Game Design, Animation and VFX HNC/D

This course is for students who are interested in working in game design, animation or VFX, either in a specialism or in a more general role.

Year One

The course is structured through different projects which explore fundamental skills allowing for more in depth practice through Game Design, 2D and 3D Modelling and Animation, Game Development Practices and VFX. 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 in an individual project.

Year Two

The second year of the course allows for a further in-depth study into new and emerging technologies linked to Game Design, Animation and VFX. Including distinctive components that help learners build up a holistic portfolio of evidence for assessment at key points in the year. Specifically, the purpose of the HND Game Design, Animation and VFX course allows you to explore and experiment with in-depth creative practice through projects set through a range of vocational scenarios, where you will learn how to independently research, conceptualize, experiment, refine, present and evaluate creative outcomes.
The course can be indicually tailored to students who want to or have identified a specialism, or want to work in a broad setting as a generalist designer or developer.

It is expected that applicant would have a level 3 qualification in a related area, and ideally have 56 UCAS points from these qualifications, however we can review individual applications and would accept evidence of practical knowledge through a portfolio/showreel to be shared at interview.

For more information you can email Pasquale.Fasulo@cityofbristol.ac.uk or apply directly on our website.

Higher Nationals are assessed using assignments that are marked internally. Our staff will design and create assignments with industry knowledge, context and scenarios, that are targeted at the unit learning content and assessment criteria, to ensure that you are prepared to undertake the assignment to the best of your ability,

The assignments will used require applied knowledge and technical competency, which will be assessed based on each units requirements.

All work is graded internally and verified externally.

On successful completion, you can develop a career in the computing sector in roles such as:

• Games Designer/Developer
• Mobile Application Design/Developer
• Web Designer/Developer
• Animator
• Software Designer/Developer
• UI/UX Designer
• Product Designer
• AR/VR Developer

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 individual university’s entry requirements).

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.