Is this course right for me?

Would you like a challenging career working within the computer games industry? Do you have a passion for animation?

Computer gaming is now a multi-billion pound industry around the globe. To cope with this growing demand, the industry needs increasing numbers of games developers.

This course prepares you to become one of those specialists, and allows you to fulfil a number of roles in this varied sector. Throughout the course you will benefit from an outstanding learning environment, with state-of-the-art technology, open access computer facilities and excellent tutor support.

This course provides a route into the creative and fast moving games development and animation professions, giving you knowledge and practical skills across a range of areas. It is suitable if you have studied at Level 3 (or equivalent) and would like to progress into a number of career paths including 3D modeller, animator and games developer.

The course gives a firm understanding of many core areas of computer games development, including 3D modelling and animation, audio, programming and user interface design.

As well as the broad base of knowledge, you will gain professional skills that are vital to your career development, such as teamwork and problem-solving. You will develop an innovative, multi-skilled and flexible approach to your work, as well possessing a wealth of technical expertise.

Grŵp Llandrillo Menai is a member of the PlayStation®First Academic Programme run by Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe (SIEE), which provides access to professional development hardware and software tools for both staff and students.

Additional information

More detailed information on Modules is to be found in the ‘Additional Campus/Course Information’ section.

Fees

Visit the Financial Support and Finance page for more information.

More detailed information on other costs associated with your course and work placements/work experience (if applicable) will be outlined in the programme validation document and explained to you at your interview.

Start date

September

Entry requirements:

Academic requirements:

• Applicants will normally be expected to have gained 72 UCAS points where 56 points are from a computing or media-related level 3 course, or similar A2 subjects
• GCSE passes at Grade C or above (or Key Skill equivalent) in Mathematics, Welsh (first language)/English and Science
• If you do not have the above qualifications you may be considered on an individual basis through a demonstration of relevant experience, potential and motivation 
• Students with relevant equivalent overseas qualifications will be considered 
• It is possible for experienced practitioners to enter the programme with NVQ 3 qualifications.

Language requirements:

• Good proficiency in Welsh/English, with equivalent GCSE grade C or above
• Any degrees, diplomas or certificates eligible above should have been taught and assessed in Welsh/English
• For overseas applicants, for entry onto Level 4: IELTS 5.5 or higher (with no element less than 5.0)
• For overseas applicants, for entry onto Levels 5: IELTS 6.0 or higher (with no sub-part less than 5.5).

All places are subject to satisfactory interview.

Progression:

This qualification will allow individuals to enter into relevant employment in the sector or progress to Level 6 of an Honours degree. It will prepare you to enter the games industry as a freelancer or as part of a larger organisation.

“The UK games industry employs over 9,000 highly skilled development staff, 80 per cent of whom are employed outside of London. 80 per cent of the workforce in game studios such as Climax, Jagex, Kuju Entertainment, Rebellion and Ubisoft Reflections are qualified to degree level or above” (Tiga, 2013).

Additional campus/course information:

• Rhos-on-Sea

  Unit information

  For every 10 credits, students should engage with around 100 notional hours of learning. This will be approximately 30% direct learning contact and 70% independent student learning.

  The course consists of the following modules:

  Year 1 (Level 4)

  3D Environments (20 credits, compulsory):

  You will learn about modelling techniques specific to the game engine, including geometry creation, spatial awareness, texture, materials, lighting, physics, property manipulation and ambience creation. (Create/Build, Design/Plan, Reflection/Blog, Report, Test)

  Audio Production (10 credits, compulsory):

  You will also gain an understanding of digital recording principles, how to capture, edit and broadcast their output within the framework of a media production. (Create/Build, Design/Plan, Reflection/Blog, Report, Test)

  Employability-based Learning 1 - Applying Skills and Competences (20 credits, compulsory):

  This module aims to enable you to carry out a number of employment related tasks, negotiated jointly with employers/industry representatives and Grwp-based staff. (Create/Build, Presentation, Production Folder, Reflection/Blog)

  Interactive Media Design (10 credits, compulsory):

  You will gain an appreciation of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) theory in interface design and how to build simple mobile device applications (apps) using a range of media elements, including animation, graphics and sound. (Create/Build, Design/Plan, Reflection/Blog, Report, Test)

  Introduction to 3D Modelling and Animation (20 credits, compulsory):

  This module aims to introduce you to basic 3D modelling and animation principles and techniques used to create assets for games. (Create/Build, Design/Plan)

  Introduction to Character Modelling (10 credits, compulsory):

  This module aims to introduce you to basic 3D character modelling principles and techniques.  (Create/Build, Design/Plan)

  Programming Principles and Practice (20 credits, core):

  This module will introduce you to the fundamental concepts used in the development of computer programs using an appropriate development language. (Create/Build, Design/Plan, Prototype, Test)

  Research and Study Skills (10 credits, compulsory):

  This module aims to develop the study skills of the learners, enabling the production of sound academic writing, the introduction of critical thought and basic research skills. (Portfolio, Reflection/Blog, Report)

  Year 2 (Level 5)

  Character Modelling and Animation (20 credits, compulsory):

  In this module, you will examine the necessary pipeline to creating computer game-ready characters and preparing those characters to interact with objects in the computer game world. (Create/Build, Design/Plan)

  Employability-based Learning 2 - Professional Reflection and Personal Development (20 credits, compulsory):

  This module aims to provide you with the opportunity to analyse the value of their learning within vocational and work-specific contexts. (Personal Development Plan, Reflection/Blog, Report)

  Entrepreneurship and Self-Promotion (10 credits, compulsory):

  This module aims to analyse how people working in media, market and promote themselves, to write business documentation such as business proposals and business plans, to identify a range of financial considerations and to enable you to develop their own marketing and self-promotion skills. (Create/Build, Portfolio, Prototype, Reflection/Blog, Report)

  Mixed Reality Development (10 credits, compulsory)

  In this module, learners will develop content for mixed reality domains.  This includes looking at the existing market of mixed reality applications, and a possible deployment strategy for a planned application.  Learners will appreciate the target platform when producing planning documentation for their application, whilst learning about the considerations of mixed reality space and scale.  Learners will learn the correct approach to developing content for mixed reality and the programming libraries that will need to be utilised. (Create/Build, Design/Plan, Portfolio, Presentation, Reflection/Blog, Test)

  Games Design Major Project (20 credits, core):

  This module aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to plan and manage their own computer games project. (Create/Build, Design/Plan, Presentation, Production Folder, Reflection/Blog, Report)

  Programming for 3D Games (20 credits, core):

  You will gain an understanding of the process of programming basic game functions and add extra functionality within a 3D environment. (Create/Build, Design/Plan, Prototype, Test)

  Games Industry Research Project (20 credits, compulsory): 

  The module aims to enable students to apply a range of research skills appropriate to study of the creative industries in general and games development in particular. Through a practice dissertation, the module will prepare them for either further studies at Level 6 or career related research. (Report)