02 Mar 2021
Key Facts
Qualification Summary
The Diploma allows learners to undertake study related to computer game design and development. Learners will have the opportunity to develop skills which will enable progression to a range of degree level programmes within the sector. Many learners join these types of degrees after following A level study, so the Diploma will place the Access to HE learners on a level with those who have followed A level studies.
Learners will complete mandatory units which cover computer games design and an understanding of different games engines, which provide an important introduction to the programme. They will be able to research an area of interest to them in more depth. They will study a range of optional units covering concept art, animation, graphic design, games storyboarding, virtual and augmented reality, program design and testing as well as a unit which explores the industry.
Ungraded units include units which will support access to higher education whilst supporting study and personal skills.
Why choose this qualification?
The diploma allows learners to undertake study related to computer game design and development. Learners will have the opportunity to develop skills which will enable progression to a range of degree level programmes within the sector. Many learners join these types of degrees after following A level study, so the diploma will place the Access to HE learners on a level with those who have followed A level studies.
Learners will complete mandatory units which cover computer games design and an understanding of different games engines, which provide an important introduction to the programme. They will be able to research an area of interest to them in more depth. They will study a range of optional units covering concept art, animation, graphic design, games storyboarding, virtual and augmented reality, program design and testing as well as a unit which explores the industry.
Ungraded units include units which will support access to higher education whilst supporting study and personal skills.
Units
Learners must take 12 credits from this group.
Computer Games Design
Game Engines
Learners must take 6 credits from this group.
Research Project for Computer Gaming- Methodology
Research: Practical Investigation Project for Gaming
Learners must take 27 credits from this group.
Concept Art and Digital Graphics for Computer Games
Create 3D Game Models
Game Design Storyboarding
Games Project
Graphic Design
Graphics and Animation
Introduction to Life Drawing
Introduction to Virtual and Augmented Reality
Mathematics for Computing
Mobile Games Development
Procedural Programming
Program Design
Software Fundamentals - Object-Oriented Programming
Understanding the Computer Games Industry
Website Design and Development
Learners must take 9 credits from this group.
Preparation for Higher Education
Relational Database
Writing reports
Learners must take 6 credits from this group.
Academic Reading Skills
Academic Writing Skills
Application of Number - Interpreting and Presenting Information
Communication - Speaking and Listening
Computer Data Protection
Developing Professional Attributes
Introduction to 3D
Introduction to the Grammar of English
Presentation Skills
Principles of Object-Oriented Programming
Problem Solving in the Workplace
Professional Interpersonal Skills
Promoting Wellbeing and Building Resilience
Work Placement
Intended learner groups
a) Adults who, because of social, educational or individual circumstances may have achieved few, if any, prior qualifications and wish to progress to HE
b) Adults who have gone straight into industry (perhaps following apprenticeship routes) who wish to progress to HE.
How this diploma meets learners' needs
The Diploma will provide them with underpinning skills to support academic study and provide a level 3 qualification linked to their proposed HE study. A broad range of knowledge will be acquired which support an understanding of computer games design and development and programming and will ensure that the learner is fully prepared for progression onto the relevant degrees.
What this diploma covers
The units include a balance of units which allow the learners to keep their options open until they have fully decided on their preferred route at degree level. The ungraded units have been chosen to support both progression into higher education and also to allow the learners to develop skills relevant to the subject area e.g. relational databases.
Delivery methods
Face to face
Blended learning including online platforms such as Moodle or Pearl.
Work placements would also be beneficial and visits to software or games design companies would widen opportunities.
Assessment methods include: Designing and testing games, exam, controlled assessment, projects e.g. creating programmes and games including developmental notes, data dictionaries, presentations, self-evaluation, SWOT analysis, case studies analysis, short answer questions, reports, design diagrams and test plans.
Successful completion criteria
Learners will probably require a pass in maths and English at GCSE level or a Functional Skills qualification in English and Maths to progress onto a degree course.Progression routes
Learners may be able to progress onto the following:
Creative Digital Practice (Games Development) FdA
Computer Games Design: Story Development BA (Hons)
Computer Games Enterprise BSc (Hons)
Computer Games Design BSc
Computer Games Design and Development BSc (Hons)
Computer Games Art BA (Hons)
Computer Games Programming BSc
Computer Games Technology BSc (Hons)
BSc (H) Software Engineering
Provider approval criteria
Learners will need access to computer labs, JavaScript (server) and appropriate software to facilitate all modules.
Funding information
There are now two main sources for funding information, a straightforward ESFA Qualification Search and the more detailed Find a Learning Aim website.
The new Find a learning aim (FALA) service provides a search tool that you can use to check the funding status of any qualification, framework, unit, standard or T Level:
View this qualification on the ESFA’s Find a learning aim website
The Education and Skills Funding Agency search provides funding information on qualifications. It does not provide funding information for units, non-regulated activity and work placements, for this information please use Find a learning aim (FALA).
View this qualification on the ESFA Qualification Funding Search
How to find a learning aim
If you’re not sure how to use the new find a learning aim website, we’ve created a handy walkthrough to help you:
How to Use: Find a learning Aim
Additional funding information for Access to HE
- Access to HE is eligible for funding as part of the legal entitlement offer.
- Access to HE is eligible for funding via Advanced Learner Loans and appears on the Advanced Learner Loans catalogues published by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).
- Access to HE Diplomas are designed for adult learners aged 19+ and the ESFA only funds young people on these programmes by exception, as stated in paragraph 149, page 39 of the Funding guidance for young people 2020 to 2021.
We have done our best to collate and summarise the key information, and wherever possible we alert our providers to changes in funding policy.
This funding information is provided in good faith and it is always advisable to check directly with the funding agencies before committing to delivery.