Games Development HNC (Full time)

To join the course, you will need either a National Diploma, Foundation Diploma, T-Level, or equivalent Level 3 qualification in one of the following subject areas: Art & Design, Creative Media Production, or Computing.

Applications from A-Level programs who display high levels of creativity and passion for the subject, along with mature students, who will be considered individually on experience rather than qualifications.

Entry to the course will be subject to a successful interview, where you will be asked to present a portfolio of work related to the subject. This course does look at all areas of Games Development, so the ability to be able to communicate creative and technical ideas must be shown, as well as some creative flair. Whilst there will be coding aspects of the course, this is not a mandatory aspect of a successful portfolio, though experience of the coding mindset will be beneficial.

Applicants who are non-native English speakers and who have not undertaken their final two years of schooling in English will need to demonstrate capability in English at a standard equivalent to:

• Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B2
• Pearson Test of English(PTE) Academic 51
• IELTS 5.5; Reading and Writing must be at 5.5
• Or equivalent

You will be suited to this course if you have the ability and/or potential to:

• Communicate ideas clearly through visual and verbal methods
• Have a passion to explore the inner workings of Game Design
• Generate and develop a range of creative and practical solutions to problems
• Keep up with and have an open mind for contemporary software and hardware
• Critically reflect upon your own practice and the work of others
• Willingly engage with your peers for both group development and to further your own ideas
• Present yourself in a professional manner, particularly when working with prospective clients

This course is delivered by a range of practicing specialists within the Games Design/Development and related industries along with visiting professionals from Games Design companies and publishers. Students of the course will have access to well-equipped studios, one-to-one tutorials and feedback, and industry relevant softwares.

The course consists of two assessment units which cover the development of core aspects of the industry: contextual knowledge, idea generation and development, technical knowledge and skills, professional practice, and communication.

Unit 1: Concept & Development

Through this unit, you’ll develop an understanding of the fundamentals of Games Design, enabling you to begin your journey into the interactive media industry.

Unit 2: Creative Project

This unit is designed to apply your learning from Unit 1 through the production of a final outcome that concludes all skills learnt in that year.

You will have the opportunity to work individually and collaboratively on projects that explore:

• Concept Art
• Game Asset Prototyping
• 2D Game Engine Exploration
• 3D Game Engine Exploration
• Game Theory
• Player Management and Interaction
• File and Project Management
• Bug Testing and Quality Assurance
• Marketing and Post-Production

In the first year of the course you’ll be introduced to a range of software including: Unity, Unreal Engine, Maya, Blender, Substance Painter and the Adobe Creative Suite.

Project briefs with set deadlines are issued for tasks within each module. These will be primarily practical, but will include levels of research and justification; case studies will be looked at and, along with some projects, may require longer-form writing to engage in properly.

These are assessed and graded upon hand-in, and an overall qualification grade is calculated based on performance across all module activities.

There are no formal examinations.

Upon successful completion of the HNC, the natural progression is to continue your studies into the HND (Higher National Diploma) course. Post-HND you have options to study at Degree Level at The Bedford College Group or other national institutions. Alternatively, you could look at pursuing employment within the Games Design industry after the HNC

You are expected to bring your own Art & Design equipment, such as a sketchbook, pens, and pencils.

In-studio colour, laser, and 3D printing is provided free of charge.

Travel costs for visits and trips are to be covered by the student.