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Games Development HNC/HND
Level 4
Cheltenham
Course Overview
Full Time
Certificate
Certificate
If you're passionate about gaming and want to kickstart a career in game design or development, this course is the perfect starting point. The one-year, Level 4 HNC course provides a broad introduction to games and different game design and development functions. You’ll develop and strengthen core skills while preparing to specialise in your chosen area. The HNC offers a direct pathway into HND Games Development or employment in the games industry.
If you wish to level up your game development skills and technical expertise. The one-year Level 5 HND course is ideal if you’ve completed the HNC and want to build a sound understanding of the principles in your own specialist area. You’ll refine your creative, technical, and professional skills using real-world briefs and industry-standard software in a highly practical environment. By the end of the HND course, you’ll be prepared for employment or progression to a full degree.
The HNC is a hands-on, creative course that combines practical project work with theoretical assignment briefs to introduce you to a wide range of games development disciplines.
Modules for this course include:
- Process & Practice
- A1 Concept & Development
- A2 Creative Project
Throughout the course, you'll work on a mix of coursework assignments, often based on real or simulated live briefs from local businesses. You'll develop critical skills in problem-solving, teamwork, creativity, and digital production—all highly valued in the gaming industry.
The HND course focuses on developing your specialist knowledge and skills within the games industry, enabling you to apply your own ideas using both theory and practice in a wide range of games situations. You’ll tackle more complex, creative challenges while honing your decision-making, project management, and critical thinking skills.
Modules for this course include:
- Professional Creative Practice
- B1 Personal Professional Development
- B2 Professional Project
You’ll work on advanced project briefs that encourage you to explore solutions, demonstrate critical evaluation, and apply both theory and practice to real-world scenarios. You’ll also get to work on live briefs and industry-led assignments which give you valuable insight into working in the creative sector.
During both courses you’ll also be introduced to specialist areas including:
- Art and science of video game creation
- Unreal Engine and Unity
- Programming
- 3D modelling and 2D concept art
- Animation
- Story and script writing
- Sound design and special effects
You can look forward to:
- Working on ‘live’ projects provided by local businesses
- Learning in state-of-the-art facilities with access to specialist software and hardware
- Guest lectures from industry professionals
- Small class sizes and more tailored support
- Hands-on, practical learning
- Optional enrichment activities
Assessment is through a combination of practical coursework and recorded presentations. This includes game projects, 3D modelling, programming tasks, and written reports.
The Computing HNC is awarded by Pearson Educational Ltd.
Assessment is coursework-based and includes written assignments, presentations, practical work, and project reports. All units are internally assessed and externally verified by Pearson. There are no exams. You’ll be assessed on your ability to apply theory to practice in areas such as coding, system design, and IT project delivery.
You must apply for this course via UCAS: www.ucas.com/apply
UCAS code for Computing HNC is ITHC
UCAS institution code for Gloucestershire College is G45
Internal HNC graduates can progress straight onto the HND course as part of their academic journey.
You’ll typically attend college 2 days per week. All specialist equipment and software are provided in our classrooms.
Financial support and bursaries may be available to help with study costs. You can ask Student Services for more information. You may be eligible for tuition fee support through The Student Loans Company (www.slc.co.uk).
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Course Entry Point: Year 1
Typical Offers
48 UCAS tariff points:
- A Levels at grade DD
- BTEC National at grade PPP
- T Level at grade P (D or E)
- Access to Higher Education at grade P45
- Advanced Apprenticeship
Course Entry Point: Year 2 (Direct Entry)
Typical Offers
Higher National Certificate PASS (120 Credits) in a comparable and relevant subject
GCSE Maths and English Requirements
To study Higher Education at Gloucestershire College, normally applicants will be required to have GCSE English and Mathematics grade 4 (C) or above or have comparable/equivalent qualifications.
English Language Requirements
If English isn’t an applicant's first language they will be required to have a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 across all components. The College also accepts a range of international English qualifications and English language tests that demonstrate the required level of English language proficiency.
Gloucestershire College welcome any other/combinations of relevant qualifications that are comparable and/or equivalent to the typical course entry requirements.
Applicants that do not have recognised qualifications may still meet course entry requirements through alternative methods of assessment at the College’s discretion.
All queries regarding course entry criteria including the equivalency of qualifications and exceptional extenuating circumstances should be directed by email to the Admissions Department through applications@gloscol.ac.uk.
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Career Paths: The games industry is constantly growing at an ever-accelerated rate, year on year the need for talent developers is a thirst that is never satiated. This course is designed to set you up with the professional, creative, and technical skills to land your ideal job within the industry with a professional portfolio of achievements to match.
Shortlist and Apply
If you would like to apply for this course, please add it to your shortlist. You may then add further courses to your shortlist or continue to complete your application.
There is little left in our modern lives that isn’t affected by computers and technology. You’ll find computing at the centre of almost all businesses and, as a result, employment opportunities within the sector are huge.
We offer a range of qualifications that support a variety of interesting careers, from games and apps development, through to forensic computing and cyber security. Our industry-experienced lecturers will give you the knowledge and skills you need to develop your own computing competency, in an area that interests you.
A computing course is an ideal route to employment, or to progress on to higher-level qualifications at GC or university. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art equipment and software, including a dedicated network for computing students, so that you can get familiar with the latest technology and prepare for the systems you’ll use in the business world.
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