Games Development

What you'll learn

The course includes the following units:

3D Modelling for Games
Summarise theory and applications of 3D, devise 3D models and create game engine ready 3D models.

Audio for Computer Games
Discuss uses of sound and music in games, explain methods and principles of sound design and production, plan and create sound assets for a computer game and apply and evaluate sound assets for a computer game.

Game World Design
Discuss the principles of game design, discuss and evaluate game world design and plan and design a game concept.

Digital Graphics for Games
Explain theory and applications of digital graphics, develop a plan in response to a brief for computer game graphics and create digital graphics for a computer game.

Guide to Computer Game Industry
Summarise organisational structures and job roles in the games industry, discuss current market trends and financial issues in the games industry, summarise contractual, legal and ethical obligations in the games industry and discuss and analyse personal and general career opportunities in the games industry.

Computer Game Engines
Explain the purposes of game engines, explain the functions of components of game engines and design and create a 3D game.

Project – Creative Media/Games Design
Identify and define an idea for a media product, plan and design a proposal for a media product, manage a production process to create a media product and evaluate own project and media product.

Placements, Voluntary Work and Paid Employment
It is essential that you are aware if your university course requires you to have prior experience before applications are made. Lack of work experience would not exclude you from completing the Access course, however it may impact on your application to university.

GCSEs
GCSE equivalences in maths, English and science are not part of the Access Diploma. It is up to you if you wish to enrol on GCSEs alongside your diploma, if you do not currently hold a recent 9-4 (A*-C) qualification. Your chosen university may not require its applicants to have GCSEs, or may be happy with previously achieved qualifications, such as O Level, level 2, etc.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have clarified if enrolling on a GCSE is appropriate for you. If your university course does require you to study at GCSE level you could study alongside your Access Diploma, however you must understand the implications of not achieving your GCSEs. Although it does not affect your achievement of an Access Diploma it may compromise your place at university if you achieve the Access Diploma but do not achieve your GCSEs. Some universities encourage applicants to apply for university without GCSEs and complete equivalences between application and enrolment with the university (again, this is something you have to clarify).

Alternatively, you may wish to study your GCSEs the year before or after Access study. GCSE classes are held during the day and in the evening. You will have to apply as a separate course, as well as your Access course, if this is your preference. The national changes in GCSE requirements for mature students are unique to each university.