Creative Media Practice (Digital Games Development) - Level 3 NextGen National Extended Diploma

Essentials

Duration: 2 Years Full-time
Start date: 1st September 2025
End date: 4th June 2027
Information Event: Yes

Course fee: FREE (Eligibility criteria may apply)

Course Content

Ready to build immersive worlds, design compelling gameplay, tell captivating tales, or even launch your own indie game studio?

Whether you dream of creating breakout indie hits like Tunic and Balatro, or contributing to global AAA blockbusters like Monster Hunter Wilds and Elden Ring, NRC’s Digital Games Development course could be a launchpad to kickstart your career.

The UK video games industry includes over 2000 active studios and contributes £6 billion in gross value added to the economy (Ukie.org.uk). This course will help you build the creative, technical and professional skills needed to succeed in game development, tech or the wider creative industries.

What you will learn:

Creative Skills

• Idea Generation and Concept Design
• 3D Modelling, Texturing and Environment Design
• Animation: 2D & 3D, Rigging, Posing & Frame Animations
• Presentation and Portfolio Layouts

Technical Skills

• C# Programming for Games
• Unity Game Engine: 2D and 3D Development, VR Prototyping
• Lighting and Visual Effects
• Games QA Testing

Professional Skills

• Working to a client brief
• Market Research Strategies
• Project Management: Independent and Team
• Communication: Pitching and Networking
• Industry Business, Legal and Ethical Insights

NextGen Partnership

NextGen offers an unparalleled level of industry engagement. They've partnered with world-renowned Games, Animation, and VFX studios that shape the entertainment landscape, including Creative Assembly, Framestore, DNEG, Industrial Light and Magic, Blue Zoo Animation, and many more. NextGen 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.

Course Aims

To invest in the next generation of digital content creators, equipping students with a broad foundation of skills that can lead to higher education study, entry into studios, or the creation of independent games businesses.

Assessment Methods

All assessment evidence is based on practical project work. There are no exams.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1 July in the year of proposed entry to the course and have at least 4 GCSE's at Grade C or above or other relevant qualifications.

Higher Education

This qualification is equivalent to 3 A-Levels, opening doors to higher education. University experience is the most common route into the industry. NRC Games students have pursued degrees in Games Design, Games Development, Games Art, Games Programming, Computing, Animation, Web & App Development, and Marketing. Graduates of this Extended Diploma course can also apply to the College's Higher Education Creative Media programs, including the Level 5 Web Design (UX Design, Digital Marketing & Content Creation) HND.

Games Development Companies

There are a range of roles and entry routes into the games industry. Junior developers might join established studios, launch their own startups with funding support, or offer freelance services. Several of our past students have secured paid placements through Northern Ireland Screen’s Pixel Mill Trainees programme and have gone on to begin careers without a higher education qualification. A strong portfolio, practical experience, and professional skills are essential when trying to attract potential employers.