Game Design, Animation and VFX

The HNC/D in Game Design, Animation, and VFX offers a diverse foundation that will equip you with key technical, creative, and professional skills needed to succeed in the games industry. You’ll learn to make games which are immersive and engaging.

You’ll develop your own professional practice, building a portfolio of skills and techniques identifying suitable industrial roles aligned to relevant industrial practice which you will showcase through simulated live briefs and industrially relevant practice.

Why Study This Course?
Industry-Relevant Skills: You will gain hands-on experience using game engines like Unreal Engine, as well as tools like Blender, Maya, and Adobe Creative Suite, ensuring their skillset meets industry needs.
Professional Portfolio Development: Throughout the course, students build a strong portfolio that showcases their creative and technical abilities, positioning them competitively for internships, jobs, or further study.
Specialised Pathways: As you progress, you will have opportunities to specialise in all areas of game design and development, allowing you to focus on your strengths and career goals.
Industry Engagement: Guest lectures, industry partnerships, and live briefs ensure you stay connected to the latest trends and demands in game design, animation, and VFX.

Career Opportunities
Students who progress from the HNC/D Game Design, Animation, and VFX programme are well-prepared for roles such as:
• Game Designer
• Game Developer
• Animator (2D/3D)
• VFX Artist
• Technical Artist
• Level Designer
• Sound Designer for Games
• Creative Technologist

Additionally, the skills gained are transferable across a range of other creative sectors.

Year 1 (Level 4) - HNC (Higher National Certificate)
Key Areas of Focus:
Game Design Fundamentals will be examined through practice-based research within the wider context of game design and development. You will explore design principles, game mechanics, game theory and user experience through the development of practical prototypes and playful interactive experiences. You will develop a range of fundamental skills in game design and development. The course focusses on the use of Unreal Engine. This includes Blueprints, 3D modelling, VFX (visual effects) techniques in Niagara and sound within game environments. You will also be introduced to 3D modelling skills and animation, in a games context, using Blender and Maya 3D software.

Core Modules:

A1: Concept and Development:
This module is designed to build your skills in iterative problem-solving, creativity, and the professional application of design knowledge. Topics include:
Game platforms, mechanics, and level design.
Animation techniques and character design.
Narrative design and storytelling.
Sound integration and Foley artistry.

A2: Creative Project:
A culminating project where you will apply your knowledge by developing a game prototype, complete with animation and sound design. You will manage the full project lifecycle, from conceptualisation to delivery.

Learning Outcomes:
• Develop technical proficiency in using industry-standard tools.
• Apply creativity in the production of interactive experiences.
• Communicate design ideas clearly to different audiences.
• Produce a game prototype using an iterative design process.