Creative Digital Media (Digital Games)

Applied - Extended Diploma

Do you want to be behind the creation of the next Zelda, Super Mario, Call of Duty or another world-wide gaming success? Games Design is an ever-growing sector and as technology develops, more roles than ever before are being created. In this dynamic course you will explore all areas of Games Design, from programming and coding to graphic design and storyboarding, preparing you for a career in this competitive industry.

This course is an Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A Levels) and so is a full time course, however you can opt to study Applied Creative Digital Media (Digital Games) as part of a wider study programme. Please see the link below to find out more:

Extended Certificate in Creative Digital Media (Digital Games) (1 A Level equivalent)

Specific requirements

You’ll need to meet the entry criteria for your chosen pathway.

For further information on the pathways, please click here.

Your learning experience

This full- time course will see you develop a comprehensive knowledge of the subject, preparing you for a career in the industry and building on the design and coding skills which will give you the competitive edge. This hands on and engaging course will see you explore a range of topics, including:

• Digital games production

• Digital media skills

• 3D environments

• Game engine scripting

• Concept art for computer games

• Documentary production

• Responding to a commission

• Media representation

• Media campaigns

• Web production

• Pre-production

An enriching experience

Studying Applied Creative Digital Media (Digital Games) at HNC is an enriching experience. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and interests, broadening your horizons and building your cultural capital. These experiences are integral to life at HNC and will help you to stand out from the crowd. Some of the experiences our Digital Games students enjoy include:

• The opportunity to put your skills and knowledge into action, including as a IT Ambassador hosting College events

• Exhibiting work in an end of year showcase

• Trips to universities and visiting guest lecturers. Students this year took part in a graphics and coding workshop with the University of Huddersfield

• Inspiring trips and visits to events such as the EGX Gaming event at the Birmingham NEC and the Animex Animation and Gaming Festival

Through your experience of practical activities and academic theory you will develop your self-confidence and communication skills. Inside the classroom you’ll enjoy a variety of learning methods, including group work, working on industry briefs and presentations. This will develop your work-based skills such as teamwork and communication – all of which are essential in the world of work.

Enlightening opportunities

We are proud of the unique experiences that are available to our students both inside and outside of the classroom. These will support you to grow the required skills you’ll need to achieve the life-changing qualifications that will lead you to your dream career.

Our subject specialists are not only experts within their fields who will support you to build on key academic and employability skills; they’ll also work with you to instil a passion for your studies, helping you to develop a life-long love of learning.

Our facilities are state-of-the-art and in your lessons you will use the latest industry standard software including Adobe Creative Suite, 3D Autodesk Maya and Unreal Engine 4. This is a hands-on course based on real industry scenarios where you will develop a project to a professional standard and showcase this at our annual exhibition. You’ll enjoy fantastic experiences outside of the classroom too, such as a visit to the Animex Animation and Gaming Festival, giving you an opportunity to preview the latest developments and opportunities in the industry.

How will you be assessed?

This course is assessed via coursework and examinations.

Where does it lead?

This is an industry recognised qualification and students who gain this qualification progress on to a wide range of destinations, and the opportunities you can experience are vast. This qualification supports progression to university, as well as junior level positions in industry, including degree level apprenticeships. This course supports students to progress to careers in the Games Design industry as well as careers within the wider creative industries, including related areas such as animation, film and TV. Popular degree pathways for students who complete this course include:

• Games Design

• Animation

• Multimedia

• Computer Science

• IT

Perfect pairings

Please note, this course is an Extended Diploma. This means it is a full time study programme and therefore is not available to study alongside any other subject. If you would like to study Applied Creative Digital Media (Digital Games) as part of a wider study programme, this course is also available as:

• A Certificate (1 A Level equivalent)

Watch our lesson taster

Good to Know
This is a hands-on course, and you will use the latest industry standard software to create your own projects. You’ll enjoy become highly skilled in the use of the latest software, whilst stretching your creative skills through drawing, storytelling and storyboarding.
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