Now in his second year, Liam, who previously studied Art and IT hadn’t realised there was a way to combine both interests in such a creative and dynamic way that would also open up a number of career possibilities.
Reflecting on his journey Liam said:
“When I was thinking about my options after GCSEs, I was torn between A Levels and college. I didn’t even know this course existed in Fermanagh, but once I saw it, everything clicked. The modules were exactly what I was looking for, and the course suited my interests perfectly. Game design has allowed me to develop my skills further in something I genuinely enjoy and see a future in.”
Affordability and accessibility were key factors in Liam’s decision to stay local and study at South West College. Liam added:
“For me, SWC was the most accessible and affordable option compared to moving to Belfast.It was the easiest to get to, and I’m so glad I chose this route. The quality of the course is outstanding.
“The standard of teaching and support I’ve received is second to none. The staff have been amazing, always providing constructive feedback that has massively improved my work. I honestly couldn’t have asked for more.”
For others considering their next steps, Liam said:
“I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who’s interested. It’s unlike anything else available locally.”
Looking ahead, Liam hopes to progress onto the newly revalidated BA (Hons) Visual Media Arts (Game Development) Top-Up at SWC Enniskillen.
Paul McGovern, course lecturer, added:
“The game design pathway is developed with industry in mind, equipping students like Liam with highly transferable skills. It’s not just about making games, the skillset can be used in areas such as marketing, architectural visualisation and more. It’s an exciting time, especially with the growth of game design studios in Northern Ireland, which is quickly becoming a hub for this type of work.
“Students typically begin at Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels), progressing to the Foundation Degree and then onto the BA. There are also routes for those with Level 2 qualifications or alternative backgrounds, opening up opportunities for more people to realise their creative potential.”