Games Design for Industry (top up)

This 1 year top up, full time, innovative and exciting new games programme has been designed to allow students from the HND or foundation degree (and others where appropriate) to progress to an honours degree to develop an independent, autonomous practice, but with skills and attributes to be part of any team within any typical games design studio. This programme aims to facilitate and equip graduates with the expertise, enthusiasm and flexibility for a future in developing games and their content. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of Agile, entrepreneurship, team management and the techniques and skills needed by the games industry to get you that dream job, or to start your own independent games company.

We specialise in providing a typical studio set up with small class sizes to ensure you get excellent support and advice for your studies. You will have greater access to staff and resources, as well as practical specialist knowledge to pursue a career in your chosen area of specialism within the games industry.

Tutors will facilitate your independent research into advanced game design skills and techniques reflecting your particular specialism throughout the programme. Team production of prototypes will be explored, as well as methods to improve immersion, narrative and visual impact. You will be encouraged to investigate design innovations such as virtual and augmented reality, to develop new methods of enhancing gameplay, and simulation whilst receiving career and business advice specifically tailored to your individual aspirations. Visits to games festivals such as EGX Rezzed will also inform student practice.

You will be encouraged to work creatively and professionally to design and communicate concepts through visuals, prototypes, 3D/2D game assets, game design documents, pitches and presentations often to professionals within the industry. You will use industry standard software such as Autodesk (3D Studio Max, Maya and Mudbox etc), the full Adobe Master collection, UE4 and others. You will also have access to VR headsets such as Oculus Rifts and Vives, excellent sound labs, video cameras, Kinect cameras and blue/green screens etc.

Graduates have gone on to work in games studios such as Splash Damage or set up their own independent studios.

This is a full-time course; typically, students should expect to spend 35 – 40 hours per week on a combination of taught and self-directed study. Each module is delivered over a 15-week Study Block, which typically comprises 12 weeks of learning and teaching, and 3 weeks of assessment and feedback.

Students will engage in a variety of learning activities, including lectures, seminars, private and group tutorials, specialist workshops.

Possible Progression (subject to availability)

Cert Ed or PGCE at Camborne or St Austell

Masters Level programmes at other institutions

Possible Careers:

Games Designer or Developer

3D Animator or Modeller

Character Designer

Environment Artist

Lead Designer or Animator

Animator for Film and Television

Level DesignerVR/AR developer/artsit

Gameplay Programmer

Concept Artist

Narrative Artist

Visual FX

Cornwall College University Centre offers a unique and fulfilling university experience with small class sizes, allowing for personal attention from tutors and a strong sense of community among students. The wrap-around support provided ensures that students receive the necessary guidance and resources to excel in their studies, while studying alongside likeminded individuals who share their passion for vocational technical skills. Located in one of the most beautiful and natural parts of the country, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the stunning surroundings while developing practical skills that set them apart in the job market.