Course may be subject to change.
This one-year Level 2 course is designed for students who are interested in games design and development and want to build their creative, technical and practical skills.
Through a series of practical projects, you will explore how ideas are developed into digital games and interactive experiences. You will experiment with different creative techniques and software while developing skills in areas such as games design, character and environment development, digital art, animation, asset creation and working with game engines.
You will learn how to research and communicate ideas, respond to creative briefs, plan and manage projects, produce digital content and evaluate your finished work. You will also develop important employability skills, including teamwork, communication, organisation, problem-solving and responding to feedback.
The course is practical and portfolio-based, allowing you to develop a collection of work that demonstrates your creative and technical abilities. It provides a strong foundation for progression to a Level 3 Games Design and Development course and future study or employment within the games and wider creative digital industries.
Duration
1 Year
Course may be subject to change.
This one-year Level 2 course is designed for students who are interested in games design and development and want to build their creative, technical and practical skills.
Through a series of practical projects, you will explore how ideas are developed into digital games and interactive experiences. You will experiment with different creative techniques and software while developing skills in areas such as games design, character and environment development, digital art, animation, asset creation and working with game engines.
You will learn how to research and communicate ideas, respond to creative briefs, plan and manage projects, produce digital content and evaluate your finished work. You will also develop important employability skills, including teamwork, communication, organisation, problem-solving and responding to feedback.
The course is practical and portfolio-based, allowing you to develop a collection of work that demonstrates your creative and technical abilities. It provides a strong foundation for progression to a Level 3 Games Design and Development course and future study or employment within the games and wider creative digital industries.
Entry Criteria
4 GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English and maths or Functional Skills Level 1
What are the next steps?
You will meet with a member of the team to find out more about the course, discuss which course is right for you and see the facilities. Please bring your GCSE grades/predicted grades or any other relevant qualifications.
Teaching and Assessment
Teaching is practical and project-based, with a strong focus on developing your creative and technical skills. You will take part in workshops, demonstrations, group activities and independent project work, using industry-standard software and games development tools.
You will be assessed through a portfolio of practical work completed throughout the course. This may include research, planning, concept development, digital artwork, game assets, prototypes, presentations and evaluations.
There are no formal examinations. Assessment is continuous and based on how successfully you respond to project briefs, develop your ideas and demonstrate your skills. You will receive regular feedback to help you improve your work and prepare for progression to Level 3 study.
You will achieve the Pearson BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Creative Media Skills, with a focus on Games Design and Development.
On successful completion, you could progress to a relevant Level 3 course, apprenticeship or entry-level opportunity within the creative digital sector.
You could progress to study the following course at New College Durham:
- Level 3 Extended Diploma in Games Design and Development
Progression will be subject to meeting the entry requirements for the Level 3 programme and demonstrating an appropriate standard of achievement, attendance and commitment during your Level 2 course.
This course can also help you begin building the skills and portfolio needed for longer-term careers such as:
- Games Designer
- Level Designer
- 2D Games Artist
- 3D Games Artist
- Animator
- Games Programmer
- Games Tester
- Technical Artist
- Games Producer
Please note that many specialist roles within the games industry require progression to a Level 3 qualification, higher education, an apprenticeship or further development of a professional portfolio.
