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Course Overview

 

The focus on digital skills has never been more important. It is a current priority of the UK Government as they recognise there is a widening gap in the number of people who possess the right skills and knowledge required for the modern digital workforce. The UAL Games Design and Development Level 3 course is the first step in understanding the skills, knowledge and behaviours that are required to be able to work effectively with digital demands as most job roles will require a competent understanding of the subject. 

Come and study the UAL Games Design and Development Level 3 course with the successful Digital and Computing Team who have a range of courses that will prepare you for the journey into the exciting and diverse world of Digital and IT careers.  You’ll gain relevant skills and an IT industry-recognised qualification, allowing you to get a job in the sector, go on to Higher Education or complete an Apprenticeship.  We are always looking to develop new courses to respond to the changing Digital requirements within the industry.

Welcome to the world of Game Development! In this Level 3 course, you will learn the skills and techniques to bring your ideas to life and create engaging and exciting games. From concept to creation, you will work to design, create and test your unique games, using the latest tools and techniques in the industry. Get ready to unleash your creativity and bring your visions to the virtual world. The gaming industry is one of the biggest success stories in the entertainment world. The UK outperformed Europe and is valued at £5.3 billion and employs over 50,000 people in the UK. The Digital and Computing area works in collaboration with CentreVR in Bournemouth further enriching student learning experience in this specialism.

Our experienced and specialist lecturers try to make sure that learning is fun!  We also work closely with major local employers who organise guest speakers, workshops, live briefs where students work directly with an employer on a topic of their choice that will link to your studies. External visits will also take place. Work placements are an important part of your studies, so you will be expected to take part in one during each year of your study for a minimum of 30 hours per year.

Course content and units:

Year One:

Learners must complete all 8 units for the Diploma. Units 1 – 7 are grades Pass/Fail, Unit 8 is the final major project and graded at Pass/Merit/Distinction.

  • The Creative Media Production will be in the context of Games Production and Design-based projects.

Unit 1: Introduction to Games Design and Development processes and technical skills

Unit 2: Introduction to design and research skills in Games Production

Unit 3: Introduction to professional practice in Games Production

Unit 4: Critical and contextual awareness in Games Production

Unit 5: Investigating audio production and technology used in Games Development

Unit 6: Investigating visual production and technology used in Games Development

Unit 7: Investigating interactive Games production and Technology

Unit 8: Developing a Games Design and Development Production Project

Year Two:

Learning must complete units 9 – 13 with unit 13 being the final major project.

Unit 9: Characteristics and contexts in Games Production

Unit 10: Engaging with an audience in Games Development Production

Unit 11: Preparing for progression in Games Development and Design

Unit 12: Specialist study in Games Design and Development

Unit 13 Extended project in Games Design and Development

 

Anyone who has a keen interest or a flair with digital and games development and who wants to explore employment opportunities within the Digital and Creative Sector.

You will require a minimum of 5 GCSEs including English and Maths Grades 9-4 (Formerly Grades A*-C). Alternatively, successful completion of a relevant Level 2 qualification.

You will be assessed through a variety of methods including group and individual projects, simulations, professional discussions and questioning. You will be developing a portfolio of evidence showcasing your knowledge and skills of IT hardware, software and professional behaviour.

As part of your study programme, you will complete a minimum 30 hours' of work experience with a local IT employer.

On successful completion of year one - UAL Diploma, you could continue onto a second year UAL Extended Diploma of study at Level 3. (Minimum of 48 UCAS points for full 2 year study).

You can also progress to Higher Education, an apprenticeship in the ICT industry or directly to employment in Industry.

These qualifications are for learners who want to develop and extend their digital and IT skills to prepare for different roles in the Digital and Creative industries within Games Technologies.

The qualifications are also designed for job roles in other industries where specific Digital and IT skills are required, such as Finance, Marketing, Machining and Manufacturing.

The qualification opens up employment opportunities in a whole host of jobs in the industry, from:

  • QA Games Tester,
  • Games Developer,
  • IT Technician,
  • IT Security,
  • Web Development,
  • Software Development

There will be material and trip fees associated with this course which will be made clear during interview.

More about the course
You’ll be based in central Bournemouth.  This is a very practical, hands-on programme, integrating new and emerging technologies.

The skills and qualities needed to succeed on this course include:

  • Eagerness and interest in learning about all elements of IT
  • Reliability and flexibility
  • A desire to acquire relevant IT skills required by employers.

This course provides you with the opportunity to develop your digital and games development skills and techniques to an advanced level that you will need to operate in a variety of digital and creative careers to meet the changing technological landscape. This course will help you to develop your creative skills while underpinning your technical skills. You will gain experience and also apply hands-on practical skills preparing you for the workplace or progression to further education or training. 

Working in collaboration with CentreVR you will have the opportunity to test your Game Creation at the centre and celebrate your achievements. Centre VR are happy to work with Bournemouth and Poole College to support and enrich students' learning whilst studying the course and will provide work experience and potential career opportunities.

Awarding Body:
University Arts London

Curriculum Area:
Creative and Digital Industries - Digital & Computing

Course Options

Start Date

Wed 3rd September 2025

Attendance

Full-time

Duration

2 Years

Location

Bournemouth Campus

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