Summary

This course provides you with an excellent route to enter a career in computer games, or into any number of media pathways such as animation, VFX, architectural visualisation, programming or music and sound effects for TV. You will use state-of-the-art technology to get a firm grounding with industry-standard software tools, such as Maya and Unreal Engine 4. Then you will expand and deepen your experience into your own area of interest, ultimately creating a specialised portfolio and showreel or collaborating with other specialists to make fully playable games. You will study essential skills units and explore specialised projects designed to support your chosen career path, including: • 3D modelling and animation • Concept art techniques • Character and environment design • Level design • Sound effects and Foley • Game music composition • Games programming • Distribution for desktop and Android devices • Virtual reality • Context and representation • Gameplay, audiences and accessibility • Games testing Additional benefits: • Concurrent maths and English study for those without qualifications at grade 4 • Work experience in relevant skills • Social games enrichment • Excellent trips such as EGX Eurogamer and Rezzed • Strong pipeline to study at prestigious universities

How will I know how I am doing?

Learners receive ongoing feedback on all their work via our online virtual learning environment and through one-to-one, in-person tutorials. They will also have tangible experience of completing computer games, which are then played at the end-of-year show.

What do I need to join?

5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, or a relevant Level 2 qualification at merit grade or above. As this is a creative course, we would also like to see a portfolio of creative work at interview.

Maths & English

A key requirement for obtaining many jobs is to achieve a good standard of English and maths. Therefore learners that do not yet have a GCSE grade 4 (C) will be enrolled on either GCSE or functional skills programmes alongside their main course.

Employability

Learners will develop skills in communication, presentation and writing through pitching and presenting work, as well as the key production skills for making video games. They will produce a portfolio throughout the course, and are encouraged to present it to professional games designers for feedback at industry exhibitions.

Work Experience

The end-of-course project is designed to simulate the pressures and excitement of working as a professional games designer. We aim to simulate as closely as possible the atmosphere and expectations that a learner will find when they leave us and find employment in the working world.

What can I do next?

Learners can choose to stay with SGS and apply to our FdSc in Games Design at Filton Campus. For learners who excel, self-employment as a developer is an option. More commonly, learners go on to study foundation degree courses, Level 4 HBD programmes or university courses in subjects such as games design, programming, graphic design, visual effects, animation, art, etc.

What are my career options?

Learners normally wish to pursue careers in games design after taking this programme, typically by entering into a role suited to one of their core skills. In addition, the course is also a good grounding for many multimedia, art and IT-based careers, including programming, illustration, graphic design, animation, concept art, audio production, etc.