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 course is to enable learners to develop the skills and knowledge that will allow them 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 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).

Students 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 their own games, animations and VFX sequences.

On completion of the course, students 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 2025 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.

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.