Higher National Certificate in Creative Media Production (Game Development)
Program Overview
This Level 4 qualification in Game Development, co-developed with London South Bank University and employers, equips students with industry-standard skills in game design, animation, and VFX. Through hands-on projects and access to expert lecturers, students gain a diverse skillset for a successful career in the creative media industry. Upon completion, they have direct entry to the second year of certain LSB degrees or opportunities in roles such as Games Designer, Animator, or UI/UX Designer.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This one-year Level 4 qualification in Game Development is an advanced, technical qualification co-developed with London South Bank University (LSBU) and employers, delivered in a supportive Technical College environment with contemporary facilities.
- Develop a diverse skillset to take into a successful career in the industry.
- Use industry standard equipment and software including, for example, Photoshop, Unity, Blender, Premiere Pro and After Effects, and work on live briefs and projects focussed around working with professional clients in the industry.
- Perform to an industry standard, either working within a team or on your own, using your own initiative to research required topics.
- Access some of London South Bank University’s specialist facilities and benefit from the expertise of the University lecturers via master classes and other activities, whilst studying in small groups in a supportive College environment.
Outline:
The course is structured through different projects which explore fundamental skills allowing for more in depth practice through Game Design, 2D and 3D Modelling and Animation, Game Development Practices and VFX. You will also work on components that develop your understanding of context, creative media practice and professional practice before pulling all of your skills together in an individual project.
Course Schedule:
- Year 1:
- Creative Media Industry
- Professional Practice
- Individual Project
- Specialist mandatory units:
- Game Development Practices
- Games in Context
Module Descriptions:
- Creative Media Industry: This module explores the history, development, and current trends in the creative media industry. Students will learn about different types of creative media, the role of technology in the industry, and the business of creative media.
- Professional Practice: This module focuses on the practical skills and knowledge needed to work in the creative media industry. Students will learn about project management, teamwork, communication, and ethical practice.
- Individual Project: This module allows students to apply their skills and knowledge to a real-world project. Students will work independently to develop a creative media product, such as a game, animation, or VFX sequence.
- Game Development Practices: This module covers the technical aspects of game development, including programming, game design, and game testing. Students will learn how to use industry-standard software to create games.
- Games in Context: This module explores the cultural, social, and economic impact of games. Students will learn about the history of games, the different genres of games, and the role of games in society.
Assessment:
For all modules summative assessment consists of 100% coursework. Your acquisition of knowledge and understanding will be assessed by project-based tasks, including the practical demonstration of skills and presenting research in reports and presentations.
Teaching:
- Students will be supported by industry-professional lecturers to perform to an industry standard.
- Students will be able to access some of London South Bank University’s specialist facilities and benefit from the expertise of the University lecturers via master classes and other activities.
- The program is delivered in a supportive Technical College environment with contemporary facilities.
Careers:
On successful completion, you can develop a career in the computing sector in roles such as:
- Games / web / mobile Application Designer/Developer
- Animator
- Software Designer/Developer
- UI/UX Designer
- Product Designer
- AR/VR Developer In addition, this course could lead to direct employment in a variety of creative industry roles, such as:
- Marketing
- Publishing
- Branding
- Sound and visual media
- Retail merchandising
- Design agencies
- Community arts organisations After successfully passing the Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Media Production (Film and TV), you may wish to progress to Higher Education, including the opportunity to progress straight to year 2 of either London South Bank University’s Film & TV degree or its Media Production degree.
Other:
- The program is delivered at the new London South Bank Technical college (LSBTC) in Nine Elms, London’s buzzing Zone 1.
- Students will undertake industry related enrichment visits and experiences to enhance their learning experience.
- Students will work on live project briefs, get equipment demonstrations, with an opportunity to attend events and go on work experience.
- The new technical college offers work-based education for students, designed in partnership with businesses across London.
- The program is hands-on learning, where other students become your co-workers on team-based projects.
