This is a one year full-time course. A second-year full-time course is available on completion leading to a full Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Creative Media Practice.
Summary
This qualification is for learners 16 years old or over who prefer to study Creative Digital Media Production in a context that allows them to learn and be assessed in ways that are practical and relevant to the Creative Digital Media Production sector.
Universities and employers have told us that understanding the process of how a game is developed helps to enhance the employability of a person and their interactions in the workplace. Therefore this qualification is designed to give learners a range of specialist knowledge and transferable skills in the context of applied Creative Digital Media Production providing them with the opportunity to enter an apprenticeship, employment or progress to a Higher Education (HE) course, eg BSc Computer Science or BSc Games Development.
What makes Computing at HRC special?
- You will work with employers on work placement to develop employability and communication skills
- You will be taught by industry-trained and qualified lecturers
- Develop your English and maths whilst studying a vocational course of your choice
- A perfect way to start a career in Creative Digital Media with a Games Design focus
- A digital and traditional portfolio of work, ready to present to employers and universities
What do our students say?
"This is the best teaching experience I have had so far and is helping me achieve the targets and qualifications I wish for."
Career Destinations
Progression from this qualification usually goes to the second year then to University before entering the workplace.
Job roles that are common from this qualification include:
- 3D Modeller
- Software Developer
- 3D/2D Animator
- Concept Artist
A Level 3 qualification can also help you gain employment in unrelated fields, such as policing and the military.
What can I do next?
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Creative Media Practice (Year 2)
Once you have completed the 540 National Diploma you can complete the second year of the course to achieve a full Level 3 Qualification. Completion of the two-year course will allow students to progress into Higher Education, apprenticeship or employment.
The second year of the course looks at personal progression before developing a final major project, working to professional expectations.
What will I be doing?
The course focuses on skills development while working in a gaming studio style environment, developing the following:
- Investigation Skills
- Problem Solving Skills
- Creative Technical Skills
- Professional Skills and Behaviours
- Communication Skills
These skills are then applied to developing a small game.
Added Extras
A trip will be organised during the year. Typically, in the past this been to gaming conventions/exhibitions.
One week's work experience is an integral element of the programme and all learners are required to find a suitable placement.
Independent study is mandatory, topics will be provided by your tutor.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is internal and project-based. It will take several forms including: Portfolio Review, Progress Meetings, Peer Reviews, Project Pitches to Stake Holders (with industry standard documentation) and Documentation of the creation process.
Entry requirements
To take this course you will need:
- at least 200 GCSE entry points with a minimum of 5 GCSEs. These must include a Grade 4 in English and a Grade 3 in maths
- alternatively, you can join with a Level 2 qualification such as the Level 2 Cambridge Technical Diploma (with Merit grade or above) with Grade 4 GCSE English and a Grade 3 in Maths
If you would like help understanding our entry requirements give our Information Team a call on 01992 411411.
What do I need to bring?
The following items are recommended:
- Notepad with pen and pencil
- Headphones with an audio jack
- Memory Stick as additional back-up
The college will provide the following resources but it may be beneficial to supply your own:
- Art supplies, eg coloured pencils, artist markers, graded graphite pencils, a ruler and a rubber
Fee Information
Free to Home students under 19 on 31 August 2023.
If you are a Home student aged 19 or over on 31 August 2023, you may be liable to pay approximately £2,500 tuition fee for a Level 2 qualification and approximately £5,000 for a Level 3 qualification (these were the tuition fees for 2022/2023 and could be subject to change for 2023/2024).
If you are aged 19-23 you may also be entitled to free tuition if the course you choose is on a government-approved list and the qualification is your first full Level 2 or Level 3 qualification.
If you are aged over 24 and you have not achieved a full Level 3 qualification you may be entitled to free tuition if the qualification is listed on the Government Free courses for jobs list. Similarly, if you already hold a Level 3 qualification (or above) and meet the Adult Education Budgets definition of unemployed or are in receipt of low wage, you may also be entitled to free tuition.
You may also be required to pay an administration fee, exam fees, kit fee and an Awarding Body Registration fee if applicable.
For these costs please contact our Information Centre on 01992 411411 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
These fees are indicative of the 2024-25 costs and may be subject to change
Additional Costs
You will be required to pay a trip and resource fee of approximately £55 payable on enrolment. Part of this fee will cover a portfolio sketch book for the learner to use throughout the first and second year of the course, which will be theirs to take away at the end of the course.
If you think you would benefit from financial support, we have bursary options available for those who meet the criteria. Please note this funding is not guaranteed and is subject to availability at the time of application.
If you would like financial support contact our Information Team on 01992 411411 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
