Games Design Top Up

UCAS code: I621

Here's what Hereford College of Arts says about its Games Design Top Up course.

Get the skills to thrive in a career you will love in the entertainment industry’s fastest-growing sector.

During your time on our one-year BA (Hons) Graphic & Media Design Top Up Degree course, you’ll become a professional Games Designer learning from industry-experienced lecturers. We will support you in gaining work experience with local and national creative media companies, as well as giving you the opportunity to work with professional designers and live clients.

Using our new custom-built digital skills centre, you will develop your ability to create rich visuals and vibrant storytelling. You will also learn the technical aspects and professional skills to help you succeed in the games industry, esports and many other emerging digital careers.

Based at the heart of a specialist arts school, you will be supported as you learn new skills, have the space to explore your creativity and have the opportunity to join an exciting independent culture at HCA.

The course will teach you how to bring your ideas, concepts and characters to life. You will work on projects alongside other game lovers and have the chance to collaborate with like-minded specialists from other art + design courses, giving you a chance to experience how contemporary design studios operate and how to design, develop and publish games titles.

Through a combination of lectures, tutorials, project work and industry workshops, you will gain the tools to graduate with an industry-standard portfolio of work. When you do, HCA is committed to continue supporting you as you start out in a new exciting, fulfilling career.

Games design is at the forefront of an exciting new frontier for creatives who work in digital media. The skills you can learn on this course - from 3D modeling to visualisation and animation - are applicable and in demand in industry sectors reaching far beyond gaming and entertainment.

Graduates on this course will receive a BA (Hons) in Games Design.

Career paths include:

• Games Designer

• 3D Animator

• Level Designer

• Technical Designer

• 3D Artist

• Games Writer

• Technical Designer

• Mobile Game Designer

• Technical Artist

• Producer

• Visual Effects Artist

• Character Artist

• Data Visualisation

Why study Games Design at HCA?:

1 / There are more than 20,000 full-time game developers in the UK - a number that is growing fast. 80 percent of those staff have degrees. 2 / At HCA you will study this exciting area in a true, specialist creative institution. Your fellow students will be graphic artists, animators and actors. 3 / You will be based in a brand new digital studio, with access to industry-standard games engines and software packages. You will be in a progressive, supportive environment where you can build the skills and the portfolio to move on to a fulfilling career.

Entry Requirements

• Successful completion of a UK-based level 5 qualification such as a Foundation Degree (FdA) or HND in a related subject (evidence of prior learning will need to be provided).

• Portfolio submission and (as applicable) successful interview.

Year 1 (level 6) - Practice in Context 3?(20 Credits), Practice 5?(30), Practice 6 (60), Professional Practice 2?(10)