GAMES, ANIMATION AND VFX SKILLS Level 3 Extended Diploma

Level 3
Further Education
Newry Campus
Banbridge Campus
AIM Awards

Overview

Unlock Your Potential in Games, Animation, and VFX with NextGen

Are you ready to dive into the captivating worlds of games, animation, and VFX? Look no further than the NextGen / AIM Qualifications Level 3 Extended Diploma in Games, Animation, and VFX Skills. This comprehensive two-year course is designed to equip you with the cutting-edge skills and knowledge needed by industry employers, giving you the foundation to go on to success in these exciting fields.

At the core of the NextGen course lies an unparalleled level of industry engagement. We've partnered with world-renowned Games, Animation, and VFX studios that shape the entertainment landscape. These industry giants, including Creative Assembly, Framestore, DNEG, Industrial Light and Magic, Blue Zoo Animation, and many more, actively contribute to the curriculum's development and oversee its evolution.

Immerse yourself in the world of creativity through inspiring masterclasses, industry-set tasks, and valuable remote work experience opportunities. Our students gain firsthand knowledge and real-world exposure to the industry, receiving invaluable feedback on their project work from seasoned experts. With exciting remote work placements available at leading employers, you'll have the chance to refine your skills through thrilling challenges and make your mark on the industry.

The NextGen course is carefully designed to prepare you for the next stage of your career journey. It instils in you not only the essential technical skills but also vital employability skills to help you thrive in the next steps, whether into Higher Education, further training, or employment. This tried and tested route offers you a clear pathway into the creative skills pipeline, ensuring you're well-prepared to excel in your chosen career path.

Take the leap into the future of games, animation, and VFX. Unleash your potential with NextGen and embark on an exciting journey that will set you apart from the crowd!

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).
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.
Applicants must have achieved the following:

15 points or greater at GCSE, consisting of at least 4 GCSE at Grade C (or equivalent qualification profile from the Register of Regulated Qualifications). 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. Students must have achieved at least a C grade in GCSE Maths.
A BTEC Level 2 Diploma or equivalent at Pass or above with an overall profile equating to 15 points.
A NVQ Level 2 (in relevant subject area).
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, 3 subjects must be achieved at 04 or better at Ordinary Level.

Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.
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.
Students entering a full time Level 3 programme are expected to have already achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade C in English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent qualification). Applicants admitted to a full-time programme of study without these qualifications in English Language and Mathematics will be required to undertake an Essential Skills course in Literacy and Numeracy respectfully. Applicants with a Grade D will also have the opportunity to undertake repeat classes in GCSE English Language and/or Mathematics. Students securing a place on this course must have achieved at least a C grade in GCSE Maths.

Year 1 Modules

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 Modules

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

There are two externally set and marked exams

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

Internal assessments include:

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

Upon successful completion of the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Games, Animation, and VFX Skills, students will have developed a strong foundation in game development, animation techniques, and visual effects production. Students may wish to pursue a higher education in game design, animation, VFX, or related fields, or enter employment within the industry directly.

This qualification will open doors to many careers which include roles such as game designers, 3D animators, character artists, environment artists, VFX artists, or technical directors.