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Games Design Level 3

Course code: P08300

Subject area: Games Development

Study level: School Leaver

Course level: 3

Course details

Course time:

09:00 - 17:00

Days of week:

Monday to Friday

Course date:

8th Sept 2025 - 2nd Jul 2027

Course location:

Abingdon Campus

Contact details

Phone:

01235 555 585

This exciting programme gives you the opportunity to develop the design skills required for the creative elements of the computer games industry. You will work within both 2D and 3D parameters to design, create and produce visual elements for a number of different platforms.

The Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology – Games Development is a one-year programme that is 100% coursework based, which will give you the equivalent qualifications to one and a half levels. This qualification is award by University of the Arts London awarding body (UAL). You will have undertaken this first year successfully to enable you to move on to the second year to achieve the Extended Diploma which is equivalent to three A levels.

All aged 16-18 students have the benefit of following the ‘Futures’ programme which is an innovative approach to curriculum design that ensures our students not only graduate with a high quality vocational qualification but also develop the key transferable skills that employers and higher education institutions demand. Skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, decision-making and enterprise skills are integrated and promoted. In addition, Futures students benefit from work experience, core tutorials, enrichment and skills development and/or qualifications in English and maths.

The course combines practical and theory and is delivered through projects, which will give you a broad understanding and develop your skills in a range of different games related fields. These include an initial project designed give you a sound skills base and understanding, creating and animatic, researching and studying the gaming sector all of which culminate in the final term where you will produce your own final major project.

Units 1–4 are linked together to provide you with a sound introduction to the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to explore, enhance and sustain your creative development and determine a good standard from which can develop. Skills you will develop include 3D modelling in 3DS max and drawing concept art, as well as studying the industry itself.

Units 5–7 will require you to apply your newly acquired skills, knowledge and understanding through producing an animatic combining more complex skills and sound design. The aim is for you to begin to recognise the unique characteristics of gaming and find your own voice and personal interests within this. You will develop further software skills in Adobe Audition, Photoshop, Illustrator and Premier Pro.

Unit 8 is the final unit in the one-year Diploma qualification. It will provide you with a measure of self-directed learning through the completion of a games project driven by you. This is unit will dictate your final grade, therefore, it is important it comes last and is a well-developed project that you propose, developing your personal skills and interests.

Course units
Level 3 Diploma (1 Year)

Unit 1. Introduction to media processes and technical skills

Unit 2. Introduction to design and research skills in creative media production

Unit 3. Introduction to professional practice in creative media production

Unit 4. Critical and contextual awareness

Unit 5. Investigating audio production and technology

Unit 6. Investigating visual production and technology

Unit 7. Investigating interactive media production and technology

Unit 8. Developing a creative media production project

Level 3 Extended Diploma (2 Years)

Unit 9. Characteristics and contexts in creative media production

Unit 10. Engaging with an audience in creative media production

Unit 11. Preparing for progression in creative media production

Unit 12. Specialist study in creative media production

Unit 13. Extended project in creative media production

What next?
Creative students from Abingdon & Witney College have an exceptional record in gaining university places. The course is also recognised as sound professional training by the games, media and design industries who require a well-presented portfolio of creative work at the interview stage.

The UAL Level 3 Diploma is equivalent to 1.5 A Levels.

The UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma is equivalent to 3 A Levels.

Entry criteria
5 GCSEs at grade 4 including English or Maths

OR

A pass in the subject at level 2, with English and Maths not lower than a grade 3/Functional Skills L2 and at least grade 4 in one of English or Maths

Fee information
There is a course fee of £100.00 payable at enrolment which includes a games kit and consumables/masterclasses.

In addition, there will be various day trips offered throughout the year where payment will be taken separately via WisePay.

There is also an optional overseas trip costing approx. £350 (cost given for guidance only.)

As part of your course we may organise trips to assist you with your learning. Trips are optional, and you will not be penalised if you choose not to participate.

There are bursaries available to help you with other course costs. Call 01235 216 212 for more information.

The rules on fee reduction are complicated and we would encourage you to talk to our Admissions staff on 01235 555 585 to discuss your options. You can find more information on our Fees and Bursaries page - search "Fees and Bursaries" at the top of the page.

Course fees

19+ Fee:

Tuition Fee: £4,320.00

Exam Fee: £0.00

Total Cost: £4,320.00

19+ Reduced Fee:

Tuition Fee: £0.00

Exam Fee: £0.00

Total Cost: £0.00

Qualifications received
UAL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology (1 Year)

UCAS points (Pass/Merit/Distinction) - 36/60/84

UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology (2 Years)

UCAS points (Pass/Merit/Distinction) - 72/120/168

Learning & method assessment
This qualification will be internally assessed and internally and externally moderated against the unit outcomes and assessment criteria. Assessment evidence will be diverse and will be appropriate for the type of work produced, for example: reflective journals, blogs, workbooks, notebooks, research portfolios, storyboards, presentations, audio, visual and digital communications. There are no external exams. The final grade awarded is based on the Final Major Project.

GCSE retakes in English and maths asre assessed through external examinations.