16-18 Year Olds
Who is this course for?
Anyone interested in Computer Games Design, Computer Games Art, Computer Animation, VFX, or Graphic Design. You must have a keen interest in making games (not just playing), an awareness of the computer games industry, creative skills, IT skills, and the motivation to work hard. You don’t need to be able to draw, but you will need to be willing to try to improve your visual communication skills.
What do you need to apply for the course?
You’ll need a minimum of two GCSEs at grade E including English and maths. You must have a keen interest in the practical aspects of the computer games industry.
What are the key things you'll learn?
The aim of the courses is to provide you with an introduction to the principles of computer game planning, design and production techniques, and experience of industry standard software and skills. The course is structured to encourage the development of the skills required by our Level 2 Computer Games Design and Level 3 Computer Games Design courses and our Level 3 NextGen Games Design, Animation and VFX course. This is achieved through introducing you to a range of industry standard software on high quality computer hardware. As this is a design course, you will also develop your drawing skills and learn to visually communicate your ideas.
How you will learn
You will be taught through workshop-based sessions that encourage hands on experience of industry standard software and techniques. You will use software and hardware to produce concept art, digital images, animations, and computer games. You will also learn about the games industry and will develop the skills required to effectively research, produce reports and give presentations.
Where could this course take you?
Upon successfully achieving the Level 1 Computer Games Design course, you could progress onto Level 2 Computer Games Design (you will also need to meet the behaviour and attendance requirements). You could then progress onto Level 3 Computer Games Design or Level 3 NextGen Games Design, Animation and VFX.
What costs will you incur?
You will be expected to come to class equipped with pens, pencils, and two notepads. You should have your own storage device such as a memory stick or hard drive that has at least a 4GB capacity, or be signed up to an online storage solution. You do not need to buy any specialist software or have access to a computer outside of college.