City of Bristol College
UCAS Code: C164 | Higher National Diploma - HND
Entry requirements
UCAS Tariff
It is expected that applicant would have a level 3 qualification in a related area, and ideally have 32 UCAS points from these qualifications, however we can review individual applications and would accept evidence of practical knowledge through a portfolio/showreel to be shared at interview.
About this course
The HNC/D in Game Design, Animation, and VFX offers a diverse foundation that will equip you with key technical, creative, and professional skills needed to succeed in the games industry. You’ll learn to make games which are immersive and engaging.
You’ll develop your own professional practice, building a portfolio of skills and techniques identifying suitable industrial roles aligned to relevant industrial practice which you will showcase through simulated live briefs and industrially relevant practice.
Why Study This Course?
Industry-Relevant Skills: You will gain hands-on experience using game engines like Unreal Engine, as well as tools like Blender, Maya, and Adobe Creative Suite, ensuring their skillset meets industry needs.
Professional Portfolio Development: Throughout the course, students build a strong portfolio that showcases their creative and technical abilities, positioning them competitively for internships, jobs, or further study.
Specialised Pathways: As you progress, you will have opportunities to specialise in all areas of game design and development, allowing you to focus on your strengths and career goals.
Industry Engagement: Guest lectures, industry partnerships, and live briefs ensure you stay connected to the latest trends and demands in game design, animation, and VFX.
Career Opportunities
Students who progress from the HNC/D Game Design, Animation, and VFX programme are well-prepared for roles such as:
• Game Designer
• Game Developer
• Animator (2D/3D)
• VFX Artist
• Technical Artist
• Level Designer
• Sound Designer for Games
• Creative Technologist
Additionally, the skills gained are transferable across a range of other creative sectors.
Modules
Year 2 (Level 5) - HND (Higher National Diploma)
Key areas of focus:
Advanced Game Development of more complex game design concepts and prototypes such as multiplayer environments, artificial intelligence, and player engagement.
3D Animation and Modelling through advanced character rigging, environmental design, and dynamic animation techniques within a games context.
Advanced VFX Techniques such as particle systems, dynamics, and realistic rendering within Unreal Engine.
As a part of your personal professional development, you will explore Project management working to industry briefs. Also you will use social media networking platforms to improve your professional communication in game design.
Assessment methods
Core Modules:
B1: Personal Professional Development:
This module emphasizes developing personal progression pathways and understanding the game industry's professional expectations. You will also build personal portfolios to showcase your work.
B2: Professional Project:
A large-scale professional project where you will work to a live brief, simulating a professional studio environment. You will work in teams to create fully realised games or animated sequences, focusing on the development of industry-standard portfolios and showreels.
Learning Outcomes:
• Demonstrate technical mastery in advanced game design, animation, and VFX.
• Solve complex design problems using innovative solutions.
• Create and manage a professional project that meets industry standards.
• Prepare for employment by developing a portfolio that includes completed game prototypes, animations, and VFX projects.
Tuition fees
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