Games Development HNC (Full time)

32-48 UCAS points and English language and maths GCSE grade 4 or above. 

• Pass grade at Level 3 within Art & Design, Media or IT

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.

Teaching will be delivered through a mix of dynamic and interactive lectures and workshops. Your learning will be an engaging and enjoyable experience delivered through a variety of methods by skilled lecturers with industry experience. You will have a mix of practicals, workshops, in-person industry talks and learning how to use new techniques and software.

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.

All of your assessment will be assessed through coursework, presentations and submission of final pieces throughout the academic year. You will be formatively assessed (a minimum of three times) and summative assessed (twice minimum).

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 this course, you will be awarded the Higher National Certificate in Game Development (Level 4).

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. It is essential that you purchase a hard-drive for use during the course.

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.

If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat or email us at info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk