Creative Media Practice (Digital Games Development) - Level 3 NextGen National Extended Diploma
Course Type
Further Education
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
2 Years
Start & End Date
1 September 2025
4 June 2027
Location
Newtownabbey
Interview Required?
Yes
This course is Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Creative Media Practice. Course aims include:
Are you eager to craft gameplay, design immersive worlds, spin captivating stories or even create your own game startup? Envision yourself as the mastermind behind indie game gems like Hollow Knight and Rocket League, or as a key player in AAA studios shaping blockbusters like Grand Theft Auto and God of War. The NextGen Level 3 Digital Games Development course could be the launchpad for your future.
Step into a world of potential, with the UK Games Industry contributing a massive £2.88 billion to GDP in 2021 alone, and the momentum continuing. There are over 2200 active games companies in the UK and many more global opportunities. We can help you develop core technical, creative and professional skills – revealing pathways into the realms of game development, tech and entertainment.
The NextGen course offers an unparalleled level of industry engagement. They've partnered with world-renowned Games, Animation, and VFX studios that shape the entertainment landscape, including Creative Assembly, Framestore, DNEG, Industrial Light and Magic, Blue Zoo Animation, and many more. NextGen students gain firsthand knowledge and real-world exposure to the industry, receiving invaluable feedback on their project work from seasoned experts. With exciting remote work placements available at leading employers, you'll have the chance to refine your skills through thrilling challenges and make your mark on the industry.
All assessment evidence is based on practical portfolios of work. There are no exams.
This qualification is equivalent to 3 A-Levels, opening doors to higher education. University experience is the most common route into the industry. NRC Games students have pursued degrees in Games Design, Games Development, Games Art, Games Programming, Computing, Animation, Web & App Development, and Marketing. Graduates of this Extended Diploma course can also apply to the College's Higher Education Creative Media programs, including the Level 5 Web and App Development HND.
There are diverse roles and pathways into the games industry. Junior developers can join established studios, seek funding for their own startups, or offer freelance services. A compelling portfolio, relevant professional skills, and project experience are crucial when attracting potential employers. Some of our past students have been selected for Northern Ireland Screen’s Pixel Mill Trainees skills development program and have successfully embarked on paid placement schemes.
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1 July in the year of proposed entry to the course and have at least 4 GCSE's at Grade C or above or other relevant qualifications.
This course is free of charge.
Further Education (Level 1-3) full-time courses including Apprenticeships have no course fees for most students:
Level 3 Further Education (full-time)
There are no tuition fees for Level 1 - 3 full-time students aged between 16 and 18.
If you are aged 19-24 and have already achieved a Level 3 qualification, fees will apply. Details of fees are available from any campus reception.
If you are aged 25 or older, fees will apply unless in receipt of a FE grant. (If you are aged 25 or older, admission to a full-time Further Education course will be considered on an individual basis at the College's discretion).
Level 3 Access Courses (full-time)
If you are in receipt of a FE grant, no fees apply.
If you are aged 19 or older and have already achieved a Level 3 qualification (3 A Level equivalent), fees will apply.
Details of fees are available from any campus reception.
All tutors are qualified and experienced counsellors. This underpins the authenticity of teaching and learning activities as students engage with practitioners who understand the challenges and opportunities of the counselling role. The following teaching team deliver this course at Northern Regional College:
Staff Team
Applications are closed. To register your interest email Admissions.
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This course is Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Creative Media Practice. Course aims include:
All assessment evidence is based on practical portfolios of work. There are no exams.
Are you eager to craft gameplay, design immersive worlds, spin captivating stories or even create your own game startup? Envision yourself as the mastermind behind indie game gems like Hollow Knight and Rocket League, or as a key player in AAA studios shaping blockbusters like Grand Theft Auto and God of War. The NextGen Level 3 Digital Games Development course could be the launchpad for your future.
Step into a world of potential, with the UK Games Industry contributing a massive £2.88 billion to GDP in 2021 alone, and the momentum continuing. There are over 2200 active games companies in the UK and many more global opportunities. We can help you develop core technical, creative and professional skills – revealing pathways into the realms of game development, tech and entertainment.
The NextGen course offers an unparalleled level of industry engagement. They've partnered with world-renowned Games, Animation, and VFX studios that shape the entertainment landscape, including Creative Assembly, Framestore, DNEG, Industrial Light and Magic, Blue Zoo Animation, and many more. NextGen students gain firsthand knowledge and real-world exposure to the industry, receiving invaluable feedback on their project work from seasoned experts. With exciting remote work placements available at leading employers, you'll have the chance to refine your skills through thrilling challenges and make your mark on the industry.
This qualification is equivalent to 3 A-Levels, opening doors to higher education. University experience is the most common route into the industry. NRC Games students have pursued degrees in Games Design, Games Development, Games Art, Games Programming, Computing, Animation, Web & App Development, and Marketing. Graduates of this Extended Diploma course can also apply to the College's Higher Education Creative Media programs, including the Level 5 Web and App Development HND.
There are diverse roles and pathways into the games industry. Junior developers can join established studios, seek funding for their own startups, or offer freelance services. A compelling portfolio, relevant professional skills, and project experience are crucial when attracting potential employers. Some of our past students have been selected for Northern Ireland Screen’s Pixel Mill Trainees skills development program and have successfully embarked on paid placement schemes.
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1 July in the year of proposed entry to the course and have at least 4 GCSE's at Grade C or above or other relevant qualifications.
Course Fees
This course is free of charge.
Further Education (Level 1-3) full-time courses including Apprenticeships have no course fees for most students:
Level 3 Further Education (full-time)
There are no tuition fees for Level 1 - 3 full-time students aged between 16 and 18.
If you are aged 19-24 and have already achieved a Level 3 qualification, fees will apply. Details of fees are available from any campus reception.
If you are aged 25 or older, fees will apply unless in receipt of a FE grant. (If you are aged 25 or older, admission to a full-time Further Education course will be considered on an individual basis at the College's discretion).
Level 3 Access Courses (full-time)
If you are in receipt of a FE grant, no fees apply.
If you are aged 19 or older and have already achieved a Level 3 qualification (3 A Level equivalent), fees will apply.
Details of fees are available from any campus reception.
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