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UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Games

Location Chesterfield College
Start date 08 Sep 2025
Type Full-time Provision
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We offer three pathway options for this Qualification: MEDIA PRODUCTION, GAMES DESIGN and PHOTOGRAPHY. This GAMES DESIGN PATHWAY is a one year course, however, at the end of the year you will have the opportunity to study for an additional year to ‘top up’ to the Extended Diploma. The Extended Diploma is equivalent to 3 A Levels. This will provide entry requirements for potential Higher Education (university courses). This course is ideal if you want to pursue a career in the video games industry by learning the core principles of video game art and video game mechanics.

The course will explore game art, theory within games, 2D animation, 3D modelling, games design, professional practices, audio, as well as focus on a chosen pathway within games, ready for creating a portfolio. You will be introduced to industry standard software such as Autodesk (Maya and Mudbox), Adobe creative suite (such as Photoshop, after effects, etc), Unreal Engine 4 and Audacity for Audio, as well as many others.

Whilst centred on video games, the content means this course can lead to pathways in other creative media roles in which gaming techniques are applied more generally, including filming and CGI, advertising and marketing, graphical design, architecture and engineering, and many more. The skills you will build are transferable across many creative industries which gives you opportunities to really discover what you enjoy, what you love, and open up that creative potential.

Course Structure

Year 1:

  • 2D Games Art
  • Context of Video Games
  • Genre within Multimedia
  • Professional Practice
  • 2D Animation
  • Audio Creation and Editing
  • Introduction to 3D modelling
  • Game Creation
  • Introduction to UE4
  • Work Experience
  • Independent Final Major Project

Year 2:

  • Team-Based Game Development
  • Project Planning
  • Work Experience
  • Portfolio Building
  • 3D Modelling
  • Asset Creation for Games
  • Independent Research
  • Preparing for Progression
  • Games Development
  • Independent Final Major Project

Entry Requirements

Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including (English language, maths and preferably a creative subject) or a relevant Level 2 qualification.

A portfolio to demonstrate creative skills that could include art, games ideas, media, and anything game related is also required.

Assessment methods

Coursework, Practical Work, Live Client Briefs, Work Experience, Presentations, Blogs, Reports

Fees and funding

Free For Eligible 16-18 year olds and First Full L3 for 19-23 year olds. Adult Learner Loans available, course costs apply.

Progression

Upon successful completion of this course have multiple choices of pathways, from higher education to employment. The college itself offers a progression route to complete and achieve a Level 4 qualification, through to Level 6, which is a BSc full honours degree.

Opportunities at Chesterfield College include:

  • HNC Creative Media Production (Games Design)
  • HND Creative Media Production (Games Design)
  • BSc (Hons) in Computer Software Development

Attendance

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