Games Development – UAL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production


  • Start Date: 01/09/2026
  • Course is for: School Leaver
  • Course Length: 1 Year
  • Funding Support Funding Support:
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If you’re interested in 3D modelling, programming, and Level Design or an all-round gaming enthusiast, then our innovative games production course is perfect for you.

The UK games industry is worth an impressive £5 billion and is growing at a rate of 10% per year and with over 20,000 people directly employed, it’s one of the most creative, challenging and dynamic career routes you can pursue.

Our course is validated by the world-renowned University of the Arts London (UAL) and other partners like Sumo Digital and INFINITY27, putting you in control of your own progress and allowing you to choose specialisms that suit you.

This will push your potential and give you the confidence you need to succeed in the industry.

At our innovative games production course, we recognise the ever-evolving landscape of the gaming industry.

That’s why we integrate virtual production seamlessly into our curriculum, ensuring you’re equipped with the latest skills and techniques demanded by the industry.

At our innovative games production course, we recognise the ever-evolving landscape of the gaming industry.

Focusing on emerging technologies as well as helping students identify how they will make it into the games industry and find their ideal role.

We offer you the opportunity to:

  • Work on live briefs for real companies
  • Create real games
  • Compete in Game Jams
  • Win prizes
  • Create an impressive portfolio
  • Interact with real game studios
  • Meet new friends
  • Take the first steps on the path that could lead you to your dream job.

Our investment of over £80,000 in the last few years means that we have industry-level kit, software and with PROTO across the road, you’ll be learning with the best possible resources and facilities.

Join our innovative games production course and level up your skills to become the gaming guru you’ve always wanted to be.

Important information: This course is designed as a 1 year +1 year course model, this means you will have two separate 1 year qualifications. The first year being a Diploma and the second year will top this up to an Extended Diploma.

Required Entry Qualifications

Four GCSEs at 4 or above including English or a UAL or equivalent L2 Diploma in a related area at Merit or above. A Digital or Art related subject and maths are also preferred but not essential.

A Digital or Art related subject and maths are also preferred but not essential.

Through the University Arts London (UAL) qualification you will build skills, abilities and confidence in the creative process.

You will learn how to reflect on your practice and unlock your creative potential. Assessments are designed to help you be the best you can.

Practical work, concept development, design and how you creatively problem solve will all be developed and you are only graded at the end of each year.

In your first year you will start to learn about the fundamentals of Games Production, building your skills in design, game engines, coding, concept art, AR/VR, sound and 3D modelling.

Where you exel will be highlighted in your Final Major Project.

This will also allow you to reflect on your research, contextual design, presentation and, of course, your practical skills.

Top-up onto the extended diploma in year two and you will advance your skill set and professional qualities building towards the extended final major project.

This will be your chance to show how far you have progressed on the course.

Assessed on your professional portfolio of work, you will be ready to progress on to the next step in your exciting career.

Our highly experienced team have worked in this industry and they will help you to level up in 3D, digital and traditional graphics, game engines, code, VR, story and narrative,and audio production, allowing you to get an intimate understanding of the creative design process that powers the industry.

We are keenly aware that college is different to school and our team works hard to create a studio-like environment to prepare you for your budding career in the games and other creative sectors.

We believe that hard work wins, challenges are a good thing, diverse teams make great products and that people do their best when given the opportunities to take creative risks and do what they are passionate about.

We have great links just on our doorstep and we are always looking to bring in new industry partners for you to work with.

We work hard to make these fantastic partnerships with employers to give you valuable experience of the world of work.

You will undertake commissioned work for a range of companies both inside and outside of the games industry.

Career development is central to our courses and we continually work to gain you relevant, real world experience.

Currently we work with leading technology companies such as PROTO, Sumo Digital, Tombola, Atom Hawk and Infinity 27 to name a few.

We also take part, and are reigning champions, in a number of externally set Game Jams, they’re our favourite thing!

In addition we promote a ‘beyond entertainment” approach where your newly developed skills may be transferred into other fields such as games for education and the gamification of everything.

Our dedicated Games Department has seen over £80,000 in investment over the last few years to ensure our students are working with industry level kit. Liquid cooled gaming rigs and Wacom Cintqs in our cutting edge Graphic Suite.

You’ll use industry standard software such as:

  • 3DS Max
  • Unreal Engine 5
  • Unity 3D
  • Substance Painter & Designer
  • Adobe Creative Suite.

Not to mention our partner PROTO on our doorstep, who allow us access to their 3D image labs and motion capture studios. It is safe to say you will be spoilt for choice.

The Games team will support you throughout the years to take your next steps, be that with us on one of our higher level Games Development courses or alternatively a degree at university including:

  • Gateshead College HND in games design and development offers the college’s quality education, cost-effectiveness, flexibility, industry connections.
  • Teesside University – The university offers courses in games design and programming and has a strong industry-focused approach. The university has a high graduate employability rate in the gaming industry.
  • Northumbria University – Northumbria University offers a range of courses in game design and development, including BA (Hons) Game Design and BA (Hons) Games Development. The university also has strong links with the gaming industry.
  • Newcastle University – Newcastle University offers a range of courses in Computer Science, which includes gaming-related modules. It also has a strong reputation in the field of research in games and virtual reality.
  • University of Sunderland – The university offers a variety of courses in game design and development, including BA (Hons) Game Art, BA (Hons) Game Design and BA (Hons) Game Development.

Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college.

We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.

Our specialist teams can help with:

  • Learning difficulties
  • Physical and sensory disabilities
  • Dyslexia, dyspraxia, neurodiversity or other specific learning difficulties
  • Mental health and well being
  • Exam access arrangements
  • Money, finance and bursary advice
  • Careers advice, job and university applications

See here for more information, pop into one of our enrolment events, call us on 0191 490 4627.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH A QUALIFICATION IN GAMES DEVELOPMENT – UAL LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN CREATIVE MEDIA PRODUCTION?

  • Advertising Accounts Managers and Creative Directors
  • Research and Development (R&D) Managers
  • Graphic and Multimedia Designers
  • Sales Accounts and Business Development Managers
  • Programmers and Software Development Professionals
  • Managers and Directors in the Creative Industries
  • Arts Officers, Producers and Directors
  • Advertising and Marketing Associate Professionals

Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Sales and Marketing: Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

Clerical: Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Median Salary

£36,621

Averge Qualifications

Honours, Bachelor's degree

Apply Now

Knowledge

Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Chemistry: Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Biology: Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

Median Salary

£45,771

Averge Qualifications

Honours, Bachelor's degree

Apply Now

Knowledge

Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Fine Arts: Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Communications and Media: Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Sales and Marketing: Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

Median Salary

£23,875

Averge Qualifications

Honours, Bachelor's degree

Apply Now

Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Sales and Marketing: Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Clerical: Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Median Salary

£59,700

Averge Qualifications

Honours, Bachelor's degree

Apply Now

Knowledge

Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Telecommunications: Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Median Salary

£46,137

Averge Qualifications

Honours, Bachelor's degree

Apply Now

Knowledge

Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Fine Arts: Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

Communications and Media: Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Median Salary

£43,525

Averge Qualifications

Level 3 NVQ; A Levels

Apply Now

Knowledge

Communications and Media: Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Telecommunications: Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Median Salary

£32,656

Averge Qualifications

Honours, Bachelor's degree

Apply Now

Knowledge

Sales and Marketing: Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Median Salary

£27,664

Averge Qualifications

Honours, Bachelor's degree

Apply Now

Skills

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Skills

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Skills

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Skills

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Skills

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Skills

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Skills

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Skills

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

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