Games Animation and VFX Skills [NextGen] - Level 3 Extended Diploma
Start Date:
4 September 2023
Attendance:
Full Time
Location:
King's Cross Centre
Suitable for:
School Leavers, Adults
Duration:
2 Years
Level:
Level 3
Meets on:
Multiple days every week ▼
ABOUT THE COURSE
This course has been designed by NextGen, validated by AIM Awards, to give you with skills and knowledge for the workplace, working in association with award-winning employers including Sony, Microsoft, Ubisoft, Blue Zoo, Centroid, Double Negative, Framestore, MPC and The Imaginarium.
NextGen Skills Academy is an organisation set up by Government and the Games, Animation and VFX industries to directly address skills gaps and shortages in these sectors.
These are fast-moving industries, so NextGen collaborates with industry experts to make sure their vocational qualifications for young people are up to date and relevant. They do this through working with an Employer Steering Group and Further Education to support delivery of a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Games, Animation and VFX Skills, accredited by AIM Awards.
The Games, Animation and VFX sectors are academically stretching but vocationally focused, which is why employers supported the creation of NextGen and continue to work closely with them. This course embodies the fundamental skills and knowledge identified as necessary for employment in these industries. It was developed in 2015 by NextGen with industry collaboration from Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe, Microsoft, Ubisoft Reflections, The Imaginarium, Blue Zoo, Framestore, Double Negative, Centroid and MPC. NextGen are always expanding and have since added Creative Assembly and Playground Games to their roster of supporters.
All NextGen courses are practical, applied and relevant, and they include real-world challenges and feedback from industry. NextGen students become the next generation of creators, whether their next steps are in to an apprenticeship or vocational higher education they have a solid base of technical skills allied to practical teamwork, communication and iteration experience.
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
This course consists of two separate qualifications. In your first year of study, you will work towards the Level 3 90-Credit Diploma. Following successful completion of this qualification, you will be able to progress to the Extended Diploma. Our Extended Diplomas offer equivalent UCAS points to studying 3 A Levels.
Topics covered can include:
- The Games, Animation and VFX Industries
- Maths Fundamentals for the Games, Animation and VFX Industries
- Fundamental Product Programming Skills
- Art Fundamentals for the Games, Animation and VFX Industries
- Fundamental Animation Skills for the Games, Animation and VFX Industries
- VFX Fundamentals for the Games, Animation and VFX Industries
- 3D Tools: Principles and Practice
- Core Principles of Game Design
- Images and Sounds for Imagined Worlds
- Story/Playboarding
- Production Management
- Business and Common Working Practice in the Games, Animation and VFX Industries
- Emerging Technologies
- Creative and Technical 3D Modelling
WHAT WILL I NEED?
You will need: Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths or an equivalent Level 2 qualification at Merit (and Functional Skills in English and Maths at Level 2/GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4 or above)All applicants must have an interview to confirm that the course is suitable for them.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
The course is assessed throughout the year and with an end-of-course portfolio.
WHAT WILL IT COST?
School Leavers
If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31 August in the year you begin your course, and have been resident in the UK/EU/EEA for the past 3 years, it will be free. Some courses will have other costs associated, such as for materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support when studying at college – please click here for more information.
Adults
Entry Level, Level 1, Level 2
If you will be aged 19 or older on 31 August in the year you begin your course, and have been resident in the UK/EU/EEA for the past 3 years, your course may be free, depending on your circumstances. Some courses will have other costs associated, such as for materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support when studying at college – please click here for more information.
WHAT CAN I DO AFTER?
This course will provide you with the skills and opportunity to progress to higher level study, such as a HNC or apprenticeship, across post-production, VFX, animation, games and creative computing.
WHERE STUDENTS PROGRESS TO AFTER THIS COURSE
0%
of people went into Education, not Higher Education, after completing the course
0%
of people went into Higher Education after completing the course
0%
of people went into Employment after completing the course
