Level 3 Extended Diploma in Game Art & Digital Design

Equivalent to 3 A Levels

Are you interested in becoming a digital artist? Do you enjoy designing your own characters and worlds for games? This specialist course is designed to act as your starting point if you want to break into the games, animation or design industries. You’ll learn a wide range of digital art skills, including 3D modelling, graphic design, concept art, and animation. There are no exams on this course. Instead, you’ll work through a series of projects modelled on real industry practice. Whatever specialism you choose we’ll teach you the skills and software you need to succeed.

Themes covered on this course are:

Year 1

Project 1: Character Select – learn introductory 3D modelling, drawing, character design, and animation skills.

Project 2: Cyberpunk – develop concepts and graphic design for a sci-fi world.

Project 3: Imaginary Worlds – develop your own setting for a game or animated series. Develop worldbuilding, level design and graphic design skills.

Project 3: Young Game Designer Award - pitch your own game idea with the chance to win a real games industry prize.

Project 4: Final Major Project – choose your own specialist skills and topic.

Year 2

Project 1: Freelancers – choose from a range of mini-projects to develop skills in your chosen specialism.

Project 2: Branding – develop your own personal brand.

Project 3: The City – collaborative worldbuilding project.

Project 4: Final Major Project - choose your own specialist skills and topic.

A number of specifications will be changing and prospectus entries are based on information we have to date. This means that course content may be subject to change.

Each year starts with three formative units, which give you the space to explore new skills and discover your strengths. Each year ends with a Final Major Project, which is an extended coursework project which provides you with your grade for the year. There are no exams.

4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English or Maths

What can I do next?

There are a wide range of opportunities open to students who study Games Art and Design. These include:

• Degree courses such as Game Art, Game Design, Animation, VFX, Illustration, Graphic Design, Architecture and Digital Media

• Potential careers include a broad range of games industry roles, such as 3D modelling, concept art, and game design. You’ll learn about many potential careers on the course, including many you may not know existed.

You could also use this course to prepare you for a wide variety of careers in the creative and visual design industries.