Are you an avid gamer with a creative streak? Ever think to yourself whilst playing games that you could do better? Well, now's your chance. Our programme in Games Design will provide you with an opportunity to begin your journey in the games design industry. Using industry software and hardware in our purpose built PC suites which will give you the best possible start.
You will develop your 3D modelling skills so that you can bring your characters or assets to life using software such as Blender and Maya. You will utilise games engines such as Unity in order to code your games and make your designs in to a reality.
You will also have the opportunity to design your own game prototypes, as well as study how games work as a product or format. You will research key players in the games design industry who will inspire you when it is your time to pitch your own ideas. By the end of the course, you will have a range of skills that will prepare you for your next step, as well as gaining transferable skills relevant to broader fields.
Although games design is at the core of what you will cover on this pathway, you will also be introduced to the theoretical background of the industry and its place within the creative arts through our compulsory research and planning units.
Delivery methods will include practical workshop sessions in our impressive PC suites with industry standard software. Classroom-based theory sessions are supported by IT and computer-based research and educational visits to industry trade fairs and other games industry-related events. There will also be the opportunity to get a better understanding of the world of work through work experience opportunities, where possible.
On completion of Year 1 of this course, you will achieve a Level 3 UAL Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology. At the end of Year 2, you will achieve a Level 3 UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology.
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What will I study?
The units you will study are likely to include:
Specialist Units:
- Introduction to media processes and technical skills
- Introduction to design and research skills in creative media production
- Introduction to professional practice in creative media production
- Critical and contextual awareness in creative media production
- Investigating audio production and technology
- Investigating visual production and technology
- Investigating interactive production and technology
- Characteristics and contexts in creative media production
- Engaging with an audience in creative media production
- Preparing for progression in creative media production
- Specialist study in creative media production All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.
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Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for you if you have an interest in working in the games design industry or progressing to a higher level (HND and/or degree level) and wish to gain a Level 3 qualification in Games Design.
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How is the course assessed?
This course is assessed through:
- practical assignments, internally assessed
- written assignments, internally assessed
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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:
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Different audiences needs and how to produce content which meets those needs
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Media language to understand how messages are communicated to an audience
- A range of pre-production processes with consideration of the impact that these pre-production decisions can have on the quality of the final product.
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Skills
You will have the ability to:
- Utilise a range of software and hardware to produce Media content in line with industry conventions
- Apply rigorous primary and secondary research skills to The development of products
- Critically evaluate research sources as well as production Work in order to make Effective improvements to completed products.
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Behaviours
What is required?
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Develop positive working relationships with others in order to produce industry standard content
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Build resilience by responding positively to feedback from staff and peers and implement this feedback to make improvements to work produced
- Productivity - organises work effectively and achieves required results within deadlines, demonstrating the drive and energy to get things done in pressurised situations and escalating appropriately when necessary.
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General info
Students will be expected to purchase some basic equipment relevant to the course. This will be conveyed to them in the form of a kit list, sent via email during the summer before they enrol.
There may be opportunities to go on trips throughout the year, the cost of these will be discussed with students ahead of time.
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Progression and Career Opportunities
After studying the Level 3 Games Design course at Northampton College you will have the opportunity to further your aspirations by progressing on to university or into the work place with the skills, knowledge and confidence to make your mark in the games design world.
Northampton College also offers a Level 4 HNC/HND in Games Design. This is a cost effective way to gain a degree and stay closer to home. Due to the competitive nature of this field, the majority of students studying games design progress on to University to specialise within their chosen field. Following obtaining a degree or HND, students can move in to the following roles: Concept Artist, Programmer, Environment Artist and Animators.
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Entry Requirements for new students
Four GCSEs at Grade 4-5 or above including English Language/Literature and maths, or a Level 2 Diploma in Media/Games Design with English Language and maths at GCSE grade 3.
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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 teachers, state-of-the-art faclities, award-winning library 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.
