level qualification, this will involve college-based theory and practice lessons along with relevant work placement to enable you to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours that employers are looking for.
Weekly timetables will include tutorial support which may comprise of full group activities or one to one sessions to discuss individual progress or support needs.
All students will continue to improve their maths and English and if you don't have a grade 4 (C) at GCSE, we will work with you towards achieving that goal (subject to specific entry requirements for particular courses).
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Knowledge
You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:
- Understanding of artists, designers, and game creators
- Awareness of creative industry pathways
- Introduction to sustainable creative practice
- Development of digital skills for modern creative careers
- Awareness of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in creative practice
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Skills
You will have the ability to:
- Creative problem-solving (2D, 3D and digital)
- Digital asset creation
- Character and environment design
- Visual storytelling
- Presentation and portfolio development
- Reflective practice and written evaluation
- Independent project management
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Behaviours
What is required?
You will develop:
- Planning and organisational skills
- Confidence and independent working
- Professional studio behaviour
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Strong attendance and time management
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General info
You may be required to go on trips or purchase a kit and uniform to undertake this course. Information about individual items and their associated costs will be sent to you in June/July before you enrol.
Some students may be eligible for support from the Student Bursary Scheme with the costs of coming to college. Applications are available on the college website under Student Support. If you require further assistance or would like to speak with a member of Student Services, please email financial.support@northamptoncollege.ac.uk or call 01604 734333.
If you are applying for financial assistance, please do not purchase any kit items. If your application is successful, the necessary items will be provided to you.
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Progression and Career Opportunities
After successful completion, you can progress onto:
- UAL Level 2 creative pathways
- Apprenticeships within creative industries
- Entry role creative job
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Entry Requirements for new students
You will need a minimum of four GCSEs at Grade 2, and you must show a portfolio of artwork demonstrating your skills and particular interest in Art. This can include work produced for GCSE Art as well as personal projects completed at home. The level of course you enrol on will be based on the overall quality of your artwork.
References may be requested from the course lead if deemed necessary.
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Admissions Process
We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply.
These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.
Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements.
If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.
