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14 Apr 2026, 13:00
Barnsley
The Higher National Certificate in Game Development equips you with essential skills and knowledge in game design and development. The program covers core game development concepts, practical skills through research, and workplace scenarios. It fosters communication, teamwork, and analytical abilities, preparing you for further education or employment in the gaming industry. This course provides a strong foundation for future career prospects in game development.
The Higher National Certificate comprises of two modules:
Concept and Development – This module is designed to enable the practice and development of your underpinning knowledge, understanding and proficiency of creative practice through exploration of game design. You will explore the history, theories and developments related to game design. You will explore the technical knowledge and skills necessary to support your creative practice.
Creative Project – This module is designed to give you the opportunity to consolidate and apply your learning through the production of a portfolio of work related to game design.
A wide range of teaching and learning strategies are utilised across the programme and these are indicated within the relevant modules. This includes the delivery of lectures, practical workshop sessions, technical guidance, case studies, discussion groups and student- led seminars.
During the induction process the students will be introduced to study skills, referencing, research skills and the appropriate use of academic language.
The College VLE, other relevant ICT resources and the internet will be encouraged for use as both study and investigative tools.
Students are enabled to develop transferable skills through the outlined teaching and learning methods and are encouraged to develop reflective practice through feedback, both summative and formative, student logbooks and their progress file.
Teaching and Learning methods
Lectures
Discussion Groups
Research- based directed written work
One to one subject tutorials
Group tutorials and verbal feedback
Practical demonstration
Tutor-led Workshops
Seminars
You will complete project-based assessments which are industry-focussed. The teaching will reflect the project approach and will include aspects of teamworking.
The following entry points are available for this course:
We are not currently accepting international applications
GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or above
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £6995 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £6995 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £6995 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £6995 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Fees are calculated at 2024 prices but are subject to change for 2025
PO Box No 266
Church Street
Barnsley
S70 2YW
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Email:interviews@barnsley.ac.uk
Phone:01226 216106