Level 2 Extended Certificate in Games Development

As a full-time Level 2 programme, this qualification is aimed at 16 to 18-year-olds who are looking to progress to the Level 3 Games Development programme and eventually pursue a career in the video games industry. This one-year course will provide you with an excellent introduction to the subject and the skills needed for progression. The qualification will give you an introductory understanding of the 2D game scripting and 3D art skills required to develop your working understanding of what game engines are and how they function to create a 2D game and 3D environment.

To support your main study programme, future progression and life skills, you will also develop your skills in English and Maths.

All applicants should have GCSE English Language or Maths at grade 9-4, with the other being grade 3. In addition, applicants should have two other GCSEs, one at least grade 4 and the other at least grade 3. 

Importantly, you must achieve GCSE English Language or Maths at grade 4 and a Merit in Level 2 Games Development while on this programme. 

This is a crucial step for anyone wishing to progress to the Level 3 Games Development programme in the following year.

The content in this programme will provide you with the opportunity to explore a range of different roles within games development. The course is designed so that you are able to experience games development alongside retaking your English Language or Maths GCSE, enabling you to progress to the Level 3 Games Development programme. 

The topics covered encompass core roles in the sector, including game designers, environment artists and game programmers. 

You will cover topics such as:

• Game Design
• 2D Game Scripting
• 3D Environments
• Career Education
• Portfolio Development

This course will be delivered on-site in our dedicated games development labs. You will learn through a mixture of delivered workshops, live demonstrations and self-paced tutorials.

You will need to provide a good-quality USB-C Portable SSD and a set of wired headphones for your studies (recommendations for equipment shared at enrolment). While not compulsory, it would be beneficial to have a computer at home capable of running industry-standard software to enable you to complete coursework outside of the classroom.

Our recommended specifications are as follows:

• Entry-Level: Six Core CPU (i5/Ryzen 5), 16GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 8GB
• Mid-Level: Six Core CPU (i5/Ryzen 5), 32GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 8GB/16GB
• High-Level: Eight Core CPU (i7/Ryzen 7), 32GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 12GB

The computer should be running Windows 11. Any other specifications are user specific, such as size of the storage disk. 

However, a good quality solid state drive (SSD) is necessary.

You will attend GCSE English Language or Maths classes each week, and will be assessed through a controlled assessment or final exam. There are no external assessments on the Level 2 Games Development qualification: this programme is 100% coursework based. Your coursework on Games Development will be assessed by tutors against five key focus areas:

• Your research, exploration and skills
• Your ability to communicate ideas, intentions and development through practical work
• Your technical skills and techniques to produce work
• Your ability to review and refine work
• Your engagement when working independently and collaboratively

You must pass all units and all skill requirements to achieve the qualification.

Performance in all units is graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction.

These unit grades are then converted into points and added together to determine the overall grade for the qualification. This grade ranges from PP to DD.

Further Study

This qualification will form part of your basis for progression to the Level 3 Games Development programme, and eventually to pursue a career in the video games industry. Importantly, you must achieve GCSE English Language or Maths at grade 4 and achieve a Merit in Level 2 Games Development while on this programme. This will enable you to meet the entry requirements for the Level 3 Games Development programme in the following year.  

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk