Course summary

The HNC Games development course is a full-time course, lasting one academic year, designed to then lead into the HND course the following year. The course is intended to provide you with a wide range of practical skills that will help you to work within the Games industry or complete a Level 6 top up. Practical skills include Unity, Unreal engine, 3D modelling, Narrative, Audio production and lighting. Our aim is also to teach our students how to work collaboratively and professionally on projects, undertaking important processes and planning tasks that would be found in the industry such as games design documents, pitching and project management. Alongside the practical elements of the course we encourage and teach theoretical practices, theories, research and academic skills, and students will find they develop both creative and analytical thinking whilst on the course. The intention of the course is to get our students industry ready and our projects reflect this. We encourage working collaboratively and working with external professionals where we can, to help give our students a better insight into industry working. The projects you undertake will result in a range of different media products such as short films, news reports and a television series pilot episode. This course is ideal for any individual hoping to develop a range of Games development skills and pursue a career within the Games design industry. Studying game development offers unique selling points and benefits to students. It enables creative expression, allowing students to showcase their artistic vision and storytelling abilities through the development of interactive experiences. With its multidisciplinary nature, game design cultivates versatile skills applicable to various industries. Collaborative teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, and understanding player psychology are essential aspects of the course. Moreover, staying up to date with rapid technological advancements and entrepreneurial opportunities in the gaming industry further enhance students’ career prospects. Ultimately, studying game design merges creativity, technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and entrepreneurial possibilities, providing students with a platform to pursue their passion while preparing them for a range of fulfilling careers. Although work experience is not required to complete the course there will be a range of opportunities available throughout the year that your tutor will direct you to. Work experience is an autonomous process at HE and we expect our students to take initiative and engage with this opportunities where and when they can.