Key Facts

UAL Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology (Games Design)

Games design is an exciting industry with the UK market for video games contributing 7 billion pounds to the creative industries sector. The course in Games Design and Professional Practice at Carshalton College aims to equip students with the necessary skills to gain employment in the creative media sector at entry level or further study at university.

The UAL frame work gives students the opportunity to explore the different areas within games design and also learn more about professional practice in the industry.

  • Entry Requirements


    We will invite you to a Meet the Tutor event where you will receive information, advice, and guidance about the course you have applied for. This will be an opportunity for you to gain valuable information about the course and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

    You will provide a copy of your last school report and / or a reference from an employer or relevant professional other this will include attendance. This is to ensure we can support to be able to achieve well on the course. Applicants with 85% or below attendance will have been deemed not to have met this criteria. All applicants are given an opportunity to discuss any evidence based mitigating circumstances that may have affected the reference / school report.

    A portfolio or example of your work to demonstrate that you have the appropriate level of skill required to succeed on the course. We love to see your creativity!

    4 x GCSE's at C/4 or above, or a Level 2 Certificate / Extended Certificate or above (at merit or above) in a relevant subject.

    You will have gained either English and/or maths at GCSE 3/D or above or L1 Functional skills.

    We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure you can flourish. Talk to us today if you have any concerns about the application process, we are here to help take you to the next level.

  • Course Content


    Course content will cover the following subject areas:

    Concept art

    2D game development

    3D game development (includes basic programming)

    3D Visualisation and Animation

    Contextual studies including business studies for the games industry

    Traditional animation and drawing techniques

    Graphic design and 2D digital animation

    As a student on this course you will have access to the following state of the art industry standard equipment and facilities:

    Windows 10 high spec Desktops running Maya, Unity, Adobe Creative Suite, Substance Paint.

    Wacom Graphics tablets

    3D Printer

  • Progression Next Steps


    The majority of students completing the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology will progress to undergraduate study in a range of media related courses. Some may progress into entry-level positions in the media sector.

    The UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology is generally delivered over two years and will enable students to develop a portfolio of work that could support progression into a range of higher education courses.

    The qualification attracts 72, 120 and 168 UCAS tariff points for Pass, Merit and Distinction grades respectively.

    There are lots of opportunities available to you to progress across the South Thames Colleges Group and into the world beyond education.

    During your time with us you will have access to a dedicated team of careers and education advisors who will help you as you take the next steps towards achieving your goals.

  • Additional Information


    The course is aimed at those who are looking to develop the many and complex skills required for a career in media and games industry.

    Qualification:

    UAL Diploma Creative Media Production/Games Development - Year 1 UAL Extended Diploma Media Production/Games Development - Year 2

    Part of your planned programme of study at Carshalton College gives you the opportunity to take part in an enrichment activity. These activities are designed to help you with your personal development and should be treated as a very important part of your studies.

    For information about course costs please contact the Admissions team on 0208 544 4501.

  • Course Structure


    The course is run over two years, with the Diploma being delivered in year 1 and the Extended Diploma in year 2. The final grade is awarded at the end of year two and is the equivalent of 3 A-Levels. In total, there are 13 units delivered over the duration of the course (1-8 in year 1 and 9-13 in year 2).

    Students will be required to extend their study beyond class sessions in order to get the best out of the course.

  • Assessment Details


    On your course you will be assessed through a variety of methods which may include;

    Blog entries

    Logs/diaries (online)

    Portfolio drawings

    Presentations

    Projects are assessed halfway through (formative) and at the end (summative). There will be frequent 1:1 support from lecturers to help develop your skills and work, along with group activities and class demonstrations of new skills. The practical tasks are mapped against the UAL awarding body criteria and will help to develop a very wide range of skills and knowledge. The final project of the diploma (year 1) and extended diploma (year 2) is longer as it forms the overall grade for the whole year which will be either a Pass, Merit or Distinction.