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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Creative Media Practice (Games)

Level 3
Full-Time
25/26
60346656_GD
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Overview

The Extended Diploma Creative Media Practice (Game Design), equivalent to 3 A-Levels, is a 2-year full-time course that is all about hands-on game development. Students design and create content suitable for games using industry-trending software such as 3DS Max/Maya/ Blender, Rizom UV, Substance Painter and Unreal Engine (You have most likely seen or played games that have used these software packages). This course is all about applying the knowledge you learn, using the programming/visual scripting, 3D modelling & texturing skills to develop creative and engaging content for games.

The computer games industry is the biggest entertainment market in the world, but only the best games make it big. During this course you will study the key game design principles and theories that underpin the development of successful games.

And it’s not just games!

The software and skills developed in this course can be applied to VFX in the film and animation industry, simulation training, education, television graphics, concert visualisation designs, medicine, engineering, architecture, etc. The majority of industries now use 3D models or game engines to visualise their products or to provide training.

Learners taking this qualification will study four mandatory learning and teaching modules over 2 years. A1 and A2 will be covered in the first year, B1 and B2 will be covered in the second year:

A1 Skills Development

This module explores some of the fundamental and practical skills required in game design such as 3D modelling, UV unwrapping, texturing and game engines. This course utilises industry-trending software packages so learners are using the same tools as professionals.

A2 Creative Project

This module provides a little more creative freedom where learners will plan and develop a project of their choice (within reason) independently, applying the skills that they have learned in the previous module. This project will demonstrate the learner’s ability to self-direct a response to a brief, from inception to completion.

B1 Personal Progression

This module informs learners of a wider understanding of the video game industry, exploring a range of career opportunities with different types of roles, producing materials to start your career and demonstrating specialist skills relating to personal progression goals.

B2 Creative Industry Response

This module consists of a large independent project that will advance learners’ practical, critical thinking and reflective skills to produce work that aligns to an industry brief. Learners will use the knowledge, understanding and experience they have gained to plan, develop and test a project to its completion. Learners are encouraged to explore advanced skills that they can incorporate into their project.

  • A1 Skills Development
  • A2 Creative Project
  • B1 Personal Progression
  • B2 Creative Industry Response

Four GCSEs grade C or above or equivalent preferably in relevant creative subjects. Entry is subject to a successful interview with the course co-ordinator.

There are no exams in this course, all assessment carried out is 100% coursework based. As all modules are internally assessed, they allow learners to use large-scale projects, workshops and completing assignments as the basis for generating evidence for assessment.

Learners must complete all four assessment modules and achieve a Pass grade or above in each assessment criterion.

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Creative Media Practice (Game Design) is graded using an overall qualification grading of PPP to D*D*D*, attracting UCAS points in the same way as A Level grades.

Upon successful completion of this qualification learners may progress to higher education courses such as our own Foundation Degree in Visual Media Arts (validated by The Open University) (validated by The Open University) Games pathway at South West College. This can also be topped-up to BA (Hons) Degree Visual Media Arts (Top-Up) (Validated by The Open University) | South West College Games for a full BA Honours Degree. It also supports progression to apprenticeships or employment in the creative media sector.

To deepen and refine students’ skills over time, this course has been designed to ensure exposure to teaching and learning approaches that challenge learners. This is supported by the five mandatory areas of content, which are common to both modules and which are developed to give learners valuable transferable skills. The five content areas are:

informing ideas

problem solving

technical skills

professional practice

communication.


2 Available Sessions

* The fees quoted are per annum and are payable for each year of the course’s duration and are subject to additional examination fees as per fees policy.

Enniskillen

Full-Time

P3656EF10B

Session Code

2 Year(s)

Duration

Further Education

Mode of Study

16

Hours per Week

34

Number of Weeks

Interview Required

25/26

Academic Year

01/09/2025

Start Date

Subject to Timetable

Day/s

Stephen.Trimble@swc.ac.uk

Coordinator(s)

Total Annual Fee N/A

Total Concessionary Fee N/A

Full Fee Breakdown

**Concession Fee Breakdown

Fees Payable Each Year

**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?

Omagh

Full-Time

P3656OF10B

Session Code

2 Year(s)

Duration

Further Education

Mode of Study

16

Hours per Week

34

Number of Weeks

Interview Required

25/26

Academic Year

01/09/2025

Start Date

Subject to Timetable

Day/s

Peter.McGlinchey@swc.ac.uk

Coordinator(s)

Total Annual Fee N/A

Total Concessionary Fee N/A

Full Fee Breakdown

**Concession Fee Breakdown

Fees Payable Each Year

**Am I eligible for concessionary fees?

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