Creative Digital Games Production – Level 2

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.

This qualification will give you an introductory understanding of 3D art and 2D animation skills, and will develop your working understanding of what game engines are and how they function to create a 2D game. 

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

All applicants should have GCSE English Language or Maths at grade A*-C or 9-4 (the other GCSE must be graded D or 3.) In addition, applicants should have two other GCSEs, one at grade 4 and the other at 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 animators, game designers, prop artists and game programmers.

You will cover topics such as:

• 3D Modelling
• 2D Animation
• Game Design
• Presentation Techniques
• Personal Development

This course will be delivered on-site.

You will need to provide a good-quality USB 3.0 memory stick and a set of mini-headphones for your studies.

Whilst 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: Quad Core CPU (i3/Ryzen 3), 8GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Super 4GB
• Mid Level: Quad Core CPU (i5/Ryzen 5), 16GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super 6GB or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 12GB
• High Level: Six Core CPU (i5/i7/Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7), 16/32GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 TI 8GB

Any other specifications are user specific, such as size of the storage disk. However, a good quality solid state drive (SSD) is recommended. The computer should also be running Windows 10. 

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.

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