Level 3 Extended Diploma in Games, Animation and VFX Skills (NextGen) (Adult Course)
This course is suitable for students aged 19 and over.
This unique course, supported by NextGen Skills Academy, is designed by some of the world's leading employers such as Ubisoft, Sony, Framestore, Blue Zoo, Microsoft, MPC and Sega, to ensure you have the necessary skills to succeed in the industry.
You will master 3D modelling and animation using Autodesk Maya, concept your ideas in Adobe Photoshop, build unique games in Unreal Engine 4 and produce an extensive show reel portfolio.
When will I start the course and how long will it take?
The course will start in September and will take two years to complete.
This course will take place at our Town Centre Campus, Water Street, St Helens, WA10 1PP.
What will I study?
You will cover the following units:
- Develop technical skills in animation, 3D modelling and the creation of visual effects
- Explore production pipelines, process management and the importance of commercial feasibility
- Develop crucial project management skills and techniques by gaining practical experience of using Agile and Scrum
- Research an emerging technology or trend and present your findings
- Gain experience of working to real industry briefs, with local and regional employers
NextGen Skills Academy will also provide an exciting opportunity for you to take advantage of industry masterclasses with employers across games, animation and VFX including Blue Zoo, Double Negative, Framestore, Microsoft, MPC, Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe, Ubisoft and Centroid 3D.
How is it assessed?
You will create work for a range of practical assignments and projects that will be assessed internally and/or externally. Tutors will provide ongoing feedback designed to help you improve across a steady learning curve. Industry professionals will set briefs, deliver masterclasses and offer feedback on student portfolio's.
Do I need any previous qualifications to start this course?
You should have four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and/or maths, and preferably an art and design based subject.
What are the course fees?
The course fee is £7,395. You may be eligible for funding depending on your personal circumstances and subject to a fee assessment during the enrolment process. For further details, please visit our financial support pages.
If you are aged 19 or over, you may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover your course fees. An Advanced Learner Loan enables you to study now, pay later. Loan eligibility is not dependent on income or employment status and there is no credit check. Loan repayments do not start until you have finished your course and earn over £25,000 per year. For more information on the Advanced Learner Loan, please visit our dedicated Advanced Learner Loan page.
What can I go on to do once I have completed this course?
The Northwest is home to a growing digital arts industry and key production studios for animation, games production and cinema visual effects, which means big employers are always looking for fresh talent. On successful completion of this course, you could find employment in games design, games development, animation or 3D design.
You may choose to progress on to University Centre St Helens to study BA (Hons) Game Art, validated by the University of Chester or FdSc Media Production, approved by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).
Are you
ready to apply?
Simply fill in our online form here.
However, if you still have questions in relation to this course and wish to receive further information, please submit your enquiry here.
Please note, we have taken our utmost care to describe and show course information as accurately as possible. St Helens College reserves the right to amend, remove and add courses in the future. This information cannot be considered contractual and advertised course fees are subject to change.
Ref: Dexter Powell
