Games design and Graphic Design

Games Development Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC)

In Brief

Start Date / Duration

September 2025 and will run for 30 weeks.

Entry requirements

64 UCAS points from a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent) in a related subject or 60 Access to HE credits (of which a minimum of 45 must be at Level 3) in a related subject.

GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or above.

You will achieve

BTEC Level 4 Higher national Certificate (HNC) in Game Development.

Awarding Body

Pearson logo

Validated by Pearson

UCAS Course Code

GDEC

Course overview

The Higher National Certificate in Game Development equips students with essential skills and knowledge in game design and development. This program covers core game development concepts, practical skills through research, and workplace scenarios. It fosters communication, teamwork, and analytical abilities, preparing students for further education or employment in the gaming industry. This course provides a strong foundation for future career prospects in game development.

Course content

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.

All equipment will be provided, but we recommend purchasing an SD card (32gb or higher) and/or a removable portable storage drive for larger file transfers.

SciTech Digital Innovation Centre
Falcon Street
Barnsley
S70 2EY

A Higher National Diploma (HND) in Game Design. You could also move on to another Higher Education course or employment in a relevant area.

How much does the course cost?

Course fees: £5,995 per year for those that enrol in September 2024. £6,165* per year for those that enrol in September 2025 (*maximum fee per year is subject to approval).

Extra information

We offer a service to any student who has a diagnosis of anything persistent or long-term which might interfere with how they study and manage their day-to-day academic engagement. The service is flexible and shaped around the needs of each individual; it might be consistent support or intermittent support.

For further information please visit the Disability and Dyslexia Service (DDS) web page for more information.

As a Higher Education student living in England you may be eligible for the non-means tested Tuition Fee Loan from the Government and a Maintenance Loan.

Students with children or dependant adults may qualify for a Childcare Grant or Adult Dependants’ Grant. Students can apply for these at the same time as applying for a Maintenance Loan.

Remember: Eligible students will not have to pay tuition fees in advance and can apply for the Maintenance Loan before they start the course.

Visit the Student Finance page on the Government website for further details and to apply.

For further information please contact our friendly Information Team on +44 (0)1226 216 123 or email info@barnsley.ac.uk

Our Additional Learning Support team can provide you with the support you need. Call 01226 216 769 for further information.

Please note we reserve the right to change details without notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Games Development Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC)

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