School of Creative Industries

FD (Arts) Digital Media and Games Design

FD (Arts) Part-time 3 years, Full-time 2 years

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FD (Arts)
Start date(s)
16 September 2024
UCAS Code
Course specifications
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Course length
Part-time (3 years),Full-time (2 years)
Campus location
Heart of Worcestershire College
School
School of Creative Industries
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Why choose this course?

The Digital Media and Games Design industries are both rapidly expanding and increasing in use and popularity. From the prominence of mobile applications to the continued recognition of PC and console gaming, media and visual design. Courses in this sector have never been so relevant and in demand.

This course will provide you with a broad understanding and knowledge of games and digital media design. A range of technical and methodological skills necessary to analyse, design and implement the development of these media will be delivered on the course.

3D modelling and the use of game engines is one of the main focuses of the course and will give students the ability to be proficient with these tools.

Modules on the course are structured to allow a progressive learning curve using iterations for visual design and idea generation for product prototypes and full games. In order to aid your development, the course has a range of specialist equipment and software such as motion capture and virtual reality to help bring your ideas to life. There is also a good opportunity to aid with teamwork and employability skills with real world clients.

What happens on the course?

Students will be required to attend two full working days each week, which will consist of four separate sessions. 16 contact/teaching hours plus encouraged continuing professional development outside of this allocated time.

2 versions of the course are available:

  • Full-time - 12 modules over 2 years (3 modules in each semester)
  • Part-time - 12 modules over 3 years (2 modules in each semester)

The modules taught on the course include:

Year 1

  • Interaction in Games
  • Games Structures
  • Game Modelling
  • Graphic Design
  • Working to a Client Brief
  • Digital Animation and Video Production

Year 2

  • Group Project
  • Pitch and Development
  • Emerging Technologies
  • Game Production
  • Character Modelling
  • Advanced Modelling for Games

Unlike some other courses that have a specific game related focus. This course aims to give students in-depth knowledge on what is expected within the games industry; but also aims to show students that their skills are an asset in other related digital media environments. This gives students a wider range of potential employability options and a broader skillset. 

The course modules are structured to give students a natural progression to make sure they are not overwhelmed or become demotivated. A selection of varying modules is included that involve 2D and 3D design; level design; animation and gameplay mechanics. Other modules allow students to interact with peers and local organisations in a controlled and constructive environment.

Modules have been formed to allow students to further improve their portfolio. Opportunities to improve student portfolios will be encouraged throughout and all modules have been strategically formed to allow practical examples of student work to be visually expressed.

Opportunities to develop employability skills run throughout the course and a practical experience of complete production life-cycles allow students to choose the direction of their career and their specialism more realistically and informatively. Also, if a student decided to become an independent developer, they would benefit from having a much better understanding and practical experience of professional workflows.

All learning activities in this course are embedded with key skills that will enable graduates to be a digitally literate practitioner with the necessary set of skills at the right level and a portfolio of work to pursue a career within the field of digital media and games design.

Teaching and learning environments can consist of the following strategies -

Undertaking project-based learning activities, workshops and case studies, supported by lectures and seminar sessions

  • Structured studio and lab learning
  • Software tuition
  • Practical demonstration
  • Teamwork
  • Group discussions
  • Group lead projects
  • Presentations from industry professionals
  • Individual and group tutorials
  • Problem-based tasks inside and outside the sessions
  • Formative and summative assignments and feedback
  • Use of web and other digital software support material
  • Self-directed study

All summative assessments are course-based and there are no written exams. Most module sessions happen in workshops where weekly feedback is given while students work on their projects and discuss their progress.

Level Four

  • Essay and report writing
  • Presentations
  • Development and production of game concepts
  • Reflective learning logs
  • Producing practical work based on a brief
  • Creating game levels

Level Five

  • Cooperative group planning of projects
  • Group production of finished artefacts
  • Presentations
  • Reflective learning logs
  • Design documents & report writing
  • Producing practical work based on a self-initiated proposal
  • Producing practical work based on a brief

?Who will teach you on this course?

 

Jonathan Briggs - Course Leader

Department

  • Computing & Digital Media

Qualifications:

  • BA Honours Degree in Games and Digital Media
  • DTLLS

Modules taught:

  • Game Modelling
  • Graphic Design
  • Game Production
  • Character Modelling
  • Advanced Modelling for Games

 

Jake Potts - Lecturer

Department

  • Computing & Digital Media

Qualifications

  • BA Honours Degree in Games and Digital Media
  • DET

Modules taught:

  • Games Structures
  • Digital Animation and Video Production
  • Pitch and Development
  • Emerging Technologies

 

James Wearing - Lecturer

Department

  • Computing & Digital Media

Qualifications

  • BA Honours Degree in Games and Digital Media
  • DET

Modules taught:

  • Interaction in Games
  • Working to a Client Brief

Course Modules

Module: 4DM043
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core
Locations: Heart of Worcestershire College

This module will allow learners to develop a game cut-scene or 3D animated sequence via creating original contact and editing it into an effective post-production sequence using industry standard software. To best carry out this process, learners will construct a detailed study examining and evaluating the function and importance of video sequences within film, television and games. This will give a broad understanding of the implementation of narrative and the correlation of types of storytelling between the different media genres.

Module: 4DM040
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core
Locations: Heart of Worcestershire College

This module will enable learners to design and make 3D environment assets and other static objects using industry standard tools. Alongside this, learners will also use other software to create materials and other asset types. Students will learn to incorporate these elements into a game engine, where objects will be suitably lit to compliment the styling of the constructed environment.

Module: 4DM041
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core
Locations: Heart of Worcestershire College

This module will introduce learners to game design balancing strategies. Students will be asked to research into theories of gameplay balancing and progression within games. Students will then be asked to design the core structure of a game with a balanced gaming experience. Students will be given the option of incorporating story progression; a logical learning curve; and emergent gameplay from student chosen core mechanics.

Module: 4DM042
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core
Locations: Heart of Worcestershire College

This module will introduce learners to creating 2D graphics for digital media products. Students will be asked to create an online presence through an online portfolio and accompanied graphic design elements. The focus of this module is to give students’ the opportunity to create visually appealing and logical graphics; and develop professional techniques that can be used in a selection of digital media. Students will also need to decide on how they wish to present their course work and target methods that will allow them to focus on potential pathways into the media industry of their choosing.

Module: 4DM039
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core
Locations: Heart of Worcestershire College

This module aims to introduce you to elementary techniques and concepts in computer game interactivity. Students will be given the opportunity to use professional game engines to create interactions with the user; player character; and enemy A.I. Focus will be on functional interfaces and logical game mechanics to enhance a users’ experience.

Module: 4DM029
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core
Locations: Heart of Worcestershire College

A work-based learning module that will allow the learner, in conjunction with external consultants, to undertake live projects from an initial client proposal through to a finished pitch/presentation closely following the conditions of a real life working brief. The learners will experience working with consultants on all aspects of the project and gain knowledge of industry standard software in the creation of 3D visualisations. Learners will also benefit from following established practices used in the work place such as working to deadlines and presentation skills.

Module: 5DM048
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core
Locations: Heart of Worcestershire College

The module will give students the opportunity to impress and create a complex 3D model which can be used to express their most advanced achievements. Students will be asked to apply all the knowledge that they have learnt over their previous years of study and to enhance this knowledge through researched workflows and techniques.

Module: 5DM047
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core
Locations: Heart of Worcestershire College

This module will allow students to construct a 3D character that will be playable within an industry standard game engine. Accuracy and creativity will be needed to construct the character in preparation for the inclusion of a skeletal structure which will allow the inclusion of animation. Once achieved the ability to walk, run and jump will be possible.

Module: 5DM049
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core
Locations: Heart of Worcestershire College

This module will allow the learner to examine how emerging technologies can be used in a practical way in an industry outside of games. This will come in the form of a live brief. Learners will use software that they have used successfully in other modules in an alternative manner to carry out different requirements. They will further extent their knowledge by applying more advanced methods of interaction through the likes of VR and AR. Other emerging technologies may also be covered as technology continues to evolve.

Module: 5DM046
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core
Locations: Heart of Worcestershire College

This module will allow learners to draw upon knowledge learnt from modules 4DM039 Interaction in Games, 4DM041 Game Structures and 4DM040 Game Modelling. Students will be given the task of creating a visual, story driven or technical prototype depending on where the students’ interests lie. The aim is to allow students to creatively develop a concept and will be given the option of expressing their skills through experimentation of core mechanics; 3D modelling; 2D design; and/or game engine tools.

Module: 5DM035
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core
Locations: Heart of Worcestershire College

This module will enable learners to work on a group project which will involve producing a design document covering aspects such as: Production planning, workflow, resourcing, functionality specifications, research, planning, sketching etc. The group will be divided into relevant jobs ie Team leader, artist, modeller, programmer, marketer, sound design. The module could relate to a game or interactive media project. Students will be able to draw upon knowledge that they have gathered from previous modules, which may include 3D modelling, video editing, graphic creation and methods of workflow.

Module: 5DM037
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core
Locations: Heart of Worcestershire College

This module will allow learners to establish a concept for a media product based on specialist information, which will be expressed to them by the client.& nbsp;This will allow them to develop their communication skills and to allow them to pitch and present a specific concept based on the information that was expressed alongside& nbsp;further research. Once the concept has been agreed upon, students will be asked to develop their media products. During production, students will need to work independently to make sure production stays on track and rigorous testing will need to be incorporated to ensure that the media product is suitable for the client.

Potential Career Paths

Students can gain a range of employment opportunities in different fields. This can be within the games industry or other non-media based industries that requires the skill sets acquired on the Foundation Degree.

Students could find employment through the following roles:

  • Level designer
  • 3D modeller
  • Texture artist
  • 3D visualiser
  • 2D/3D game designers
  • Character designer
  • Character rigging
  • Cutscene animation
  • App developer
  • UI designer
  • Game testers

During the course, there will be opportunities to identify what skills and areas of interest a student is especially attracted to. Each student will be encouraged to focus on these specific aspects to allow them every chance of acquiring employability in their chosen field. Students will also be given the chance to communicate with professional individuals through the work-based learning modules. This will give them an opportunity to network and become more known to local companies and organisations.

Optional progression to the final year of the BA (Hons) Computer Games Design course at the University of Wolverhampton is also available to acquire a higher qualification.

This allows students to acquire guidance from Heart of Worcestershire College and the University of Wolverhampton. This gives larger scope to allow students to find related job opportunities and suitable pathways in a broader area.

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

The University of Wolverhampton and Heart of Worcestershire College have come together to create a strong collaborative partnership.

Heart of Worcestershire College provides a more unique and personal approach to learning due to being situated in a range of quieter and less busy locations compared to many universities. This allows for more one-to-one guidance and support.

Heart of Worcestershire College allows for the full university experience in a more local and familiar environment. This also allows more time to get used to higher education before making commitments to move away or learning in a completely new setting.

Work stations have been created to be able to run the latest industry software in order to ensure that the workflow is improved and more streamlined.

Software ranges from 3D modelling programs and 2D and 3D game engines.

Virtual reality (VR) and motion capture is available at the college, which meets the expectations of university courses. This technology can be used with a variety of modules to make the work more immersive and add a new layer of complexity to strong designs.

Through the varied selection of modules students will be given opportunities to further their skills -

The skills learnt on the course consist of the following:

  • Idea generation
  • 3D Modelling
  • Texturing
  • 3D Level Design
  • 3D Animation
  • Game structures and balancing
  • Game mechanics
  • Interface Design
  • Graphic Design
  • Professional workflows and group work
  • Working with clients, e.g. architectural visualisations, forensics, applications for a specialist target audience

  • GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C / 4 or above

    • AND

    • DD from ‘A’ levels
    • BTEC Extended Diploma in a related subject PPP
    • BTEC Diploma in a related subject MP
    • If you've got other qualifications or relevant experience, please contact The Gateway for further advice before applying.
    • International entry requirements and application guidance can be found here

    Those meeting the entry requirements may be shortlisted for an interview at Heart of Worcestershire College

    Other Requirements

    Students must have studied a minimum of two years post GCSE level. However, it is expected that some applicants will be mature students with work experience, who wish to further their career development. These applicants will be processed through standard procedures, which may involve an interview as part of the process. Please see http://wlv.ac.uk/mature for further information.

    Those who do not meet the entry requirements may be offered an alternative course.

    “The Foundation degree was right for me because it allowed me to comfortable and friendly environment. We had various guests talk to us from places like the National Stroke Association, Shire Consulting, the police for the reconstruct of crime scenes and Rockstar games. We also had the opportunity to work with most of these people. This helped give me insight to the options available to me and what was expected in an actual work place.”

     

    -  Henry Watton

     

    “I feel the Foundation degree was the best choice I could have made, as it allowed me to continue on in an environment where I felt familiar with almost everyone and could feel comfortable doing the required work. The opportunities presented throughout the course were perfect for learning industry skills, such as our client-based project with Shire Consulting, which helped me both gain skills in multiple areas, and assisted in the decision on where to go later in life.”

     

    -        Joshua Bennett-Ward

    Self-funding:

    If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: see How to pay.

    Gateway.


    Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

    If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

    We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.


    Financial Hardship:

    Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.


    Bursaries and Scholarships:

    In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages

    You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

    Telephone

    01902 32 22 22

    Email

    enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

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