The Level 3 Computer Games Design course at Wakefield College provides the knowledge, understanding and technical skills for learners wishing to enter upon a career in Computer Games Design or Development, Animation, Digital Graphics, Web Design or Special Effects Production. The course combines the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production (Games Development) with NCFE Level 2 Creative Crafts Life Drawing, and Work Skills to provide an ideal course for those with an interest in games or new media design.
Aim of the Course
The aim of the course is to provide you with a solid foundation in games and new media software and technology. The course is structured to encourage the development of the skills required by the computer games and new media industries. This is achieved through offering a range of industry standard software on high quality computer hardware. Successful completion of the Level 3 Computer Games Design course, along with an appropriate grade, will provide access to a wide range of University courses.
How will I learn?
You will be taught through workshop-based sessions that encourage hands on experience of industry standard software and techniques. You will use the latest software and hardware to produce 2d games, 3d game levels, game design documents, concept art, web sites, flash animations, posters, game packaging, digital images, digital sound, and animated 3D models and environments. You will also learn about the games industry, game story development, and games platforms. All students will also work towards an NCFE Level 2 qualification in Life Drawing.
How long does the course last?
This is a full time two-year course.
What are the entry requirements?
You will need 5 GCSEs at grades A - C, including English, and preferably Maths, or a Merit on BTEC Level 2 Diploma along with a Level 2 English qualification. All applicants will be interviewed for this course. Those students who do not have the entry requirements should apply for the BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Media, BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Art & Design, or the BTEC Level 2 Diploma for ICT Practitioners.
Resources
You will work in the specialist Games development studios.
Studio 1:
18 Intel Core 2 Duo 6420 (2.13GHz) powered PCs with 3GB Ram, Nvidia 8800 GTS 320MB graphic cards and 19" TFT monitors
Studio 2:
20 Intel Core 2 Quad (Q9300) 2.5GHz powered PCs with 4GB RAM, Creative SoundBlaster X-Fi Titanium Sound cards, ATI FireGL V5600 512MB graphics cards and 19" TFT monitors.
Each machine has Photoshop CS4, Flash CS4, Dreamweaver CS4, Audacity, 3DS Max 9, Gamemaker 7, Microsoft Office.
Trips and visits?
Each year we plan an international trip. This year we have a trip to Disneyland Resort Paris, EuroGamer Expo and Gamescom in Cologne, Germany. We will also visit Royal Armouries, Leeds, and the National Media Museum, Bradford. Students will also undertake University visits, including Huddersfield University.
Note:
This site is an independent site that does not reflect any of the views or opinions of any College. The site is the sole responsibility of Mike Jaques and is merely intended as a source of information for prospective and existing Computer Games Design students.