Course Overview
In the UK, the gaming industry is worth over GBP5 billion to the economy, with more than 2000 firms, of all sizes, designing and developing games. In the past two years, more than 10000 new video games were released, and every single one of them had at least one designer - this job involves creating the looks, the rules and background story, and the critical structures to the game. As newer technologies are developed, more designers are needed to use these tools in bringing creativity to life on screen.
By completing this course, you will achieve a University of Arts London (UAL) Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology (Digital Gaming).
This is 2-year course and is equivalent to 3 A-Levels and is worth up to 168 UCAS points (Distinction) or 144 UCAS points (High Merit).
Is this course right for me?
Do you have a passion for creating characters, images, and environments? Do you enjoy gaming for the grand designs in AAA titles, the rich story-telling in epic RPGs, or the hand-crafted simplicity of small mobile projects?
The course starts by considering theory linked to a range of media from different sectors to explore how meaning, messages and values are constructed through formal and stylistic elements. Initial units will look to develop your planning skills, as well as to allow you to gain more insight into requirements such as finance, logistics and regulations for a media project.
You will look to create a pre-production portfolio which will be fully researched and presents ideas on how you would look to plan the delivery of a digital game, including the initial scripts and storyboards. There will be opportunities to work to client briefs to demonstrate technical and creative skills in the production of a complete project.
On this course, you will take part in lively discussions about new gaming technology, media campaigns and review the latest developments within the sector as they are released. The department organises trips and talks, for example, this year we visited EGX to look at the new games which have been showcased as well as the indie and retro developments. We have also visited Teesside University to learn more about progressive web apps and develop rapid prototyping skills within storyboarding.
This course usually takes place over three days per week for two years. You will be studying for a Level 3 UAL in Creative Digital Media Production. The two-year course is equivalent to 3 A-Levels and is worth up to 168 UCAS points (Triple Distinction*).
All of our learners will be given support with their English and Maths skills where relevant to their main course. Those students who have not yet achieved a Grade 4 (or C) at GCSE in these subjects will continue to work towards these important qualifications at a level suited to them. However, students will still have to achieve the stated Entry Requirements before they start the course.
Assessment on the course is in a variety of forms, including externally set supervised assessments and on-screen examination, as well as portfolio-based assignment work.
Entry Requirements
Five GCSEs grade 4 or above (English and Maths can be retaken if a grade 4 isn't achieved).
If you have not studied GCSE Art or GCSE Graphic Products, you would need to bring a sample of your own artistic work or drawings to the interview.
After Your Course
This course leads to employment with the sector or HE. You could potentially move to a career in Level Design, Programming, Game Design or a HE course linked to Games Development.
Fees
£3345.00
The current fee information is related to the 2025/26 academic year.
The fee displayed is the course fee. Course fees are charged per course for full-time students. You can pay in full or spread the cost by paying 25% on enrolment and setting up a direct debit mandate for 3 further equal payments. An Advanced loan is available to students enrolling on this course.You may qualify for financial support to cover the cost of this government-funded qualification if any of the below apply to you:
- You are aged 16 to 18 on 31st August of the relevant academic year and are not studying at another school or college
- If you do not already have a Level 3 qualification and are under 24 on 31st August of the relevant academic year
If your employer is paying the course fee and would like to be invoiced, please let us know.