Overview
Games Development HNC (Part time)Games development is a rapidly growing industry, with the UK market for video games reaching a record £7bn in 2020, an increase of 30% (UKIE). The games industries workforce grew 25% in December 2021 (TIGA). These figures are looking to keep increasing as the industry shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Games Development is a multifaceted area of study that allows for numerous areas of specialisation; there’s a wide range of careers from the more artistic asset, environment, and character designing to the more technical sides involving programming and developing the actual mechanics of the game. All these roles are also enveloped by overarching game theory, which helps steer the direction of what is being created to provide interactive and compelling experiences for the user.
We uniquely benefit from being located in Bedford as a number of popular game studios such as Creative Assembly, Team17, Jagex, Warner Bros. Games and Sumo Digital are all less than 25 miles away. London also being a short train journey, which hosts many games studios such as Rocksteady and Sony Studios (PlayStation). We are also soon to be hosts to the new Sunset Studios located just to the South-East, where the skills and knowledge gained through studying Games Design are more than transferable to more traditional film and TV production.
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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.
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Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the Website is correct, some details may be subject to change. The Bedford College Group reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.
Additional Learning Support
If you have a specific learning difficulty or disability, are deaf or hearing impaired, our Additional Learning Support team are on hand to give you assistance whenever you need it. Email: ALSteam@bedford.ac.uk or call us on 01234 291333.
Any questions?
If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat below, email info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk or call us on 0345 658 8990.
Accessibility
We have access arrangements in place to help students with disabilities or any other particular needs. Call us on 01234 291000 or 01536 413123 for more information.
Additional formats
Course information sheets are also available in large print and audio formats. Call us on 01234 291000 or 01536 413123 to order your copy.