GAMES, ANIMATION AND VFX SKILLS Level 3 Extended Diploma

Level 3
Further Education
Newry Campus
Banbridge Campus
AIM Awards

Overview

The primary purpose of this qualification is to enable you to develop the skills that will allow you to become part of the games, animation and VFX industry. This is an industry that makes £419bn+ per year, more than Hollywood and the music business!

This qualification has been written by the employers and contains the modules that they believe to be crucial for success, such as mathematics, programming, art, games design, animation, principles of 3D design and visual effects (VFX).

You will work on state-of-the-art machines using industry standard software and equipment to explore the world of gaming, animation and VFX putting these into practice by designing and creating your own games, animations and VFX sequences.

On completion of the course, you will be equipped with the essential skills required for a range of job roles and a strong portfolio that demonstrates your potential.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course and have recently been in education to key stage 4 (completion of compulsory education).

Applicants should normally hold the following:

15 points or greater at GCSE, consisting of at least 4 GCSEs at Grade C (which includes Mathematics grade C or above); OR
BTEC Level 2 First Diploma or equivalent at Pass or above with an overall profile equating to 15 points; OR
NVQ Level 2 (in relevant subject area); OR
Leaving Certificate – a profile equivalent to 12 points (of which 3 subjects must be achieved at Grade C3 or better at Ordinary Level) pre-2017. From 2017 onwards, or entry in 2018, 3 subjects must be achieved at 04 or better at Ordinary Level.

The College will review the qualifications and/or experience held by applicants and will consider whether this profile shows an ability to progress towards a level 3 qualification.

Please note: In certain circumstances the College may reduce this requirement if it is deemed that the candidate has demonstrated the commitment, understanding and knowledge of the subject.

Applicants who do not possess GCSE English Language at Grade C or higher (or equivalent) must be able to demonstrate as part of their application they can communicate in written and spoken English Language to an acceptable level to succeed in the course. The College reserves the right to refer any applicant to appropriate English Language or Literacy classes until their level of fluency in written and spoken English is sufficient to allow participation in other areas of study.

Attendance at Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (individual or group interviews) is advisable in the selection of candidates in all courses.

The course contains the following components, these have been designed with industry to ensure you are developing the required skills that meet industry needs:

Year 1

Art Fundamentals for the Games, Animation and VFX Industries.
Core Principles of Game Design.
Fundamental Animation Skills for the Games, Animation and VFX Industries.
Fundamental Product Programming Skills.
Maths and Logic Fundamentals for the Games, Animation and VFX Industries.
VFX Fundamentals for the Games, Animation and VFX Industries.
3D Tools: Creative and Technical 3D Modelling.

Year 2

Emerging Technologies/Trends in the Games, Animation and VFX Industries.
Images and Sounds for Imagined Worlds.
Production Management for the Games, Animation and VFX Industries.
Story/Playboarding.
Working in the Games, Animation and VFX industries.

2 external set and marked exams:

Core principles exam - Year 1
Case study exam - Year 2

Internal assessments:

Written assignment, Art theory in context.
Asset development portfolio.
Synoptic project (complete an industry set brief).
Research report on emerging technologies.

On successful completion of this course, you can progress directly to employment within the games industry or further your studies at university or at SRC with the Games Development Level 5 HND.