HND Creative Media Production (Game Development) Top-Up
About the HND Creative Media Production (Game Development) Top-Up course
When you play a game, are you just playing or are you thinking about how it is made, the graphics, the sound, the narrative, and how it encourages you to keep trying even when you fail? As the industry has grown exponentially, the opportunities for a career have also increased. From working in huge teams in international organisations producing triple-A titles, medium-sized business outputting a whole range of types of games and indie developers with key outlets such as Steam and app stores, the options for a career in games is wide open and exciting. Of the whole UK entertainment industry, the digital games sector comprises more than 50%, with over 2000 companies and annual sales over £5billion. Nearly 90% of UK game workers have at least one degree, and this course will set you on the path to being part of this growing and dynamic profession.
Our HND in Creative Media Production (Game Development) follows industry practice, starting with ideas generation and creating designs, then developing a wide range of practical skills with the aim of producing playable games. You will be empowered in developing clear and in depth knowledge in a variety of areas, then supported in specialising your particular interests and talents in individual projects. Teamwork is essential in the game industry, and the collaborative projects in this programme allow you to develop the communication, co-operation and compromise skills needed to work creatively with others to deadlines, and learn how to work flexibly and resolve any challenges.
The HND builds upon the practical skills you have learned during the HNC, with an emphasis on developing an independent approach to working. You will advance your game development skills, including scripting and designing environments and levels, and also study platform-specific development for mobile games. In addition, you will learn how to market and promote the games you produce.
Entry Requirements
Standard offer
A HNC in Creative Media Production (Game Development) or similar subject, with a minimum of grade C/4 in GCSE or equivalent qualification in English and Maths.
Non-standard offer
The TEC Partnership will also encourage applications from non-traditional learners who lack formal academic qualifications. All non-traditional applicants will be assessed through an interview assessing their overall interest in the subject matter as well as current academic skills, set an appropriate piece of work (an essay to test written skills, and a practical task involving digital creativity and a portfolio of relevant work), a judgement is then made considering their academic potential and relevant experience and skills. For example, a person may not have a background in computing, but have excellent problem solving and logical abilities and have a desire to change careers through training. In line with a strengths-based approach to widening participation, students without direct experience will be offered extra support and will also benefit from regular tutorials with the Programme Leader so that they feel they are fully supported during their educational journey.
What you will learn
Personal Professional Development
Environment and Level Design
Advanced Games Development Studies
Scripting for Games
Mobile Game Development
Collaborative Project (Pearson set)
Learning & Teaching Methods
During this top-up, you will take ownership of your projects and be expected to have a more proactive approach. The client briefs will be more varied with a wider range of possible approaches and you will have more freedom to design and produce innovative, imaginative games or game elements.
The programme focuses widely on the practical and professional skills of students, so you can develop into a confident and competent professional as you progress onto further education or employment. You will be encouraged to learn, develop and evaluate your own skills in practice during each of the modules and become adept at reflecting and critically evaluating your own and others’ work.
Programme Benefits
At Scarborough TEC, this programme is part of the Institute of Technology and you will have access to cutting edge technology, industry-standard software and brand new, contemporary facilities for independent and collaborative study and social spaces dedicated for our HE students.
Our collegiate approach means you will be part of our HE family, with small group sizes, one-to-one tutor support and a culture which encourages time and space for reflection, self-development and collaboration. You will have the opportunity to take additional professional qualifications, enhance your skills, such as leadership, through our Extra programme and be involved in social action and charity projects with students in other HE disciplines across the college.
What next?
After this programme, you have the option to top-up your Foundation Degree to a Bachelor’s Degree and if you choose this we will support you during your second year in choosing where you would like to study and with your application.
Alternatively, you will be ready to go into employment and there are opportunities locally, regionally and nationally which you could consider. You will have support from you tutors, the HE Team and the Careers Team at Scarborough TEC College who can help you develop your CV, locate opportunities and support you in the process of applying during your studies.