Course overview
Games Design, Animation and VFX HNC/D City of Bristol CollegeThis Level 4/5 HNC/D is a 1-year certificate (HNC) or a 2-year diploma (HND). You will be introduced to game development character design, concept art and 2D and 3D animation enabling you to develop a diverse skillset to take into your specialist pathway. You can specialise in Game Design and Development or 2D and 3D animation.
The fundamentals of VFX and Sound Design will be introduced as part of your core skillset development.
In your first year in your Game Development pathway, you will build a strong foundation in game design and development, focusing on key areas such as game mechanics, level design, animation and VFX. You will explore industry-standard tools such as Unreal Engine, gaining hands-on experience in Blueprints.
In your first year in your Animation pathway, you will build a strong foundation in Animation: Pre-Production, Production and Post Production. Focusing on key areas such as storyboarding, character design and animation principles. You will develop your professional portfolio, refining your skills through simulated live briefs, practice-based research and collaborative projects that mirror real-world industry environments.
The course is designed to prepare students for a variety of career paths, including roles in Game Design, Animation, VFX and Sound Design.
We are members of UKIE (The Association for UK Interactive Entertainment) which offers students access to the following:
– Industry insights Regular, valuable communication from the Ukie membership team packed full with the latest industry news and industry opportunities
– News about exclusive paid internship and placement opportunities
– Special offers
– Participation in the annual Ukie Student Game Jam and Ukie Student Conference International events
– Access to the UKIE Sponsorship Scheme which pays for a select number of students to attend Gamescom
We have access to the full Adobe suite including Substance Designer and Painter, Autodesk Maya and Blender for animation and for game design, we also have access to Unreal 5, Unity and Godot.
Game Design, Animation and VFX HNC
The course code for the full-time HNC offering is: HGF1555D01-1
Alternatively, you can apply via UCAS
Game Design, Animation and VFX HND
The course code for the full-time HND offering is: HGF1164D01-1
Alternatively, you can apply via UCAS
Dates and applications
Please hover over the ‘i’ button to find out more about course fees and applications.
| Course Code | Dates | Duration | Days | Hours per week | Start Time | Location | Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HGF1555D01-1 | 16/09/2025 - 25/06/2026 | 1 years | Date/Day(s) Being Finalised | 11.50 | 09:00 | College Green Centre |
This course is still in its planning phase; course details - including fee information - are subject to change. In June, course details will be finalised and enrolment will open.
|
Enquire Apply |
Additional information
Who is this course for?
This course is aimed at 19+ students with an option to attend college full-time or work online with regular contact with tutors. This course is full-time over 2 days. It takes a hybrid open studio approach where students can work from home or in the studio.
What you'll learn
HNC Year One
The course is structured through two projects across the year. Students will develop core skills in term one in Game Design, Animation, VFX and Sound Design. You will also work on components that develop your understanding of context, creative media practice and professional practice before pulling all of your skills together into two projects.
Project 1 is an individual project either specialising in game design or animation.
Project 2 is a shorter collaborative project.
HND Year Two
The second year of the course allows for more in-depth study into your specialist pathway. This will help you build up a holistic portfolio of evidence for assessment in the year. The course can be individually tailored to students who want to or have identified a specialist area within their chosen pathway for example specific roles within the game design industry and specific roles within the animation industry.
Course entry requirements
It is expected that the applicant would have a Level 3 qualification in a related area. However, we can review individual applications with no prior qualifications.
We would expect evidence of practical knowledge through a portfolio/showreel to be reviewed at the interview.
How is the course delivered and assessed?
The course will be delivered through a hybrid approach both online and studio-based dependent on individual circumstances.
Higher Nationals are assessed using practical projects that are marked internally.
Our staff design and create project briefs with industrially relevant scenarios.
All work is graded internally and verified externally.
Future career and study opportunities
On successful completion, you can develop a career in the computing sector in roles such as:
– Games Designer/Developer Animator
– VFX Specialist
– Sound Designer
Higher Nationals are also used as stepping stones to further Higher Levels of Study and successful completion of a Level 4 (HN Certificate) can allow you the to progress onto a HN Diploma, or you can apply for direct entry to any second year of a Bachelor’s degree or foundation degree (subject to each individual university’s entry requirements).
Successful completion of the Level 5 (HN Diploma) will allow you to progress to a third year of a Bachelor’s degree (subject to each university’s entry requirements).
Additional costs
An alternative to a traditional university degree, Higher Nationals cost £6000 in tuition and students are eligible for Higher Education Student Loans, which covers tuition and a maintenance loan to cover living costs. For more information on student loans, please visit the government student finance website.
