Games Development Level 3 Extended Diploma Full-time

Course Overview

Games Development Level 3 Extended Diploma Full-time

Are you passionate about video games, creativity and technology? The Games Development Extended Diploma will help you turn your ideas into playable experiences, develop industry-standard skills and prepare for a career in the rapidly growing games industry.

Over two years, you'll learn how games are designed, developed and brought to life. You'll explore the creative and technical processes used by professional studios while building the skills needed to create engaging gameplay experiences. Through live and simulated industry briefs, you'll develop a professional portfolio and gain experience across a range of specialist areas within games development.

You'll create work across a variety of games development disciplines, including:

• Game design and development
• 3D modelling and digital sculpting
• Character and environment creation
• Texturing and materials
• Level design and world building
• Animation and visual effects
• User interface and user experience design
• Games production and project management

Throughout the course, you'll develop creative thinking, research, problem-solving and technical skills while learning industry-standard software used across the games and digital media sectors. You'll be encouraged to experiment, collaborate and develop your own creative identity as a games developer.

You'll work in a studio-style environment, developing concepts, responding to briefs and producing projects in the same way as professional games studios.

In Year 1 (Diploma), you'll explore a broad range of games development disciplines, build confidence with industry workflows and respond to professional-style project briefs. In Year 2 (Extended Diploma), you'll refine your specialist skills and complete a major self-directed project that reflects your personal interests and career ambitions.

Why Study Games Development at Barnsley College?

Games Development is about much more than playing games. It's about creating interactive experiences, solving complex design problems and bringing creative ideas to life through art, technology and storytelling.

As part of the course, you'll:

• Develop practical skills used throughout the games industry
• Create a portfolio of games development work for university and employment
• Learn industry-standard software and production workflows
• Develop skills in game design, 3D art and interactive development
• Present, pitch and evaluate creative ideas with confidence
• Explore emerging technologies and contemporary games industry practice
• Build transferable skills in teamwork, communication and problem-solving

You'll also have opportunities to take part in educational visits, university events, guest lectures and industry-focused activities, helping you develop a greater understanding of the games sector and explore future progression routes.

Industry Experience

We work closely with industry professionals, university partners and former students who regularly share their knowledge and experiences with our learners.

Students benefit from opportunities to:

• Meet games industry professionals and specialist practitioners
• Receive feedback on projects from employers and university staff
• Gain insight into professional studio workflows and practices
• Participate in industry talks, workshops and careers events
• Develop an understanding of the skills and behaviours expected by employers

These experiences help students build confidence, develop industry awareness and prepare for progression into Higher Education or employment.

Facilities

Students benefit from access to specialist creative facilities, including:

• Dedicated specialist games development studios
• High-specification PC and Mac workstations
• Industry-standard software including Unreal Engine, Adobe Creative Cloud, Maya, ZBrush and Substance 3D Painter
• Digital drawing and design facilities
• Collaborative studio spaces for project work and presentations
• Professional development environments for games production and testing
• Progression and Careers