This course develops you as professional, self-reflecting individual able to meet the demands of employers in the games sector and adapt to a constantly changing world.

At level 4 you will learn a wide range of games development knowledge and practical skills gained through research, independent study, directed study and workplace scenarios. You will be involved in vocational activities that help you develop behaviours and transferable skills. Transferable skills are those such as communication, teamwork, research and analysis, which are highly valued in higher education and in the workplace. By the end of Level 4, you will have sound knowledge of the basic concepts of game development. They will be competent in a range of subject-specific skills as well as in general skills and qualities relevant to key areas of game development

The qualification aims to widen access to higher education and enhance career prospects.

This course is delivered face to face termtime only. In addition to this all learners are required to undertake significant independent study.

This course is suitable for anyone who is considering a career in Games Development.

On this course you will learn how to create worlds, environments and characters alongside the functionality of gaming to bring together your ideas into reality. You will research your USP, target audience and explore issues around ethics and morality including legalities within the industry. You will work with a variety of industry standard software to develop your skills. Industry standard software may include but will not be limited to Unreal Games Engine, 3DS Max, Adobe package and Blender. This course will provide a solid foundation in a fast-growing digital industry. You will learn how to create games and apply and integrate different types of game technology. There will be mix of practical and theoretical learning vital for an understanding of this field. You will also learn about Computer Games coding, Game Design Theory, Game Interface Design, audio engineering for games, and aspects of Animation related to the production of computer games.

You will be assessed through in classwork with an expectation that this will be completed in your own time out of lesson. The modules you will complete are, A1 Concept & Development and A2 Creative Project.

Each unit contains the following learning outcomes,

• Contextual Knowledge
• Ideas generation and development
• Technical knowledge and skill
• Professional Practice
• Communication

These are awarded at a Pass, Merit or Distinction standard.

Digital equipment including computers and software will be provided for use in lessons. It is recommended that you have access to a computer to complete any work or research in your own time.

You may also need some basic art materials, but these are dependent on your preferred way of working.

You will achieve a BTEC Higher National Certificate in Game Development.

Students completing this course usually go on to further study our Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) Game Development.

Applications to university can be made however, this course is designed for learners to progress onto the second year and complete the full HND. support employment and progression in career roles.

This course can lead to carers in:

• Junior Developer
• Game tester
• Audio engineer
• Game designer
• Game Artist
• Animator
• Technical support specialist
• Independent content creator or Developer
• Teaching

A minimum of 64 UCAS Tariff points from the one of the following qualifications

BTEC National (Diploma or Extended Diploma) in a relevant Creative subject, A levels with at least one Creative subject.
GCSE English – grade C / 4 or above.

Applicants will be contacted by the tutor and asked to provide a showcase of vocational related work or discuss vocational experience or vocational understanding of the computer games industry. For mature applicants vocational or work-based experience will be taken in consideration instead of A level or BTEC qualifications.

Funding may be available to support your learning as an adult (aged 19+) studying at Dudley College. Check out the Financial Support guidance for more information.