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Games Development

Course details
  • HNC
  • 1 Years
  • Full-time
  • 15/09/2025
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Cheltenham
Awarded by:
Pearson Education Ltd

Course summary

The HNC in Games Development, awarding body Pearson Educational Ltd. is based at our Cheltenham Campus. The course provides a solid grounding in games design and development.

The course combines theory with practice, providing opportunities to learn industry standard creative computing skills. The course is designed to facilitate students’ entry into the industry, support their skills in all aspects of game development and lay a strong foundation for entry onto BA/BSc (Hons) in Game Design and development or further career opportunities and employment within the creative industry sector.

This nationally recognised qualification offers direct progression into our Higher National Diploma Games Development) (HND) following the successful completion of this first year.

The emphasis in teaching on the HNC is to use a mixture of practical and theoretical assignment briefs so that you can develop your chosen skills. Where possible we use ‘live’ scenarios and topics, including those provided by local businesses. The College offers excellent Computing resources, including our own departmental network and a wide range of professional software and hardware resources.

Career Paths
3D Artist, Character Designer/Animator, Game Developer/Programmer, Game Content Creator, Technical Artist, Animator, Facial Animator/Rigger, Motion Editor, Visual Effects Artists, 3D Modeller/Texturer, Cinematic Animator, Environment Artist, Level Designer, Architectural Visualisation.

Modules

Mandatory Core Units:
Individual Project (Pearson-set)
Creative Media Industry
Professional Practice
Game Development Practices
Games in Context
Game Design
Game Programming
Concept Art Development

Optional Units:
Principles of User Experience & User Interface Design
Art Development
Principles of Animation
Visual Effects
Motion Graphics
Web & App Game Development

Assessment method

Modules are assessed with a combination of practical coursework and recorded presentations. The coursework can vary from practical game projects, programming, 3D modelling to written reports.

How to apply

Apply by
29 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
GDHC
Institution code:
G45
Campus name:
Cheltenham
Campus Code:
C

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 48 points

Gloucestershire College will recognise other/combinations of equivalent Level 3 qualifications to meet the UCAS Tariff point requirement.

A level - DD

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - PPP

Access to HE Diploma - P: 45 credits

T Level - P

Gloucestershire College welcome any other/combinations of relevant qualifications that are comparable and/or equivalent to the typical course entry requirements. Applicants that do not have recognised qualifications may still meet course entry requirements through alternative methods of assessment at the College’s discretion. All queries regarding course entry criteria including the equivalency of qualifications and exceptional extenuating circumstances should be directed by email to the Admissions Department through applications@gloscol.ac.uk.

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

Additional entry requirements

Other
To study Higher Education at Gloucestershire College, normally applicants will be required to have GCSE English and Mathematics grade 4 (C) or above or have comparable/equivalent qualifications.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
Cambridge English AdvancedLevel B2
IELTS (Academic)5.5Across all skills.
TOEFL (iBT)53
The College also accepts a range of international English qualifications and English language tests that demonstrate the required level of English language proficiency. The ability to demonstrate the required level of proficiency in English and Maths, through an appropriate assessment at the College’s discretion may be considered. All course offer decisions are based on an applicant's individual circumstances and the College will approach each application on a case by case basis.

English Language Requirements - GC Website https://www.gloscol.ac.uk/courses-and-departments/course-details/IT2GD4/games-development-hnc/hnd/?BackToSearchURL=%2fsearch%2f%3frestore%3dtrue

Historical entry grades data BETA

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.

Not enough data available

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.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£7400Year 1
Northern Ireland£7400Year 1
Scotland£7400Year 1
Wales£7400Year 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.

Additional fee information

Fees are subject to change, for queries on financial support please contact our Student Services team on 0345 155 2020 (option 5) or visit - https://www.gloscol.ac.uk/student-and-parent-guide/financial-support/loans-and-other-financial-support/

Sponsorship information

If you need information about a loan for your fees and other related information, try The Student Loan Company www.slc.co.uk/services/higher-education.aspx Fees quoted on Gloscol website page are per year of study. Fees are subject to change.

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