Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Games Development

Games Development - Level 3 National Extended Diploma

The world of video games is incredibly exciting, with many different job roles and career paths. Here at Hopwood Hall College, we will provide you with a strong visual and creative base or resources.

You will have access to four industry standard PC gaming labs with facilities including; 86 game ready high spec PC’s, 3D printing, green screen, sound recording suite, over 70 Wacom Tablets and VR technology such as the Oculus Touch and HTC Vive. You are well supported with industry software including Adobe Creative Cloud, Autodesk Maya, 3DS Max, Mudbox, Game-Maker, Unity, Unreal Engine and much more.

From the start you will design, develop and make a range games incorporating both 2D and 3D producing all assets from the story and characters to sounds, sprites, animations, 3D models and more.

You will be encouraged to ‘play’, to experiment, understand and question the nature of games, expressing your concepts and ideas through personal project work using industry standard software and hardware all set within the framework of a games design studio. Working on tutor set and live industry briefs, you will learn all the necessary skills needed to inform your future career pathway at university and beyond.

This course is taught at our Rochdale campus, located in Rochdale Town Centre, Greater Manchester.

Entry Requirements

4 GCSEs grade C/4 or above to include English and Mathematics.
BTEC/NVQ/VRQ Level 2 qualification including grade C/4 in GCSE Maths and English.

Details

The Level 3 course is designed as a two year study programme but there is an option to undertake a year Diploma instead. Please ask for more details at your interview.

TOPICS ON THIS COURSE INCLUDE:

Games design theory & practise
2D Games engines
3D Games engines
3D modelling and Texturing
3D Lighting and rendering techniques
2D & 3D Animation
Concept Art and Digital Painting techniques for characters and environments, 3D and Film
Computer game story development
Cut scene development, CGI & visual effects
Video game sound effects
Video game sound track production
Portfolio creation and self-promotion

There will also be educational visits to enhance the learning experience including BAFTA Video Game Awards, EGX Rezzed, Leeds Armouries, National Video Game Museum, residential visits and much more.

Work Experience

Work experience is in the format of producing work for a local indie games company, with credits listed on released games. You will also undertake live briefs as well as local and national competitions, such as World Skills and Artstation Challenges.

Progression

After completing a Level 3 Games Development course, you can continue your studies with us on our Higher Education programmes – the Indie Games Development – Foundation Degree and the Indie Games Development – BSc Top-Up Degree. These courses give you the chance to deepen your skills, build a strong portfolio, and prepare for a successful career in the games industry.

Potential Careers include; Animator, 3D modelling, Level Designer, Games tester, Concept Artist/Digital Artist, Programmer for Computer Games, Illustrator, Sound and Music Creator, Story Writer, Visual Effects artist for the film industry.

Anne Colgan

The course is great fun - whether it’s for a career or just to enjoy. Most people are nervous when you meet a bunch of new people, but everyone was there to learn and have fun!

Lorraine Dale

It was great to learn from knowledgeable tutors who were more than happy to share their knowledge

Joshua Watt

There are so many fantastic opportunities at Hopwood – be sure to say ‘yes’ to as many as you can!

Saad Farooq

My course opened up many doors and I have achieved a lot since gaining my qualification at such a great University Centre

Helen King-Wilson

Hopwood unlocked capabilities that I did not recognise in myself and gave me the confidence to expand my knowledge

Oliver Lewis

Hopwood’s facilities were top notch – the whole experience really was brilliant

Emily Hamilton

I was slightly older when I started my apprenticeship, but I’m now on an ever-growing career path thanks to the amazing team at Hopwood

Luke Webster

Hopwood Hall College gave me so much to be thankful for. They helped me become the professional I am today