Key Facts

UAL Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology (Games Design)

UAL Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology (Games Design)

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The UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Games Design is an exciting and practical course, designed to give you the technical skills and critical thinking necessary to turn your original game ideas into fully realised 3D game environments.

Over the two years of the course, you will learn to create high quality 3D models and texture them using PBR methods, understand and animate high-fidelity animation rigs, understand industry-standard lighting methods in CG and learn to render using physical systems or external renderers such as Arnold or V-Ray. The course will cover all the techniques, science, tips, tricks and calculations needed to create powerful imagery and visuals for video game content creation.

You will learn to be proficient in a wide range of high-end industry software including Zbrush, Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, Adobe Premiere, Substance Painter, Unreal Engine and Autodesk Maya. You will also learn about the videogame industry from its beginnings to its boom currently due to it merging with VFX and film.

The software taught is also used across other creative industries so completion of the Level 3 Games Design can lead to a variety of degree pathway options such as games design, games art, graphic design, digital media, motion graphics, computer animation, visual effects, architectural visualisation and product design.

  • Entry Requirements


    We will invite you to a Meet the Tutor event where you will receive information, advice, and guidance about the course you have applied for. This will be an opportunity for you to gain valuable information about the course and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

    You will provide a copy of your last school report and / or a reference from an employer or relevant professional other this will include attendance. This is to ensure we can support to be able to achieve well on the course. Applicants with 85% or below attendance will have been deemed not to have met this criteria. All applicants are given an opportunity to discuss any evidence based mitigating circumstances that may have affected the reference / school report.

    A portfolio or example of your work to demonstrate that you have the appropriate level of skill required to succeed on the course. We love to see your creativity!

    4 x GCSE's at C/4 or above, or a Level 2 Certificate / Extended Certificate or above (at merit or above) in a relevant subject.

    You will have gained either English and/or maths at GCSE C/4 or above, or a L2 Functional skills in either Engish and/or maths.

    We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure you can flourish. Talk to us today if you have any concerns about the application process, we are here to help take you to the next level.

  • Course Content


    The Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology (Games Design) has been designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to access and progress to degree level study and employment in the games industry sector.

    It provides an opportunity for those who have an interest in games design to explore, develop and test their creativity within a qualification structure which is stimulating and demanding and provides a supportive transition from general to more specialised study.

    The qualification will enable you to:

    • Have a critical and contextual awareness of different perspectives and approaches within the media sector or related subjects of study or work
    • Research, analyse and evaluate relevant information and ideas in order to develop creative solutions
    • Understand, adapt and safely use appropriate and practical methods and skills for creative production
    • Solve complex problems through the application of practical, theoretical and technical understanding
    • Critically review the effectiveness and appropriateness of methods, actions and results
    • Use evaluative and reflective skills in order to take responsibility for own learning, development and decision- making
    • Take responsibility for the research, planning, time management and actions to access progression opportunities
    • Effectively present yourselves and your work to appropriate audiences.

    As a student on this course you will have access to the following state of the art industry standard equipment and facilities:

    • Windows 10 high spec Desktops running Maya, CAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Z Brush.
    • Dell G3 15 High spec laptops running Z Brush
    • Wacom Graphics tablets
    • VR kit for testing virtual gaming
    • 3D Printer

  • Progression Next Steps


    The majority of students completing the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology will progress to undergraduate study in a range of media related courses. Some may progress into entry-level positions in the media sector.

    The UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology is generally delivered over two years and will enable students to develop a portfolio of work that could support progression into a range of higher education courses.

    The qualification attracts 72, 120 and 168 UCAS tariff points for Pass, Merit and Distinction grades respectively.

    There are lots of opportunities available to you to progress across the South Thames Colleges Group and into the world beyond education.

    During your time with us you will have access to a dedicated team of careers and education advisors who will help you as you take the next steps towards achieving your goals.

  • Course Structure


    The course is run over two years, with the diploma being delivered in year 1 and the extended diploma in year 2. The final grade is awarded at the end of year two. In total, there are 13 units delivered over the duration of the course (1-9 in year 1 and 10-13 in year 2).

  • Assessment Details


    On your course you will be assessed through a variety of methods which may include;

    • Blog entries
    • Logs/diaries (online)
    • Portfolio drawings
    • Presentations

    Projects are assessed halfway through (formative) and at the end (summative). There will be frequent 1:1 support from lecturers to help develop your skills and work, along with group activities and class demonstrations of new skills. The practical tasks are mapped against the UAL awarding body criteria and will help to develop a very wide range of skills and knowledge. The final project of the diploma (year 1) and extended diploma (year 2) is longer as it forms the overall grade for the whole year which will be either a Pass, Merit or Distinction.